As Baselworld closed its doors earlier this year, on arguably the biggest jewellery event in Europe, this season’s jewellery trends emerge for us all to regale. Fascinated to see what would be the predominant trends for 2016, Andrew Geoghegan explored what was showcased.
Harpers Bazaar baptized the overwhelming trend for the rise in geometrical shapes and architecturally inspired work as the ‘Industrial Revolution’, emphasized by displays of chain links, buckles and steely metal work. Andrew was delighted to see this as a rising trend as one of his designs in production to be launched at the IJL, is one which marries robust hexagonal form with a strong architectural flavour.
When it came to framing the face, earrings dominated the scene with big, bold styles and explosions of bright, often clashing, primary colours. Maria Doulton, The Telegraph Luxury, noted the predominance of a single statement earring with designers choosing a decidedly asymmetrical look, which certainly draws attention to the individual pieces.
The predominance of 2016 Pantone colours of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue, were noted by Ruth Faulkner, Retail Jeweller, particularly in the Spring and Summer collections. Belinda Morris, The Jeweller magazine, reported the predominance of green stones with emeralds, tsavorite and green topaz particularly catching her eye.
On the catwalks, it seems that fashion jewellery brands continue to dominate the accessories, but Faulkner, RJ magazine, observed a growing trend for wearing fashion pieces alongside fine jewellery. Indeed, Michelle Graff, National Jeweler magazine, noticed an overwhelming rise in ‘day-to-night’ jewellery wear – pieces which aren’t too ostentatious for the office but still provide the necessary wow factor for an evening at the theatre