1. Colour
In fashion, 2011 foretells an optimistic new year with colours that present an interesting mix of warm and cool shades, with intriguing combinations that evoke fantasies and faraway places. Colour is one of the strongest trends in jewellery, with shades ranging from subtle pastel hues to lively jewel tones, evoked by gemstones, enamel, and coloured metals.
Cynthia Steffe by Shaun Kearney, using Pantone Honeysuckle. The must-have item: A sexy, silk laser-cut off-the-shoulder dress in shade of Pink is a modern take on boho! | Elena Martinico, Chopard, Opera Omnia, Erica Courtney |
2 . Nature
There is no better showcase than Nature when it comes to colour and style. A constant source of inspiration for jewellers, the most popular trends for 2011 are the ever-popular flowers and butterflies, frogs and fish, snakes and scorpions, as well as jungle motifs, in both realistic and highly fanciful designs.
Pippo Perez, Syna, Green G., Jewelmer, Tresor | James Coviello, using Pantone Lavender. The must-have item: A floral print skirt in any combination of our prominent colours of Golden Tobacco, Mandarin Nude, Midnight Lavender, Shocking Lime, Bright Fuchsia, Dusty Royal. |
3. Hoops & Dangles
Hoop earrings continue as a perennial favourite, both in plain metal and set with gems, in simple or stylized designs. Elaborate shoulder dusters are once again in favour, and are one of the preferred pieces seen on the runways and the red carpet.
Carmen Marc Valvo, using Pantone Blue Curacao. The must-have item: The little Blue dress… Blue has great social significance. It is the signature colour of colon cancer awareness, the platform for my spring 2011 collection. | Vianna, Carelle, Autore, Maya Jewels |
4. Cuffs & Bangles
From small stackable bangles to exotic cuffs, wrist wear is a staple item for today’s fashionistas. With designs ranging from the simple to the sophisticated, with or without diamonds and gemstones, they are a must-have accessory for 2011.
Ivanka Trump, The Fifth Season, Ramon, Calgaro, Gumuchian | Tracy Reese, using Pantone Russet. The must-have item: A classic Tracy Reese silk blouse in Nude. |
5. Roughing it
A diamond or gemstone does not have to be perfect to make an elegant piece of jewellery. The growing trend of using raw, rough, and sliced diamonds and coloured gemstones— that would previously have been ignored or discarded—shows no signs of abating as consumers appreciate these more natural looks and textures.
Tadashi Shoji, using Pantone Silver Cloud. The must-have item: A silk chiffon ruffle cocktail dress in Ice. | S&R Designs, Rahaminov Diamonds, Diamonds for a Cure, Coomi |
6. Eco-Jewellery
Over the last few years, there has been an increased awareness of jewellery that is produced with little or no harm to the environment. This includes using recycled and ethically- mined metals, fair-trade gemstones, and conflict-free diamonds, as well as safe and fair working conditions for miners, jewellers, and gem-cutters.
La Reina, Eco-Jewel, Toby Pomeroy | Erin Fetherston, using Pantone Peapod. The must-have fashion item: A kimono-inspired evening jacket in a floral print featuring shades of Mint, Parrot Green, Black and highlights of Ivory and Lavender – I like the idea of this piece styled over a little Black mini-dress. |
7. Airy & Open
As gold and other precious metals continue their upward climb, jewellery designers have come up with innovative ways to create affordable luxury. Today’s laser technology along with more traditional methods offers inventive and original solutions for lacy and openwork designs that create an impressive look at a more reasonable price.
Lela Rose, using Pantone Regatta. The must-have item: A scribble cotton print dress with a dropaway sleeve that has every color in a Crayola box. | Azuelos Jewellery, Stephen Webster, Bapalal Keshavlal |
8. Silver & Titanium
Silver has joined the ranks of noble metals as well as that of luxury jewellery. Combined with diamonds, gemstones, and even gold, silver comes in its natural state, as a blackened metal or even plated with ruthenium for a gunmetal look. Titanium is the metal of choice for many designers, who set it with precious stones in its natural grey state or in a variety of coloured metal versions.
Rodney Rayner, Mirella, Bastian | Christian Siriano, using Pantone Coral Rose: The must-have item: A breadth of silhouettes including flowing wide-legged trousers, safari shorts, jackets, kimono sleeves, structured cocktail dresses, and light flowing evening gowns. |
9. So Personal
The “bead” phenomenon has taken the jewellery world by storm over the last few years. Offering clients a personal way to create jewellery that reflects their lifestyle and tastes, these beads come in silver, gold, enamel, with or without gemstones, in bracelets, rings, and necklaces.
Bibhu Mohabatra, using Pantone Silver Peony. The must-have item: A cotton/silk short shift day-to-night dress with cutouts and Beige tulle sleeves in Cerulean Blue. | Brosway, Pandora, Chamilia, Lori Bonn |
10. Organic
The world of fine jewellery reflects the shift in sensibilities towards more “organic” attributes in many domains. Textured, fluid, and asymmetric shapes have taken on a life of their own, in metal alone or set with precious gemstones and diamonds.
Manoel Bernardes, Preziose, Vendorafa | Yoana Baraschi, using Pantone Beeswax. The must-have item: A Picasso-inspired sailor stripe knit blazer in Shell and Navy brings a whimsical side to any mix while also looking ‘90s West Side grunge when worn over a leopard or floral print. |