Feel the heat: Hot jewellery styles for the fall/winter season

by charlene_voisin | August 1, 2014 9:00 am

By Amanda Gizzi

After what feels like a long period of uncertain economic conditions, consumer confidence is rising and with that comes a longing to buy and invest in beautiful things. That’s where jewellery comes in. Trends for the fall/winter season show consumers are ready to buy quality, show off their purchases, and make jewellery the go-to accessory. Styles are larger, colours are bolder, and quality is better. As we explore the trends that will shape the rest of the year, you’ll notice designers have their eyes on the future and not on the past. Inspiration is still being taken from eras long ago and more recent decades, but designs feel fresh and the sunny outlook has definitely helped shape fashion-forward and upbeat jewellery. Here’s a look at the top trends your customers will crave.

Yellow gold

There is no denying it—yellow gold is back. Consumers of all ages are embracing the warm metal, whether in fashion jewellery or even the bridal category. The red carpet has certainly helped fuel the desire for the yellow metal, as celebrities layer it on in the form of earrings, cuffs, bangles, and lots and lots of rings. High-polish yellow gold still has its place, primarily in wedding bands, bangles, and hoop earrings, but rings and cuffs with hammered finishes, scroll work, inlays, and flush-set stones will also be popular looks. Yellow gold wedding bands for men are becoming popular even among younger consumers, as they become more accustomed to seeing the metal as a fashionable choice.

Ear cuffs and climbers

Ear cuffs are just one of the non-traditional earring styles expected to be a big trend over the next few months. Wrapped around the middle or top part of the ear, these edgy pieces provide women of all ages the opportunity to experiment with a multi-earring look without having to add another piercing. Ear cuffs can also offer a big and bold look with versions featuring a pierced stud and chain that attaches to the cuff. This fashion statement also whimsically plays into the punk look we have seen over the past few seasons and one that continues through the fall.

Available in a wide variety of materials, prices, and styles, ear climbers—earrings that travel up and surround the ear—are another bold style. For more reserved women, ear climbers can be understated with diamonds that climb slightly up the ear, while more fashion-forward gals can embrace larger versions with gemstones or blackened metal that fully surround the ear.

Nature inspires

Earth is beautiful. Trees, flowers, and animals are all gifts of nature that have inspired designers for as long as jewellery has been around, possibly due to metal and gemstones themselves being from nature. Of all nature’s inspirations, there are a few standouts for the season. Bees are first up—honeycomb patterns are everywhere. They are an ode to the geometric trend that is still hot, but in some cases, are also a symbol of the designer’s passion for saving the honeybee, which has seen a decline in numbers in recent years due to colony collapse. Butterflies, birds, and anything else with wings are also popping up in the form of necklaces, rings, and bold cuffs. Not just for spring and summer, flowers are fashion must-haves for fall and a timeless jewellery design trend. Lastly, going green is one movement that is being embraced by designers and consumers who want to reduce their environmental footprint. But take note: eco-friendly can’t simply be a marketing tool. To be successful, it has to be embraced fully and carried throughout all parts of your business.

Bold necklaces

Big necklaces are getting a lot of attention from the runways in New York, Paris, and Milan, along with the red carpets of Beverly Hills. Statement necklaces instantly become the focus of an ensemble and can quickly make boring outfits fashion-forward. It is no surprise, then, that jewellery designers are leaning toward bold necklace styles using gold, silver, gemstones, and even diamonds. Coloured gems are a natural choice for statement necklaces, since the stones can be paired together for a big look. Sleek styles with whimsical elements like carvings and inspirations from nature are another standout look. Also, consider pieces that frame the collarbone, have open space to allow the skin to show through, and longer styles that can easily be worn over a variety of tops. The old rule about wearing only one statement piece is also thrown out the window this season—layer them together to create one big style declaration.

Amanda Gizzi is the director of public relations and special events for Jewelers of America (JA), a trade association for businesses serving the fine jewellery marketplace. For more than a decade, she has been recognized as an authority on jewellery trends, savvy shopping tips, and gift-giving suggestions. Gizzi appears regularly on television shows and radio programs throughout the United States, where she showcases the latest trends and provides consumers with fine jewellery education. She can be reached at agizzi@jewelers.org[11].

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/features/feel-the-heat-hot-jewellery-styles-for-the-fallwinter-season/

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