RAPAPORT... The world of precious metals and diamonds is changing rapidly on a number of levels, the most obvious, of course, being the astronomical prices of these materials. Diamond prices are setting record highs regularly, as are the prices for platinum and gold. These developments are presenting challenges for the jewelry industry in several areas, including the design and manufacturing arenas. Designers and manufacturers are faced with creating jewelry that is alluring and enticing, yet hits price points that won’t pinch consumers’ pocketbooks. As a result, a few trends are beginning to emerge more strongly for the middle market.
• Openwork uses negative space as part of the design and uses less metal in the process. Oversized pieces can be made surprisingly feminine, delicate and affordable.
• Diamond pavé is always popular and small diamonds add big sparkle to a piece that uses lots of openwork, without putting the price in the stratosphere. Diamond pavé can also make a small piece look much bigger than it is, an important consideration in the U.S. market, where bigger is better.
• Layering and stacking — necklaces, bracelets and rings — will become even more prevalent as customers buy smaller, affordable pieces and then wear them together to create a larger look that is a personalized style statement. This can work well for retailers, who can keep a customer coming back to buy more pieces from a favorite designer by demonstrating how to layer the pieces.
• Funky diamonds — that were once scorned and discarded as junk — are now being picked up and used as design elements. Whether it is a highly included, off-color polished diamond or low-grade rough, when used in jewelry, these diamonds create the feeling of an amulet, or an ancient treasure from a bygone era. They have a high “cool” quotient combined with a reasonable price point.
• Alternative metals such as palladium and stainless steel can be used on their own with gems, or mixed with stones and other metals to develop a compelling look at an irresistible price.
Amber Michelle
Editor-in-Chief
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - June 2008. To subscribe click here.