What Type of Jewelry Do Millennials Love?

A woman wearing a simple necklace.

From the Baby Boomers of the 1950s to Gen Z of the 2000s, every generation features a range of trends and preferences when it comes to popular fashion and jewelry styles, and this certainly includes Millennials. Because generational styles are so different and cover multiple decades, it can sometimes be tricky for members of one generation to understand another’s jewelry preferences. As a result, it’s often a good idea to research the kinds of jewelry that people like before making a purchase.

Below, our jewelry artisan experts from LaCkore Couture intend to cover some of the essential information you’ll want to consider regarding the types, styles, and trends of jewelry that Millennials prefer. Please keep reading for more information, and also consider exploring our selection of other jewelry resources to learn even more!

Related: The Most Unique Jewelry Gifts For a Sister

Millennial Jewelry Preferences

Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are made up of individuals born between 1981 and 1996, putting them between the ages of 24 and 39 years old today. These people include students and young professionals who are building their careers and starting families. Millennials are often seen as an open-minded, technology-loving age group with solid morals and ambitions. However, they don’t care much for flashy status symbols or extravagant purchases like their parents and grandparents.

These characteristics have led to specific fashion and jewelry preferences that people should consider when looking for potential gifts. If you intend to give a new piece of jewelry to a particular millennial in your life, here are five key elements to keep in mind:

Think Minimalist, Not Extravagant

A woman wearing a necklace with an envelope charm.

Many millennials have rejected big-spending, both for ethical reasons and because they have more debt than any other generation before them. They’re often skeptical of buying things they don’t need, which has led to the growing popularity of minimalism. When combined with an increase in feminist attitudes and a shift away from uncomfortable, heavy fashion, light, easy-to-wear jewelry has become the go-to for most millennial styles. So consider choosing a simple ring or light, breezy chain necklace that will look good with any outfit.

Related: Replica Jewelry: How to Spot Popular Fakes

Avoid Diamonds

It’s become common knowledge for younger generations that diamonds aren’t rare, and many people don’t find them very meaningful anymore. While Millennials aren’t anti-diamond, they aren’t particularly fond of them either. For many, they’re just ridiculously overpriced stones that take money away from more significant priorities. Additionally, Millennials are much more conscious about the environmental impacts of diamonds and how many companies often obtain them via exploitative labor practices. This shift in perception has become a significant touchpoint for many jewelry companies that now offer conflict-free diamonds.

Are you trying to locate the perfect ring, necklace, bracelet, or other jewelry pieces to give a particular Millennial in your life? Check out the wide range of hand-crafted artisan pieces provided by our jewelry-making experts at LaCkore Couture today for a spectacular gift you won’t find anywhere else!

Don’t  Bother With Flashy Brands

A necklace with five pearls on a table.

Millennials don’t care nearly as much about big-name brands and expensive labels, and many people actively embrace the idea of “labelless fashion.” In fact, some people are outright embarrassed to wear noticeable brand items, like those belonging to Gucci and Coach. The popular opinion is that those items scream “trying too hard” to the point that they look tacky. Do yourself, your friend, and your wallet a favor and avoid big jewelry brands that cover their products in unnecessary logos. You can go with a designer jewelry brand if you want to, but don’t scream it from the rooftops. Beyond that, many Millennials prefer to support smaller brand jewelry artisans.

Gender Isn’t a Big Concern

Millennials are also known for taking steps away from the concept of traditional gender roles and have actively blurred the lines between what jobs, clothes, and activities “belong” to specific genders. Many brands in every industry are capitalizing on this shift in perception, even when it comes to jewelry. There’s no need to look for overly-girly pieces when it comes to gift-giving for a female friend anymore, meaning you have a lot more options to choose from!

