Current Handmade Jewelry Trends 2018

The term “handmade jewelry” generally refers to any piece that has been crafted from raw materials, such as metal or gemstones, and requires a certain amount of skill to create. In 2018, handmade jewelry has become increasingly popular with fashion-forward individuals looking for unique pieces and the resurgence of the trend for personalized gifts.

Consumers want to feel connected to their purchases and trends reflect this need for customization. The current handmade jewelry trends of 2018 include “disco-inspired” metallics, statement earrings in asymmetric shapes, and rose gold accents.

Vintage chic looks have become particularly popular this season due to people wanting a statement piece that is timeless enough to wear again and again. Disco-inspired metallics take on nostalgic shapes but with a modern finish – these items include long pendants featuring intricate detailing, earrings boasting an array of rhinestones or charms shaped like stars and moons.

Although silver remains the standout color choice, rose gold accents are still on trend giving those vintage classics a subtle hint of freshness. This delicate pink hue never fails to bring an elegant glow when set against sterling silver items.

Statement earrings are also having their moment in the limelight during 2018. Bigger is better when it comes to picking out showstopper pieces – triangular designs as well as linear drops with textured surfaces make strong statements when paired with both casual and formal attire. Asymmetrical designs are also becoming increasingly popular among women who want something more exciting than classic round hoops or drop earrings studded with stones (although these will always remain style favorites).

The handmade jewelry trend of 2018 tells us that consumers are no longer satisfied by off-the-shelf products; they desire special items which they can add a touch of their own personality too – disco inspired metallics paired with asymmetric shapes and soft tones offer a great way to do this without overdoing it.



We can only guess what 2019 will bring in terms of handmade jewelry trends, but whatever it is everyone is sure to be treasuring each item they choose which makes the uniqueness even more special.

Mixed Metals

Mixed-metals jewelry has become one of the fastest-growing trends in 2018, particularly among younger fashionistas. By mixing and matching different metals such as gold, silver and bronze, fashion-forward individuals can create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their own unique style.

They are simple to create as you can combine multiple thrifted items or pluck pieces from jewelry stores; either way, it’s easy to satisfy your craving for a statement piece without breaking the bank. Bridal jewelers have even begun offering mix metal engagement rings as an affordable alternative to the traditional gold band.

With this trend growing in popularity, more and more options are becoming available for those who can’t commit to just one color of metal. Manufacturers now create shapes and sizes that fit any lifestyle ranging from bold precious metal links for a modern statement look to delicate balance gems set into intricately detailed frames for a more feminine bohemian trend.

Accessories are even being designed with elements of mixed metals such as dangling earrings or bangles featuring both silver and gold accents.

Related styles emphasizing geometric designs have also arisen as a result of the mix metals trend in 2018 which molds classic as well as contemporary pieces beautifully crafted out of brass, platinum and rhodium onto necklaces, bracelet cuffs and earrings. Embellished with sparkling gemstones like diamonds or sapphires these pieces complete any day or night ensemble while still making a statement.

It has never been easier to stay ahead of the latest trends while still sticking to your budget since many online jewellery stores exist now offering mix metal items at incredibly reasonable prices. With so many options available anyone can choose between a medley of metals that suit their personality while still remaining on top of fashion trends.

Nature-Inspired Jewelry

Handmade jewelry provides an opportunity to express individual style and be unique. In 2018, handmade jewelry trends are leaning towards nature-inspired pieces that combine natural elements with semi-precious stones. Designers mix these different elements into enjoyable, eye-catching works of art that reflect the timeless beauty of nature.

Popular materials in nature inspired designs are crystal quartz, pearls, gemstones and various precious metals like gold or silver. Nature adornments can help make a bold statement but can also remain subtle and delicate in their design – or anything in between – for the wearer’s choosing.

Smaller is bigger this year when it comes to fashion accessories and no more so than for handmade jewelry. Tiny beaded necklaces that use naturally occurring stones such as tourmalines, lapis lazuli or moonstones are among the most popular pieces of made handcrafted jewelry during 2018.

