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Jewelry Fashion – The Five Most Popular Trends of 2021

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Mid Century Cultured Pearl

Jewelry Fashion – The Five Most Popular Trends of 2021

Like clothes, trends in jewelry fashion come and go. During quarantine, accessorizing with jewelry became an easy and popular way to dress up or stand out even if you were still walking around in your pajamas… again. 

While a return to “normal” is looking more promising toward the end of 2021, much of jewelry fashion will remain quarantine-chic. For example, since so many of us are participating in virtual meetings, 2021 is again the year of the Earring. Earrings are great for framing your face – especially during a Zoom call. However, the current trends don’t stop there.

Here are a few of the most popular jewelry fashion trends we’ve been celebrating this year:

Pearls

Estate Cultured Pearl 2 Row Necklace

Pearls aren’t just for grandma anymore! Stylists have become obsessed with including pearls on fashion and pop icons for a while now. They’re also pretty unique in the jewelry world. Even more so, pearls aren’t even gemstones; they’re usually only cut if they’re being fixed onto a ring. And of course, pearls also come in all shapes and colors, making them versatile as well. Pearls are sensual, chic, and even sexy, depending on how you accessorize with them. Even more interesting, pearls are often incorporated in men’s jewelry fashion!

Chains

Victorian Turquoise Diamond Necklace

When it comes to jewelry fashion, chains are proving to be one of the most versatile items out there. They can be cute and pink, or bold, powerful, and even aggressive. Chains are great for adding drama to necklaces, but they’re also popular as bracelets and even earrings. No matter what your personality or mood or metal preference, it can be expressed by accessorizing with a chain. 

Pendants and Charms

Jewelry fashion goes beyond beauty. As infatuation with customized jewelry continues to rise, so does the interest in telling a story by wearing a special piece. Adding pendants and charms to your necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are a great way to do just that. 

Moonstone Yellow Garnet Necklace in White Gold

Pendants are particularly popular right now because of their uncanny ability to draw attention. Wearing a necklace with a golden compass pendant, or donning a popular symbol like a four-leaf clover or the infinity sign can be a great conversation starter. You can also rock your inner nerd by wearing an infinity stone or a magic wand! If you can imagine it, there’s a jeweler designer out there who can create it as a pendant. 

Earrings, Earrings, and More Earrings

As we mentioned in the intro, earrings are popular right now. Very popular. It doesn’t matter if they’re big, small, covered in diamonds, simple, hoops, silver, gold, sleek, or even a singular earring. 

jewelry fashion: tajik spinel earrings

2020 could easily be referred to as the year of the close-up because you hardly see what anyone else is wearing from the neck down. Since your face is getting most of the attention these days, compliment it with earrings that match your style!

Jewelry Fashion Gets Personal

It’s been a rough year socially. Many of us haven’t seen family members and friends in quite some time – or at least a lot less often than we’re used to. Customized jewelry is a great way to show someone that you care. That’s why tokens of affection take the fifth and final spot on this list. Whether it’s a simple charm or smothered in diamonds, pieces that convey meaning and a desire for connection are trending right now and, unlike some of the trends in 2021, personalized jewelry is timeless. Check out our Customizing Jewelry article to get some ideas on how to personalize that special piece of jewelry for a loved one.

If you would like to learn more about Customizing your Jewelry, contact us and one of our experienced managers will contact you and discuss your needs. Don’t worry, we are a friendly lot in Federal Way and have been doing this for many years, and we will probably have lots of ideas we can share with you and take care of your needs.

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Buying an engagement ring is a big deal — especially if it’s your first time and you’re planning a surprise proposal. You want the moment to be unforgettable, the ring to be perfect, and the reaction to be joyful.

But if you’re not careful, even small missteps during ring shopping can tip your partner off or result in a ring that misses the mark entirely.

To help you make the right choice without spoiling the surprise, here are five of the most common engagement ring shopping mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Not Doing Enough Research Before You Shop

Jumping into ring shopping without understanding the basics is one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make. If you don’t know the difference between a round cut and a princess cut — or you assume bigger always means better — you risk buying a ring that doesn’t match your partner’s style or values.

What to Do Instead:

  • Learn the 5 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, and Certification

  • Pay attention to the styles they admire (on friends, social media, etc.)

  • Browse ring types online before visiting a jeweler

Being informed gives you confidence, and it helps you spot quality and value when you see it.

2. Guessing Their Ring Size Without a Plan B

Getting the ring size wrong can turn a magical moment into a fumble — especially if the ring won’t go on, or worse, gets stuck. Asking them directly spoils the surprise, but guessing with no backup plan is risky.

What to Do Instead:

  • Secretly borrow one of their rings and have it sized

  • Ask a trusted friend or family member who might know

  • Use a ring sizing guide or tool while they’re sleeping (if you dare)

Pro Tip: If you have to guess, go slightly larger. It’s easier to resize down than up — and most jewelers, like FWCJ, offer complimentary resizing.

3. Talking Too Much or Being Obvious About Your Plans

If you start bringing up marriage or jewelry more than usual, your partner may suspect something’s up. Even casual mentions can start to unravel your surprise — especially if your partner is observant.

What to Do Instead:

  • Keep your research private (use incognito browsing!)

  • Enlist a trusted friend for feedback instead of asking them directly

  • Space out any ring-related conversations so they feel organic

The less you say, the more powerful your surprise will be.

4. Letting a Salesperson Talk You Into the Wrong Ring

When you walk into a jewelry store unprepared, it’s easy to get overwhelmed — and even easier to be upsold. A persuasive salesperson might convince you to buy something that looks impressive in-store, but doesn’t align with your partner’s taste or your budget.

What to Do Instead:

  • Set a clear budget before you go

  • Look for jewelers (like FWCJ) who focus on education, not upselling

  • Prioritize style and quality over size alone

Remember, your goal isn’t just to impress — it’s to choose a ring that feels like them.

5. Waiting Too Long to Start Shopping

This is a huge one — especially for surprise proposals. Many rings require adjustments, resizing, or customizations. Waiting until the last minute can mean shipping delays, limited inventory, or not enough time to make it perfect.

What to Do Instead:

  • Start shopping at least 6–8 weeks before your planned proposal date

  • Communicate with your jeweler about timelines and turnaround

  • Consider proposing with a temporary setting and finalizing the design together later

Planning ahead gives you room to breathe and keeps your proposal stress-free.

Final Thoughts: Get the Ring, Keep the Surprise

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t have to be stressful — even if you’re doing it all in secret. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make confident decisions and deliver a magical moment your partner will never forget.

At FWCJ, we help first-time buyers every day — guiding you through the process, answering questions, and making sure your ring is as perfect as the proposal. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make a move, our team is here to help.

Start your journey today — Schedule an appointment or stop by our store to speak with a jeweler who understands the importance of your moment.

FAQs: Engagement Ring Shopping for First-Time Buyers

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What are the biggest mistakes on engagement rings?
Common mistakes include guessing ring size, shopping too late, buying without research, overspending, and choosing a ring based on trends instead of personal style.
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What should I know before going engagement ring shopping?
You should understand the 5 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, Certification), know your budget, have a sense of your partner’s style, and leave time for resizing or custom work.
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What are the 5 C’s of buying a ring?

  • Cut – Determines sparkle

  • Color – Measures colorlessness of the diamond

  • Clarity – Refers to internal flaws or inclusions

  • Carat – The weight (and size) of the diamond

  • Certification – Confirms the diamond’s quality and grading

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Can I buy a ring without my partner knowing?
Yes! With the right strategy, you can choose a ring that fits their style and size without giving away the surprise. This blog covers exactly how to do it.