The Perfect Time to Shine
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Photo by Tiffany & Co.
Black is back with a vengeance, reclaiming the throne as fashion’s big color for fall/winter 2006. No need to worry, though: The Jewelry Information Center, a nonprofit trade association that speaks to the consumer on behalf of the entire fine jewelry and watch industry, is ready to rescue people from fading into the black background with richly colored gemstones, grand jewelry styles, and animated themed designs.
Photo courtesy of JIC,
Designed by PJ Creations
Necklaces
According to the JIC, this year’s fashion-forward jewelry fans will be looking for one signature necklace. Whether it’s a large gold chain or a Victorian-inspired platinum choker, one of the prominent looks of the season sits closer to the neck in a V-shape or choker style (gemstone clusters put a unique twist on the classic). Another prominent look is long chain necklaces, often with a large locket or pendant.
Photo courtesy of JIC,
Designed by PJ Creations
“The longer, the better for necklaces,” says Barbara Fasching, senior manager of outlet operations for ShopNBC, with locations in Albertville and Eden Prairie. “It’s a very feminine look.”
Keep your eye out for flirty layers of colorful beads. Other highlights of the season include large, substantial rope chains and uniquely shaped links mixing gold, silver, and even black. Yellow gold is a hot seller too, Fasching says.
Chunky chains of jewelry are undeniably chic, and the timeless classics of diamonds and pearls will look fresh and young this season when layered, twisted, and accented with gemstones.
“I have never seen layering as much as I’ve seen it this year,” says Hope Wixon of Wixon Jewelers, located in Bloomington. “People are wrapping long diamond necklaces around their wrist as bracelets. They’re looping pearls, black with white, Old World with art deco. With this trend, we’re right up to speed with Italy and the East Coast.”
Other popular looks include high quality watches such as Cartier and Rolex (available at Wixon), larger diamonds, Baroque strands, and pearls in unique chocolate hues.
Bracelets
Consumers will be seeking simple, conservative yet showy bracelets—such as diamond cuffs, thick bangles, or bracelets adorned with meaningful charms.According to Kathleen Buchanan, store director of Tiffany & Co. in Edina, torque bangles are in style, inspired by the familiar linear and curved planes of Gehry’s architecture.
“His sweeping turns and crisp edges take on a new twist in wide, elegant bangles fashioned in hand-carved banded agate, ebony, and sterling silver with brushed finish,” she comments.
Photo courtesy of
Lindblom Jewelers
Photo courtesy of
Lindblom Jewelers
Rings
Feminine and fun cocktail rings featuring oversized colored gemstones are the way to make a statement as the weather cools down. Large, thick precious metal bands with interesting carvings are also popular this season. The look is of elegant, understated glamour.
Photo courtesy of
Lindblom Jewelers
Brooches and Pins
Brooches and pins are the perfect accessories to add to the hot trends of the season—cropped jackets and headbands. Brooches and pins also look great on dresses, skirts, sandals, and purse straps.
Photo courtesy of
Scheherazade,
Designed by
Jane Taylor
Earrings
Adornments that sit close to the ear are the newest style in the earring evolution. Seek out oversized studs and pavé diamond versions, which look more modern and fresh than the ones worn during the last button earring wave in the 1980s. Earrings are making a transition from long and lean to swinging hoops.
Photo courtesy of
Scheherazade,
Designed by
Jane Taylor
“Loopy, hoopy everything is dangling from ears, bodices, and waists,” says Rebecca Johnson, co-owner of BNOX Gold & Iron, a unique gallery in Pepin, Wisconsin. “Variations on the classic hoop can be seen with ripples, textures, hoops inside hoops—with color—down to the shoulders and beyond. It’s a hoop-lover’s dream come true!”
Scott Rudd of Scheherazade agrees that hoops are showing up in different shapes, textures, and sizes. “Many of the newest hoops aren’t round, but oval, triangular, square, and other fancy shapes.”
He adds that there is a noted change in earring silhouettes. “The newest earrings are shorter, taking the form of buttons or small drops.”
Scheherazade, located in Edina, was recently honored at this year’s JCK Show as one of the top 50 designer retailers in the country, recognized for the artistry and value in designer-created jewels.
Fine Jewelry Themes
Photo courtesy of
JIC, Designed by
Konstantino Treasures
Presh—represented by BNOX Gold & Iron—highlights the shimmer of sequins and embroidery of colorful vintage material coupled with Victorian metal work.
“Since the fabric is limited, each stunning piece of jewelry is limited as well,” Johnson says.
Photo courtesy of
BNOX Gold & Iron
Flora and Fauna
Traces of whimsy are incorporated into fine jewelry. Some key looks include: drooping, oversized flowers; delicate leaves; roses; branches; acorns; animals; insects; and winged creatures. One-of-a-kind jewelry expresses the consumer’s individuality and interests.Cartoons
Fine jewelry doesn’t have to be serious. Proof? Hello Kitty, Tweety Fine Jewelry and Walt Disney Fine Jewelry (featuring Tinker Bell, Alice in Wonderland, and Bambi) are all being used in fine jewelry collections. This season there will be an abundance of kitschy and cutesy jewelry.Colors
Colors are bold and bright, with citrine ranging from vibrant yellow to rich orange and peridot with beautiful lime green hues, says Mark Lindblom of Lindblom Jewelers.According to Fasching, turquoise hasn’t lost its popularity, and earth tones in green, orange, and brown are currently best-sellers.
According to Scott Rudd of Scheherazade Jewelers, black and red dominate the palette, although “colors are really all over the map.”
Women designers are moving to the forefront, he says, creating one-of-a-kind color combinations in rich, unique shades.
Photo courtesy of JIC,
Designed by SGH Designs
Shapes
Fashionable shapes include circles, geometric shapes, and visually-beautiful shapes for diamonds—such as the Briolette-cut, Asscher-cut, and Hearts on Fire, says Chris Graham of Graham Jewelers, located in Wayzata.
Photo courtesy of JIC,
Designed by SGH Designs
According to Lindblom, of Lindblom Jewelers, “A variety of different shapes will be in style, but look for the checkerboard cut. The cut is characterized by having many facets on top of the stone to resemble a checkerboard, and the effect is eye-catching brilliance.”
For more information about the Jewelry Information Center, visit www.jic.org or email info@jic.org. JIC is a nonprofit trade association that speaks to the consumer on behalf of the entire fine jewelry and watch industry.