They can make excellent everyday pieces due to its casual look while still offering classic sophistication that could match with any attire. Small pendants made from sustainable materials such as seashells or coconut shells joined together offer a perfect example of the “more organic” trend that has some staying power today.

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Current Handmade Jewelry Trends 2017

Finally, one great thing about handmade jewelry is how each piece can be customized according to individual tastes and preferences. Handmade jewelry is tailored to emphasize personality, express personal emotions or highlight favorite occasions by adapting popular techniques such as macramé knotting and repurposing old items into new designs with vintage appeal.



Many handmade creations carefully blend old and new designs using wood beads or making blend unique shapes for one of kind necklaces or earrings solo or combined with semi-precious stone accents – truly versatile craftsmanship at its best. Handmade jewelry from sustainable materials demonstrate sentiments like peace, love, harmony, happiness all rooted in nature making these pieces not just fashionable but meaningful too as well; a magnificent way to stay current during 2018’s fashion season.

Geometric Shapes

The geometric appeal of handmade jewelry 2018 is one that allow users to explore creative forms and lines in their jewelry design. Many contemporary jewelry trends involve playing with shapes, from using organic and natural shapes to exploring purely abstract geometric ones. This can start off with something as simple as an oval shape, or a square form, then delving into twisting these shapes or the layering of multiple shapes together to form new compositions with innovative visual effects.

Within geometric shapes, handmade jewelry also opens up possibilities to articulate colorful designs, both through materials such tooled leather or bright gemsstones and by thematic motifs featuring layered patterns of color for dramatic effects. The visual combination of linearity and vibrancy results in unique accent pieces that draw the attention towards themselves while seamlessly blending into any existing look the wearer wants to achieve.

Overall, handmade jewelry following 2018 trends has achieved a strong level of depth developed out of basic geometry and backed up with elegant play on colors. Latest statements such as “statement necklaces” are often head turners due to their chromatic use combined with creative twists on traditional forms – allowing individuals to creatively communicate their style across clothing styles or occasions.

Intrinsic to these pieces are the carefully crafted details which gives each piece authenticity and lasting appeal – key elements for any serious trend setter looking for standing out amidst generic fast-fashion choices.

Artisanal Crafts

The handmade jewelry trend in 2018 is all about artisanal crafted techniques and materials. Jewelry designers have been taking up handmade production as a way to customize their product, by merging old-school craftsmanship with creative expression.

This is making for some truly unique pieces that bring a contemporary touch to traditional styles, ranging from stones set in metals, to beading and weaving techniques like macramé or knotting. These techniques are exciting due to their infinite possibilities, allowing craftspeople to play around with various colors, textures and combinations of natural materials.

One standout material used for many jewelry designs is leather, which has become very popular in the world of contemporary jewelry design. Artisans are creating extraordinary pieces such as bracelets crafted from multiple panels of fine leather, intricately woven together to form beautiful geometric patterns. Its use adds an organic element to the piece while also pushing the boundaries of fine jewelry.

Another trending material is gold plating combined with synthetic materials such as hard plastic enameled using advanced technology called electroplating. These finishes prove strong enough for everyday wear thanks to their water resistance properties yet still carry a modern edge that doesn’t infringe on traditional design principles.

Featured heavily in runway presentations by some of the biggest luxury fashion houses, handmade jewelry has made it into mainstream fashion circles this year and looks set to stay here quite some time more. Talented studiomakers have brought life back into the industry producing exceptional pieces using obscure handcrafted methods, prompting department stores and boutiques alike to turn away from mass produced imitations and look to these masters instead for true inspiration from artisanship alive today.

Statement Pieces

The jewelry market is as competitive as ever, but customers are now more demanding of original, personal designs. In 2018, statement pieces have become increasingly popular within the jewelry industry. Whether it be a hand crafted necklace made from semi-precious stones or a stand out pair of earrings, one-of-a-kind designs are prompting people to seek out artisan creations and add a personal touch to their ensembles.

Major fashion houses have also taken notice of this trend and are incorporating statement pieces into their collections for the season. For example, Gucci’s 2018 collection includes gorgeously detailed statement necklaces embedded with gold coins and intricate pearls to spice up even the most minimal day time look.

