Todd Reed has expanded his line of men’s jewelry to include a collection showcasing raw diamonds. The rings, bracelets, cufflinks and necklaces have a masculine sophistication that opens the door for men to wear diamonds in the boardroom as well as more casually. The new designs are meant to reflect the subtleties of today’s man.
Platinum Guild International (PGI) has announced that one of the biggest design trends of 2011 is the horizontal center stone in a platinum setting. This trend is seen in an East/West setting for center stones in both bridal and fashion jewelry. According to PGI, designers chose platinum for this setting because the metal’s durability holds the stone more securely than other white metals.
Rhode Island–based designer Chris Ploof has introduced a collection of wedding and engagement rings featuring the ancient Japanese metalsmithing technique of mokume gane. This traditional process creates the flowing lines of a wood grain pattern by layering, heating, laminating and bonding sheets of different precious metals into a billet, which is then cut and formed into a ring. Aimed at the fashion-forward consumer looking for something that is a personal expression, each piece, handcrafted in Ploof’s studio, has its own unique pattern.
Congratulations to the winners of the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) annual George A. Schuetz Jewelry Design Contest. The competition honors the best in men’s jewelry and accessories design. First place went to Wellington, New Zealand–based Karl Williams for a ring comprised of diamonds set in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum. Clarrie Yap of Pokfulam, Hong Kong, took second place for a ring that portrayed an urban landscape. Third-place honors went to Elena Lorenzi, a GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional from Ventimiglia, Italy, for a white gold and onyx pendant.
January kicked off with the ENK Accessorie Circuit in New York City, where fine jewelry designers and other accessories firms showcased the newest must-have accessories. Key trends continued with silver and diamonds, charms and blackened metals taking center stage. The evil eye protector and the Hand of Fatima once again reign as popular themes in charms. Jewelry goes to extremes — extremely large, as in a statement piece, or extremely little, just right for stacking and layering. Vibrant as well as powder-puff pinks, melon, grassy greens, mellow yellows and turquoise were the favored color palette, offering a great splash of strong color to wear with the blacks and grays that are prevalent in apparel. Metallics, beading and ruffles remain popular in an upcoming spring/summer season that promises to be light, feminine and filled with fun.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - February 2011. To subscribe click here.