Sparkling opportunities

By Melody Caban

Jewelry continues to shine as a souvenir category.

In the ever-evolving retail landscape, jewelry continues to shine as a lucrative product category with remarkable growth potential. As Statista reports, approximately 85% of sales in the U.S. jewelry market in 2025 will come from non-luxury jewelry, placing this category within the reach of souvenir and gift retailers.


"Today’s jewelry trends emphasize both meaning and bold expression."


More than just sparkly accessories, today’s jewelry trends emphasize both meaning and bold expression. Let’s explore the five most promising jewelry trends gift shop owners should consider embracing to delight their customers and update their merchandise mix this year.



  1. Layering necklaces. The layered necklace phenomenon has transformed into an essential style. The modern layered look celebrates intentional curation — chains in graduated lengths, pendants in different styles and accent beads in bright colors. Display pre-styled combinations on mannequins as jumping off points.


  2. Bold sculptural jewelry. Statement pieces with architectural and sculptural elements are making a splash. These conversation-starting accessories feature exaggerated proportions and unexpected shapes that were made to stand out. These bold pieces call to be picked up, tried on and styled. Create dedicated display areas that show these jewelry options without overcrowding.


  3. Celestial jewelry. The mystical allure of celestial motifs continues to captivate, particularly with Gen Z and Millennial shoppers. Moon phase pendants, constellation maps and astrology-inspired pieces offer meaningful connections and perfect gift options.


  4. Mixed metals. Jewelry featuring mixed metals can coordinate well with every wardrobe. These beautifully designed combinations (think sterling silver with gold accents or brass with silver highlights) create visual interest through contrasting textures and tones. Display these pieces against neutral backgrounds that allow the metallic contrasts to shine.


  5. Color in full bloom. Vibrant, unapologetically playful jewelry has emerged as a joyful counterpoint to minimalist trends. These pieces celebrate the fun side of life through bold colors, whimsical shapes and a sense of lighthearted nostalgia. Oversized acrylic earrings, necklaces featuring rainbow hues and bracelets stacked with colorful beads are popular options.


The bottom line

These jewelry trends reflect a shift toward self-expression. By incorporating these trends into your merchandise mix, you can position your store as a destination for both trend-conscious shoppers and those seeking meaningful additions to their collections. The key is curating pieces that align with your store’s unique identity while offering fresh interpretations of these popular styles.



Melody Caban is founder of Melody CabAn Consulting, a Latina-owned consulting service that cracks an urgent problem facing museums. Learn more at www.melodycabanconsulting.com.