From dramatic jewels and bold gold to bohemian feathers and shimmering pearls, 2019 is the year of the maximalist. As jewellery takes centre stage, it’s all about statements pieces and shopping with a conscience. Discover five of the key trends to look out for this season. 

  1. She wore seashells

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With the live action remake of Disney’s The Little Mermaid just announced, how fitting that the trend for undersea jewellery continues well into 2019. Expect seashells and pearls popping up everywhere from earrings to anklets, with the more irregular the shapes the better. These aren’t the kind of pearls a prom princess wears. The vibe this year is salty haired surfer chick just back from a Vanity Fair shoot. Look out for freshwater pearls and cowrie shells on chunky gold chains as you dip your toes into the water.

  1. Ethical diamonds

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Never have we been more aware of our environmental impact and the importance of safeguarding poorly treated and underpaid workers when it comes to diamond mining. As consumers continue to request ethically sourced diamonds and fair trade gold, the jewellery industry is taking big leaps to ensure that diamond mining is carried out in both a safe and fair manner.

From a humanitarian point of view, it’s never been easier to help the cause and to buy ethical diamonds. One of the best ways to do this is to check that your diamond has the Kimberly Process stamp of accreditation, which aims to trace the diamond back to its origins – from the place it was mined to where it was sold. This stamp of approval ensures that your diamond has been mined without exploiting workers. Shimmering and shining with a clean conscience is the way forward when it comes to buying diamonds.

  1. The Megan Markle effect

A big nod to that eye-catching engagement ring Prince Harry gave Megan Markle, three-stone diamond rings are everywhere this year. When it comes to bridal jewellery, as the name hints, this is a larger central diamond flanked by two smaller diamonds. These represent the couple’s past, present and future. For an even more contemporary spin, choose different coloured gemstones on either side of your central diamond. 

  1. Day time Dynasty

The key look is to go bold or go home. Be brave with big jewels in the day time, channelling eighties TV soap Dynasty but with a modern twist. Catwalks have been dripping with dramatic jewels throughout 2019 as minimal, dainty jewellery disappears for a while and maximalist designs take over. Designers including Louis Vuitton are layering thick and thin chains for added drama in the day, and Chanel has been heavily influenced by the eighties. Think glam gold, abstract designs and chunky layering.

  1. Plume in bloom

Moulin Rouge showgirl meets a bohemian summer festival with feathers and florals all over the catwalk, and it’s a style that extends to jewellery too. Look to Longchamp and Loewe for inspiration and rock feathers looped around oversized hooped earrings and attached to bracelets. Choose your colours wisely – sunset oranges, bright whites and rainforest greens.