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December 1998
Professional Insider:Trend Spotting
12 Hot Tips
The inside scoop on what consumers want to see
A return to romance and elegance – involving big gems, diamonds in
fancy cuts and colors and an antique-inspired revival are among 12 trends
in the offing, says retailer Michael Eigen, who operates a store bearing
his name in New York City.
Eigen presented "The Shape of Things to Come" as part of a
program by New York City's 47th Street Business Improvement District at
the Diamond Dealers Club. Here are his views on where jewelry is going:
- Gold Comeback: Look for a return of yellow
gold, "because it so beautifully highlights colored gemstones – which
are also becoming more popular," Eigen says.
- Colored Stones: More demand for unusual
items such as fire opals and even brown and gray gems, to harmonize with
clothing color fashions.
- Fancy Colored Diamonds: Luxury is strong
now in fashion, and luxe jewelry is needed. Meeting this demand has been
the new availability of colored diamonds, especially in feminine pink and
yellow. They may not be accessible to everyone yet because of high prices,
but awareness is a key to future demand. (For more on colored diamonds,
see "Tender in Pink," p. 21.)
- Bold Shapes: Chunky, especially in yellow
gold, is in. Get ready for a little flash and pizzazz. Design motifs are
bold and so is the use of color in geometric designs.
- Making the Cut: Fancy diamond shapes are
increasingly important. Old favorites are back, including oval, emerald
cut and princess. Star cuts are becoming more popular.
- Solitaire Diamonds: Few consumers can
afford huge, eye-popping diamond jewelry. Solitaires will continue to be
staples for the modern wardrobe.
- Pearls: They're enjoying a renaissance,
with new styles and innovative applications. Pearls with diamonds, especially
cultured Tahitian black pearls, are making a comeback. On the more attainable
level, look for pearl solitaire jewelry.
- Antique Influence: Delicate and feminine
pieces that recall period jewelry. Platinum and white gold will dominate,
set with diamonds and colored gems.
- Nature of Romance: Romantic colorful designs
with natural themes are cyclical in nature and are returning, especially
dragonflies and butterflies.
- How Charming: Well-made charms have a
rich feel, often including such high-end accents as diamonds. Look for
a return of Gothic designs, worn as statements of fashion rather than religion.
- No Visible Means: Diamonds and other gems,
including pearls, set in white or yellow gold are being suspended on clear
filaments that appear invisible – a perfect low-cost, high-impact gift
for bridesmaids.
- Wrap Necklaces: Expect delicate wrap necklaces
with exotic colored gems such as apatite and tan zanite. Color will be
key. These are designed to be fashionable, affordable and versatile.
– by Robert Weldon, G.G.
Colored stones will complement clothing's browns and grays, especially
set in yellow gold, as in this brooch by Cynthia Renée & Co.,
Fallbrook, CA; (760) 728-5150. |
Trends in nature motifs and wrap necklaces are combined in this necklace
by Maija Neimanis, New York City; (212) 249-6236. |
Solitaire Tahitian black pearl and diamond pendant is by Christie Frantz,
Berkeley, CA; (800) 468-8900. This should be an enduring style. |
Copyright © 1998 by Bond Communications.
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