As precious metals and diamond prices continue to soar, designers have had to become even more creative in order to develop collections that are both pleasing to the eye and pleasing to the pocketbook.
Mixed Media
Some designers have chosen to create pieces using metals and other media that are generally not used for jewelry. Blackened stainless steel or iron combined with diamonds has an edgy elegance that appeals to consumers with a strong sense of confidence in their own style and who like a unique look. Other designers have opted for wood or coconut shell blended with diamonds for a more organic feeling that goes back to the roots of nature for inspiration. Palladium, a metal from the platinum
family, but at a much lesser cost, has caught the eye of contemporary designers who like it not only for its price, but for its inherent whiteness, strength and durability. The grayed white of palladium is softer and more muted than other white metals and its story as part of the platinum family resonates with consumers. Jewelry that blends classic designs with alternative materials gives those pieces a lasting legacy that moves beyond the media from which they are formed.
Lighten Up
Lacy and feminine, or strong, modern forms, airy openwork designs frosted with diamond melee have lots of eye appeal and are wallet friendly. Using less metal and smaller diamonds keeps the price point sweet while giving designers creative flexibility to develop looks that range from intricate and ornate to bold and minimalist, resulting in lots of choices for consumers. Openwork silver with a sprinkling of diamonds is a cool way of wearing jewelry that is especially inviting to younger customers and female self-purchasers. Substituting a silk or leather cord for precious metal chains softens the feel of a pendant, at the same time giving it a more fashion-forward style. The piece can always be transferred to an existing chain when a more classic look is desired, giving the wearer more style options as fashions change through the years.
*Pictured from top: Michael Weggenmann - Iron, gold and diamond bracelet, Moritz Glick - Coconut shell, sapphire and diamond pendant, Todd Reed - Palladium and diamond ring, Jordan Scott - Stainless steel mesh and diamond bracelet.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - April 2011. To subscribe click here.