February 2004 Gemstones/New Products Daring Dangles Soft and feminine, colored gemstones shine in chandeliers and dangles Romantic, fun and flirtatious – the earring category hasn’t seen this much action in a long time. And let’s face it, chandeliers and dangles do make quite a statement. To help matters along, celebrities and fashion magazines have embraced the chandelier craze. “Because consumers are like magnets, this earring style is the No. 1 selling item for the season and will stay that way for some time,” says Kathy Grenier, director of marketing and merchandising at Imperial Deltah, East Providence, RI. Popular styles range from safe neutrals and pastels to dark earthy tones. Color combinations such as translucent yellow and aquamarine give a watercolor effect that’s soft and feminine. “The idea is to keep the colors in the same family but different hues,” says Grenier. Size does matter with this customer. Initial interest was in the shoulder duster, but has changed to about 2-in. long. “This size keeps the wearer from looking like just an earring walking by,” says Grenier. – by Lorraine M. O’Donnell, A.J.P. Blue topaz earrings hold 0.32 carat of diamonds. Crescendo (Siffari Jewellery Co.), Toronto, Canada; (416) 441-1010, fax (416) 441-6188. 22k gold and platinum earrings feature 6.73 carats of triangular concave cushion starburst yellow beryl and 2.80 carats of round tsavorite garnet. Suggested retail, $8,000. Designs by Rita Hyams, San Anselmo, CA; (415) 948-3573, fax (415) 492-0446. 14k white gold earrings are set with 0.47 carat of blue sapphire and 0.38 carat of diamonds. Suggested retail, $895. Idaho Opal & Gem Corp., Pocatello, ID; (800) 635-9800 or (208) 233-4059, fax (208) 233-0120. 18k white gold earrings hold 1.90 carats of pink and blue pear-shaped sapphires and 0.20 carat of bezel-set round diamonds. Suggested retail, $2,295. Cordova Fine Jewelry, Flushing, NY; (718) 961-1020, fax (718) 353-5753. 18k white gold earrings feature aquamarine and rose-cut diamonds. River Jewels Inc., New York City; (212) 768-0252, fax (212) 768-0510. 14k white gold earrings feature cultured pearls and diamond accents. Imperial Deltah, East Providence, RI; (800) 556-7738, ext. 180; fax (401) 434-0814. 14k gold cast earrings showcase 8mm-by-6mm amethyst and are $159.95 suggested retail. Carla Corp., East Providence, RI; (401) 438-7070, fax (401) 438-0455. 14k gold earrings with 6.5-7mm Chinese freshwater cultured pearls and 0.22 carat of diamonds are $280 suggested retail. Andy G./JewelMak Inc., New York City; (212) 398-2999, fax (212) 398-0721.