Every spring, I’ve noticed nail trends start subtle before something a little flashier sneaks in, and this year, that extra comes in the form of tiny rhinestones. The nail gem trend started bubbling up earlier this spring, when celebrity nail artist Ramon "Prince" Duran predicted we’d see a wave of understated sparkle going into April: sheer bases, minimal designs, and just a hint of dimension from tiny rhinestones or chrome details. In other words, the clean-girl manicure, just with a tiny bit more zhuzh.
Then came Coachella, which more or less confirmed the forecast. While festival manicures often lean maximalist, Kylie Jenner showed up with a surprisingly delicate take on the trend: bloom-inspired gem nails created by her go-to nail artist Zola Ganzorigt. The design featured a soft, sheer base featuring multi-colored gems arranged in floral patterns.
