Ring by Brumani
By Nancy Pier Sindt
The September jewelry show in Vicenza, Italy, is a sure indicator of the leading jewelry trends for the holiday/spring season. With more than 1200 exhibitors, the selection is vast, with items ranging from delicate charms, chains and earrings to fabulous one-of-a-kind necklaces, rings and bracelets sporting diamonds, pearls and gemstones, most often set in 18-karat white, rose and yellow gold.
Trend-spotting can be challenging with this huge range of merchandise, but after a few days of browsing the stands and reviewing the newest collections of Italian and international designers, a few dominant looks emerged. One of the most noteworthy was the overwhelming popularity of the color blue.
Bracelet by Ziio
Blue gems, including sapphires, aquamarines, opals, turquoise, lapis and blue topaz dominated the scene in all shapes and tones, from the clearest and most brilliant shades to moody, cloudy versions. These latter stones, less expensive than the translucent versions, are a good value and a great look: most were cut in bold shapes and used in combination with other pastel-colored stones in a design. Picture in your mind drop earrings or a necklace mixing pale blue aquamarines with pink and crystal quartz. Fabulous for any age, any complexion, any outfit.
Earrings by Wendy Yue
Sapphires showed up in all colors from brilliant pink and orange to classic blue. Some of the blues were tiny stones in pave settings; others were mouthwatering multicarat sizes used as centerpieces in necklaces and earrings. Turquoise has taken its place as a year-round fashion favorite in the forms of smooth and chunky beads, mosaics and cabochons. Once upon a time, this stone was used almost exclusively with mother of pearl and coral; now the choice is much broader, illustrating both its versatility and appeal.
And just to reinforce the blue theme, the color experts at Pantone have just released their survey of designers’ top color choices for spring 2015. Guess what leads the list? Shades of blue. Of the top five colors for women, three are blue; in men’s wear there are two. Classic blue is the fourth most popular color for both men and women. The top choice for women: Aquamarine! For those of us who love jewelry, it might just be the right time to hit the jewelry stores for some light blue beads – a ring – or anything!
Rings by DiGo
