The jewelry shows in Las Vegas are where many designers
launch their newest creations. This year found a continuation of several of the
current trends — openwork, diamond and gemstone slices, blackened metals,
opaque and black diamonds, charms and colored gemstones. Read on to find out how these trends
fit in with upcoming fashion designs.

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Gurhan
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Long Earrings
A 1970s favorite, the maxi dress has gained momentum as a
feminine alternative to pants. The long maxi silhouette calls for long drop
earrings to balance the proportion of the dress. Long earrings are also an easy
accessory to counter all the ruffles, sparkle and other embellishments found on
necklines, while maintaining a youthful, but seductive feeling.
Purple Haze
Fall fashion is filled with shades of purple and burgundy.
These rich, regal colors are an important part of cooler-weather looks,
blending well with neutral black, grays and browns. Amethyst, garnet, some
rubies and rubellite tourmaline paired with a sparkle of diamonds are the
perfect accompaniment, especially as these gems tend to be wallet friendly,
which is still a concern for consumers.
Slices & Opaque Diamonds
Diamond slices and sapphire slices are ubiquitous. Slices
create a big look that is girly and glamourous while hitting the price-point
sweet spot. The organic shapes

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Erica Molinari
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of the slices make each piece uniquely special
as they move from an office to an evening look with ease. Slices, with their
more subtle color and shimmer rather than blinding sparkle, are also more
subdued — right in keeping with consumer desire to not be ostentatious. Opaque
diamonds lend a cool factor to diamond jewelry, making these precious gems
appealing to those with more eclectic tastes at a price point that reaches a
bigger audience. Slices and opaque diamonds blend perfectly with the many
shades of gray that are so prevalent in fashion right now.
Found Objects
Grunge is making a return to fashion this fall. But the
grunge reboot is not about dumpster diving to find your wardrobe. This time
around, it is more about oversized pieces, muted colors, layers and a vintage
vibe. Fashionistas who favor grunge will want jewelry that looks like an object
found by accident in the back of the drawer, well worn but perhaps forgotten
until now. Blackened metals and unusual objects that are turned into jewelry
are key to this look, as are charms and lockets with personal meaning.

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NSR Nina Runsdorf
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Big Cuffs
Big cuff bracelets are making a big comeback. Cuffs are
easily seen at the bottom of long sleeves or jackets and can be worn as the
only piece of jewelry for an understated look that continues to be important. A
cuff and long earrings worn together create a very modern, fresh approach to
fall’s jewelry wardrobe. Openwork cuffs have a ladylike, sophisticated feel, while
solid cuffs create a more avant-garde look.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - July 2012. To subscribe click here.