Maximum impact

All jewelry is beautiful, but not everything that sparkles in the showcase is guaranteed to sell. The mysterious waxing and waning of jewelry trends is influenced by many factors, including personal taste, celebrity style, runway trends, street fashion and social media. And let’s not discount traditional factors such as quality, workmanship and design, which should never be abandoned, no matter what’s in style.

Runway fashions have inspired the most important jewelry trends going forward: big jewelry, or maximalism, as some call it. Models on the fall and spring runways were decked out in massive necklaces, earrings and power cuffs. These big looks have in turn been reinforced by fashion bloggers and influencers, who are driving jewelry sales by showcasing them as accessories over other possibilities such as sunglasses or handbags. Social-media selfies may seem narcissistic, but they work. “Social-media influencers and bloggers play a key role in setting jewelry trends,” stresses Dalia Lash of Mark Lash Jewelers in Toronto, Canada. “I think it’s important to show that jewelry is the best accessory for fashion. My jewelry choices always revolve around fashion. That’s what sets my style” — and that, in turn inspires others, she adds.

Of course, fashion influence works both ways. “High-end fashion has an important influence on my work,” notes designer Penny Preville. “I’m always watching runways, looking for necklines, sleeves, lengths.” She also keeps an eye on pop culture: “The more I know my customer, the more I am able to design for her lifestyle.”

Famous faces play a big role in this, according to celebrity stylist and consultant Michael O’Connor. “Fashion tells celebrities what’s new, but they are the guideposts of what things are hot from that newness, and they illustrate how to put it all together.”

Here are five trends most likely to hit that hot spot in 2019.

Losing their sparkle

Some trends are in decline, and one of them is minimal or dainty looks, which makes sense given the push toward maximalism. But don’t banish them from the showcases just yet; they can be mixed and matched with the big pieces. “Petite, feminine necklaces look great contrasted with bold chains,” comments designer Penny Preville. Jen Williams of Luxury Brand Group identifies tassels and chokers as looks that might also be dying down a bit, while jeweler Jonathan Zadok laments that “classics such as diamond riviera necklaces and diamond tennis bracelets are just sitting in the case and need some love.”

Although small and dainty is out, personalization, meaningful messaging and symbolism are still very much in — just in bigger formats as “consumers look for ways to add their own flourish or touch to pieces of jewelry,” says celebrity stylist Michael O’Connor.

Other trends that may be moving out to pasture include mismatched earrings or single earrings, multi-finger rings, and organic shapes — with geometric and symmetrical shapes taking over. And although big is in, a tiara might be overdoing it. It had a moment this year, but that moment is gone. If you have invested in one, take it apart and turn it into massive statement earrings instead, and a cocktail ring to match.

Article from the Rapaport Magazine - January 2019. To subscribe click here.