Other brands such as Asos have released delicate handmade designs featuring asymmetric earrings and rings with precious stones in a range of colors to closely match any outfit. These key pieces in particular were designed to show how statement jewelry can be worn from day to night and instantly add glamour to an ensemble.

Technology has also had an influence on this trend; online shopping websites such as Etsy allow for shoppers to go directly to the artisans where they can view unique samples of handmade products at varying prices. This offers much higher flexibility than purchasing products from major fashion brands who don’t customize their items according customer’ tastes.

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Current Jewelry Making Trends

As such, these independent sellers have experienced high levels of growth year after year with customers looking for something personalized or bespoke which they cannot find on the high street or within big corporate stores.

Therefore it appears that statement pieces have come into full bloom in 2018 due to increased demand for unique accessories and designs available both on the high street and directly through artisans themselves using technology as an aid to showcase their products within today’s highly competitive market.

Eco-Friendly Jewelry

Handmade jewelry has always been a popular statement in fashion, but 2018 introduces an all new trend of sustainable and eco-friendly materials and processes when it comes to the craft. Many jewelry makers are ditching traditional materials such as precious metals and gemstones, instead opting for more sustainable resources such as recycled plastics or seeds, although it is still possible to make stunning pieces with these materials.

Part of the growing eco-friendly trend is also the Manufacturing process used by many jewelry makers. New ethical production processes have been designed which are more labour friendly, transparent, eliminating unnecessary waste, and promoting slow fashion that will last for years to come. Micro factories are being set up worldwide, enabling smaller production runs that use fewer resources than conventional methods.

This contributes to local economies, providing job opportunities and keeping money within those regions rather than companies profiting at their expense. The craftspeople themselves are benefitting too from flexible hours and fewer concerns about working conditions and pay.

Another part of this handmade jewelry trend is ‘upcycling’ – taking something old or no longer wanted and giving it a new purpose by transforming it into something brand new. Anything from broken jewellery to vintage finds can be upcycled – reimagined with modern techniques – creating unique one-of-a-kind styles that cannot be found anywhere else.

This method encourages people to create their own style instead of buying mass produced options or dealing with the costs associated with purchasing new materials each time they need supplies. Upcycling not only helps reduce our amount of waste but creates interesting pieces that others may want in the future.

Overall eco-friendly handmade jewellery trends are meant to bring attention to our environmental concerns while pushing creativity forward and inspiring a new wave of stylish designs for this year’s wardrobe statements.

Final Thoughts

The trend of handmade jewelry has been growing in popularity over the past several years, and 2018 saw a huge spike in its demand. Not only do handmade pieces have a unique touch that can’t be found anywhere else, but they are also often made with materials or techniques which are hard to come by or too expensive to replicate.

This means that buyers of handmade jewelry can be sure of having something one-of-a-kind on their hands.

One big trend in particular seen in the world of handcrafted jewelry throughout 2018 is gemstone jewelry. Whether it’s precious gems like diamonds and rubies, common stones like lapis lazuli and turquoise, or the harder-to-find moonstone and onyx – these beautiful pieces of jewelry provide buyers with eye-catching works of art for practically any occasion.

These types of pieces prove especially popular for weddings and other milestone events, as well as for gifts for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.

Another increasing trend that has become popular amongst handmade collectors this year is eco jewely – crafted from recycled metal, plastic and other materials intended to diminish our impact on the environment through more sustainable practices. By using what otherwise would be thrown away, artisan jewelers have been able to create unique pieces that still maintain the superior beauty and quality expected from traditional pieces.

The increasing popularity of handmade jewelry will likely remain strong throughout 2019 as consumers look for new ways to express themselves through custom pieces crafted with care by talented artisans around the world. Accessories never go out of style and true collectors recognize the value behind craftsmanship not easily replicated in mass produced commercial items.

With continuing advances in technology along with more modernized production methods will undoubtedly make way for diverse designs perfect for any fashionista’s wardrobe going into 2019.