Related: A Beginner’s Guide to Royal Jewelry 

Keep it Ethical

This point connects strongly to the environmental impacts and exploitative labor practices noted in tip #3 regarding diamonds- also called the unethical gemstone. Millennials are much more ethically and socially conscious than previous generations and typically prefer to support jewelry brands that use recycled or ethically sourced materials. Many people also like to buy jewelry when the proceeds support important social causes, especially in underserved areas with poor economic stability. Basically, people like jewelry that looks good and helps make the world a better, more sustainable place.

The Latest Millennial Jewelry Trends: What You Need to Know

Millennials are changing the fashion industry, and the way we view jewelry is no exception.

From layering to minimalistic designs and bold colors, you can pair trending jewelry with any outfit.

Gone are the days of chunky necklaces, beaded bracelets, and flashy earrings— in their place come new ideas and trends that are more subtle, modern, and minimalist. 

Some of these trends include:

Pearls

The popularity of pearls is on the rise, making them a perfect choice for millennial jewelry. They are known for their sophisticated and classic look, and can be found in many different styles—from dainty string-like designs to thicker choker-style pieces. 

Because pearls are made from organic, biodegradable materials, they are a great choice if you're looking for eco-friendly jewelry. Plus, they are incredibly versatile, making them an excellent piece for layering with other accessories.

The best part is, you can also find contemporary pieces that feature asymmetric shapes and mixed-material designs. 

Millennial-friendly pearl jewelry is characterized by simple, elegant designs that are less flashy than traditional pearl jewelry.

Drop Earrings

Over the last few years, drop earrings have grown in popularity, making them a great choice for millennial jewelry. These earrings are characterized by long, dangly designs that hang down from the ear and rest just beside the face. 

They also come in various materials, including metal, wood, and acrylic, making them a great choice if you're after a neutral and versatile design. 

Whether you are suited up for the office or wearing your favorite sundress, drop earrings can be worn with just about any outfit.

Colorful Gemstone

Looking for something that matches your style? 

Colorful gemstones come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, making it easier to find a piece that matches your personal style. 

Millennial-friendly gemstone jewelry is characterized by a bold, colorful design sure to make a statement. If you're after a more colorful gemstone, you can find pieces made from materials like turquoise, amethyst, and even citrine quartz. Be sure to stand out!

However, If you prefer a more subtle look, you can also find gemstones that are used in a more minimalist design.

Gold Chains

Gold chains are a popular jewelry choice for today's millennials. Worn by both men and women, they are a great way to add a touch of luxury to your outfit. You can choose to either wear it alone or stacked with other accessories, such as wristwatches, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.

Also, because they come in all shapes and sizes, you can opt for the dainty chains or choose more contemporary options such as chokers. 

Gold chains are versatile and can be worn with a variety of different outfits. 

Minimalism

Minimalism is all about embracing simplicity!

Therefore, minimalist jewelry is perfect for millennials as it allows them to express their personality through unique pieces that fit their style preferences.

Whether you'd rather have the asymmetrical stacks or delicate gemstones, streamlined jewelry is great for any look.

Final Factors For Everyone to Consider

When purchasing a piece of jewelry for a millennial in your life, try to keep these five critical factors in mind to help make it easier to find something they’ll like. However, always remember that everyone has different jewelry and fashion preferences. Just because someone is classified as a Millennial doesn’t mean they will always follow millennial trends. Never fail to consider personal preferences for potential gifts, and don’t be afraid to ask about what they like! People are typically happy to talk about what they enjoy, and they’ll likely appreciate the extra effort you put into picking out something they’ll want to wear. 

If you’ve fully decided on a gift of gorgeous jewelry, consider exploring our shop of hand-crafted artisan pieces at LaCkore Couture today! We offer a massive selection of unique necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and much more. Please explore our website today to find the perfect gift you’ve been looking for!

Millennials often prefer unique jewelry designs that can be difficult to locate at more traditional retailers. Thankfully, our jewelry-making experts at LaCkore Couture are proud to provide a wide range of unique, hand-crafted pieces that can help emphasize anyone’s unique style!