Trade editor forecasts jewel trends, colours for 2013
ANTWERP, January 28, 2013 – Nature, lacy looks and gothic themes will feature among jewellery design trends for 2013, Cynthia Unninayar, Editor-in-Chief of CIJ Trends & Colours, said in a seminar at the Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair on January 28.
She also spoke of the prominence of emerald green, colour authority Pantone’s colour of the year, for this year’s jewellery designs.
Unninayar affirmed that Flora and Fauna is a major trend in jewellery design and, while it is not new, it continues to evolve.
“In 2013 the most popular themes are flowers, butterflies, marine life and snakes,” she said.
The Chinese Year of the Snake will inspire many jewellery designs this year.
Lacy Looks is another design trend theme underscored by Unninayar, who said that the high price of precious metals has encouraged a shift towards openwork designs.
“Openwork designs have increased over the last few years as designers innovate with techniques such as laser technology and electroforming,” the U.S.-based editor said.
Gothic themes are becoming more popular, with skulls the most popular motif, Unninayar said.
“Gothic pieces are so popular that even mainstream brands are adding them to their traditional lines,” she said.
She outlined other design trend themes for 2013, such as Happy Hoops.
“Hoops are the most popular form of earrings. They come in many shapes and sizes, adorned with diamonds, pearls, enamel and gemstones.”
Tempting tassels, creative cuffs — and Au Naturel were other standout themes.
“The move towards a more natural look is reflected in jewellery with ‘rough’ gemstones that are combined with gold and silver, as well as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and tourmalines.”
Another fast-rising trend involves gemstones or precious metals attached to a cord, with or without a precious metal clasp.
“The cords may be thin, almost thread-like, or woven, in fabric, leather,” Unninayar said.
Technical innovation will be important in designs in 2013 – from flexible bracelets that move on the wrist and stretch, to jewellery with hidden compartments that open with a touch, to pieces with remarkable moving parts.
Interchangeable jewellery can include earrings that transform into necklaces or pendants.
“These innovations create not only beautiful designs, but go a step beyond,” Unninayar said.
Pantone’s announcement that emerald green, a lively and radiant colour, is colour of the year in 2013, will inspire many designs.
Colours will be used in harmonious combinations, such as Beautiful Blues, Pretty in Pink and Purple, and Cheerful Opulence, in oranges and yellows.
“Black and white is a very strong motif for jewellery,” Unninayar added.
