Fashion trends may come and go, but gold jewelry is here to stay. Whether you lean towards dainty, minimalist accessories or chunky statement pieces, choosing high-quality materials is paramount when investing in jewelry. Offering unparalleled quality and durability, precious metals like gold, silver and platinum will always be key players in the jewelry industry.
At Garfield Refining, while we may not be fashion gurus, we have a wealth of experience with gold jewelry, having refined tons of it over the years (literally – tons).
As summer draws to a close and we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to see what the future holds for trends in gold jewelry. We anticipate that sustainability will continue to be a priority for consumers, and custom jewelry will remain prominent. Maybe we’ll even see some advancements in tech-infused jewelry too.
Recycled Metal Jewelry
Sustainability is all the rage these days, but it’s more than just a fad. As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, purchases driven by environmentally friendly practices are expected to triple in the coming years. Jewelry companies are emphasizing transparency and traceability within supply chains to demonstrate their green-minded efforts to consumers.
Conventional jewelry production has long been associated with a range of unethical work practices and environmental hazards. Many traditional mining operations have funded armed conflicts and unsafe working environments while polluting our air, water and soil.
But don’t worry, there’s good news! This year has seen great strides for responsible mineral sourcing, as major jewelers like Pandora are switching to recycled metals in efforts to avoid unethical suppliers and reduce emissions. Back in 2020, the Danish company announced their goal to completely transition to 100% recycled gold and silver by 2025. They seem to be right on track, already sourcing a 97%-recycled supply of metal.
And it’s not just Pandora – many brands are prioritizing recycled metals and conflict-free gemstones. A few examples of ethical jewelry companies who offer responsibly sourced and recycled gold are Mejuri, SOKO, AUrate, Brilliant Earth, GLDN and Catbird.
Custom Jewelry
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have really given small jewelers a place to shine. Individual metalsmiths and jewelry entrepreneurs are harnessing the DIY spirit of social media to engage their customers and peers.
People now get a behind-the-scenes look at the jewelry-making process, which is super fun and interesting. Jewelry makers of all experience levels can leverage social media to promote their brands, share their techniques and learn from fellow jewelers. One of our personal favorite resources is Metalsmith Society!
Etsy has also remained a popular option for bespoke jewelry. For those who care less about the content aspect and just want to browse a huge selection of customizable jewelry, you can’t go wrong with Etsy.
Many of these micro-jewelers specialize in one-of-a-kind pieces, often repurposing heirloom stones and sourcing ethical gems (and, of course, recycled metals like gold and silver).
As conscious consumption gains momentum in the jewelry industry, it seems safe to assume that small, online-only jewelers will remain popular in 2025.
Smart Jewelry
Wearable tech has evolved beyond Fitbits and clunky watches as brands like Oura Ring are making ‘smart jewelry’ sleeker than ever. Rings and bracelets offer fitness tracking by using sensors to collect biometrics like heart rate, temperature, activity, sleep data and more. And as more companies inevitably start embracing AI, it’s likely that these types of products will become increasingly more personalized.
As of now, most of the smart rings on the market are made of titanium, but it would be cool to see some more gold-plated options. We have, however, seen gold-plated smart bracelets like the Invisawear Classic Bracelet. All in all, we’re excited to see if the tech-jewelry space hits any major milestones next year!
Speaking of jewelry and electronics – did you know that gold is commonly used in electronic components of devices like smartphones, tablets and computers? Precious metals are everywhere!
Permanent Jewelry
Permanently welded jewelry has surged in popularity in recent years. Will the trend continue into 2025? Probably. According to Glimpse, search volume for permanent jewelry grew 31% over the past year, having seen a steady increase since 2021. It’s hard to imagine a significant drop in interest come 2025.
Part of the appeal of permanent bracelets is that people often get them with a loved one. The bracelets become symbols of life-long bonds between friends, family members and romantic partners. After all, who doesn’t love a friendship bracelet?
Permanent necklaces, bracelets and anklets are usually dainty and minimalist, making them suitable for long-term wear without getting in the way of daily activities or causing discomfort. “Forever” pieces are often stacked and layered for a unique look that anyone can customize.
Gold Jewelry’s Timeless Appeal
While jewelry trends will always shift, the foundation of using precious metals like gold, silver and platinum are sure to stand the test of time. High-quality materials will never go out of style, and we’re glad to see that more and more jewelers, big and small, are sourcing thoughtfully – recycled metals for the win!
Garfield Refining takes pride in contributing to the recycled metal supply chain. We’re optimistic that recycling efforts will continue to expand as environmental consciousness becomes increasingly prioritized by both independent artisans and major brands like Pandora.
Recycling Your Gold Jewelry
Whether you have jewelry that’s damaged beyond repair or you’re just looking to refresh your collection, refining your gold, silver or platinum jewelry is a great way to generate some extra funds for new additions. Plus, you can take comfort in knowing that your precious metals will be repurposed and given a new life – maybe even as jewelry once again!
Send your jewelry scrap to Garfield for the highest payout and a seamless experience! We make it easy to refine your unwanted gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Download a free shipping label to get started today!