2022 jewelry trends are all about authenticity, and could mark the beginning of a revolution.

Times have changed. Only a few years ago, Bonhams had predicted the jewelry trends we would witness in 2017 and that we learned to know in recent times. After all, in late 2016, the international auction house had sold the highest number of colored gemstones and jewelry in the UK.

The following years have proved the accuracy of these predictions. Gemstones' popularity has risen consistently, and the general appreciation for women jewelry hasn't ceased to increase. However, 2022 seems to have different plans. According to Forbes' contributor and luxury fashion and beauty expert Joseph DeAcetis, men's jewelry is this year's trend to follow.

In this regard, the men's spring/summer 2022 runway shows in Paris, Milan and NYC didn't leave much room for doubts. The bottom line is that gender differences are becoming slimmer and slimmer. Men's jewelry is abundant, perhaps even extravagant.

For example, pearls are growing in popularity among gentlemen. They represent an artistic renaissance, the beginning of a new era for the jewelry world. Generation Z and younger millennials are nothing but ashamed to express their personality. They desire to communicate it clearly and explicitly, careless of old-fashioned views on the world. A revolution in the jewelry world is about to start, and men are its epicenter.

But it does not end here. The growing interest for "genderless" styles goes hand in hand with nowadays' pursue of authenticity, and that's where handmade jewelry comes into play. Even though mass-produced jewelry brands' turnovers won't be at risk, many are starting to praise the value of artisanal crafts.

As mentioned, the first relevant factor is that handcrafted jewelry is perceived as more authentic. After all, every item is unique. It might be a small detail such as an edge that is too smoothed or a hue that is lighter than usual, but it is virtually impossible to find two "twins". Artisans' tools are their hands, and just like any other human thing, they are not perfect. But in a period in which perfection is not as trendy as it used to be, handmade items are the most logical response. So, it shouldn't be surprising to see how many different and valuable handcrafted jewelry collections are out there.

Moreover, every artisan-made piece carries a story, the story of their craftsmen. In principle, it does not differ much from what you see in art. As much as a painter puts himself, his vision and emotions in a painting, the same goes with an artisan and his masterpiece. The time spent on it genuinely makes him develop an intimate relationship with the item, and the final result is something that, in a way, has a life of its own. It is a human thing, authentic, and once again, it lines up with modernity.

Nevertheless, one more trend is increasingly taking root in the jewelry world, as much as in any other: sustainability. We are facing difficult times and the need for sustainable life conduct has never been so strong. People's search for sustainably-produced jewelry is the mirror of this situation. New generations seek products made with substances that are not a danger to the environment and are delighted to know that the creation process of the item involves low energy consumption.Most importantly, with the tremendous success achieved by eCommerce, there's a growing will to preserve local economies.

Family-based activities such as traditional jewelry shops are perceived as a true heritage to defend. In other words, they are the last symbol of an era that was more…you guessed it, authentic. And today's trends are all about that.