Jewelry trends you cannot miss in 2016

2016 welcomes all with a bang. As we have tried focusing on the Indian Markets in the past stories, thought of a running you through with the jewelry forecast in the international markets.
With new trends emerging and changing every quarter, jewelry not only how it needs to be worn, but also where it needs to be worn is becoming a challenge. Designers not only in India but also internationally are constantly experimenting and exploring the same. Be it fine or fashion jewelry the urge for something new, trendy, being unique and standing off the crowd is the in thing.

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Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

The palette for diamond jewelry is experiencing a warming trend. Yellow gold and rose gold will be seen being used more frequently in the upcoming season. Along side white diamonds are being paired with different shades of diamonds like pink, champagne, grey, brown and included diamonds are adding on the tone on tone options. However organic diamond slices, faceted flats and rose cuts continue to be popular. Designers and consumers have begun to opt for fancy shape diamonds over a traditional round brilliant cut.

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East meets West

The Indian Maantikka, internationally known as a headgear or head / hair accessory / tiara is a big yes this season. They not necessarily have to be in precious metals or diamonds. Designs in semi precious color stones have been very well received. Be it an occasion, party or wedding these look great and many celebrities have stunningly carried if off to the red carpets.

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Earring it

Gone are the days when earrings were meant only for the lobes. Among others, this is one category that has extended its reach for innovation and experimentation to another level. Ear cuffs, ear climbers that extend from the lobe all the way to the ear curve. Front and back earring designs that could be hung either on the inside of the ear, cascading chandeliers or earrings that have a jacket or delicate skirt below the studs for an edgy look. Some of the motifs that work well are spikes, arrows.

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Layering it

Well who thought necklaces would be limited to being around the neck. They have extended all the way as body adorns that could be worn from the neck to the waist either under or over clothing. Bib necklaces, medallions, multi strands necklaces with charms, theatrical looks will continue this season.

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Rings that speak

Rings limited to fingers is such a pass. They have migrated vertically right from nails linked to the wrist and horizontally from single to multiple and between the fingers. Various looks like nail rings, midi rings, joint whole finger rings, knuckle rings are seen in a big way. The in thing being a finger ring going all the way down to mid of the palm wrapping it with motifs. Yellow gold rings have made a come back in the category.
In engagement rings diamond with pear, marquise, ovals are joining cushions and princess cuts as popular bridal options. Collectible / stackable rings or bands will also been seen.

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Hand jewelry

Hand harness or Haath Panja as we commonly know in the indian market is no longer limited only for occasions or weddings. Dainty designs with minimal motifs can now be worn with casuals and semi formals be it a brunch or a ballroom party. Internationally this works more with minimal diamonds or in a simple play of metals be it Gold, Silver or Brass. Glove like gauntlets adorn the whole hand. Stackable bracelets work well internationally and could be adorned casually and formally.

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Accessorize

When it comes to jewelry, generally we do tend to emphasize on the main product categories. We do tend to skip how jeweled accessories too play a role. Tiaras, hair accessory, brooch being some of the popular ones. Other than these eyebrow jewels, belts, handbags, ear bud jewels, phone cases, pens continue to expand their reach in the artistic paradise.

Opines Deeta Thakural formally known as Khushboo Lakhi, that she cannot define trends in a liner. “There are many varied stories going on like intricate geometry, multifaceted surfaces, old Hollywood style, Feathers and bird drama, travel and land discoveries, stone inlay, curves and waves, watercolor effect, transparency, personalization, altered floral and many more.”

However she predicts 2016 will have varied forms and designs like irregular patterns, knots and ribbons, folds, oxidized metal, textured surface, natural imperfection, linear forms, generative art patters, symbols, geometric floral.

Adds Vikram Bhat, Vice President Manufacturing, Shrenuj and Co Ltd, “Textured look and silhouettes seems to be a strong trend for the upcoming year.”

Theme’s that will be seen making their way through 2016 and are forecasted will be,

• Airy perspective and Graphic illusions – linear structures with a movement, infinite mathematical objects
• Evolution of different patterns with multifaceted and smooth intensity of metals., bare geometry, fragmented surfaces, monochromes
• Smooth intensity with softened shapes, glass like iridescences, serene timelessness, colored metals, tone on tone combinations, hi polish metals.
• Drama that plays mystery – modern patterns that are mixed in a poetic manner.
• the mysterious look which has sophistication, intricate lacy patterns, the detachable forms that are multifunctional.
• Dark glamour with vamp like inspirations, maleficent moods. Jewels with scaling / layers

• Global delights as its said is taking creativity to new territories and developing cutting edge stylistic narratives.
• Exotic tales from travel, spiritual jewelry, jewelry inspired from varied cultures
• Asymmetric forms, Cracked textures / surfaces with jewels with negative spaces or see through color stones with metallic forms enveloping it.

• Digitalized and pixel forms, virtual dilution is all about individuals looking for modernity and innovation.
• Pixel forms with color gradations, techno sciences, micro mosaics like the Bangkok style color stone graded jewelry,
• Virtual dilution with florescent accents, colored metals, smudged and glazed image manipulations
• Urban Pulsations with hyper connectivity, color and expression, neon and primary colors.

2016 will have a mix of classic designs combined with innovation and technology. Continuing on similar lines Swarovski gem visions forecasted four theme’s that will make a wave.

• Magic – creating and illusion the trend focuses on a color palette that alternates between light and shadow. Stones like blue sapphire, marcasites and cubic zirconia are combined with reflective materials, mirrored surfaces and iridescent exteriors like mother of pearl, opal and laser sliced stone.
• Eternity – focuses on designs that incorporate icons and signatures within a seemingly lavish color scheme. Shades like honey, amber and citrine are complemented with deep blue and other intensely dark tones. Also brilliant orange, electric blue and striking greens mix with warm, off- whites to provide accents.
• Body Art – The intimate relationship between jewelry and the human form is explored in Body Art, where the body is seen as an installation space for new forms of adornment. There is also an emphasis on texture with both organic and man-made materials: animal scales and leather combined with precious metals and synthetic and technologically enhanced gemstones. Jewelry is cut to the curves and movement of the body, and express fluid, almost liquid forms.
• Radical craft – reflects the modern day preoccupation with DIY and technology along with robotics, 3d printing etc. Gemstones cuts are strong and dynamic with defined edges, corners, and angles comprise types include black spinel, smoky quartz, and cz in warm tones.

Talking on the difference between the Indian and International markets thinks Vikram, “Indian consumer by and large is more conservative and value conscious and as such the trends are more traditional and classic.”