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Trendspotting: The Jewelry Looks Your Customers Are Seeing (And Seeking) Now | November 08, 2017 (0 comments)
Merrick, NY—Hoops and loops, pendants and pearls. The most popular jewelry trends now have a decidedly laid-back vibe: the materials might be precious but the look is relaxed and casual, just right for today’s sneakers-with-everything aesthetic.
The Centurion Newsletter scanned some recent issues of popular fashion magazines and websites to show you what your customers are seeing so you are ready when they come shopping. Key looks include hoop earrings, dangle earrings (especially tassels), delicately layered necklaces, silk and leather cords, and elongated square links. Pearls are emerging in innovative new ways, too—like buttons and embellishments—not even remotely grandma-like.
Here’s a look at the jewelry trends being shown in the consumer fashion press:
Layering is the top trend for necklaces. The best is to make it your own with an eclectic mix of styles, lengths, and materials, but for cautious customers who never think they can get it right, there are plenty of already-layered designer pieces that go on with the snap of a single clasp. Other still-current necklace looks include statement necklaces, chokers, and chunky chains.
Layers of necklaces shown in Harper's Bazaar, above, and an ad for Dior jewelry featuring Jennifer Lawrence, below, shows a modern take on precious: mix it up, dress it down, and whatever you do, don't let it intimidate you.
Below, an older woman might wear this Efva Attling bracelet on her wrist the usual way; a younger customer throws it on her ankle with Chuck Taylor hightops and cropped wide pants. Image: Refinery29.com.
Plus-size customers—of which 67% of the American female public are, according to Refinery 29—can wear layers too. Actress and director Gabourey Sidibe wears Aurelie Bidermann Vitis Necklace, Bulgari Serpenti ring, Bulgari bracelet; and vintage Chanel earrings.
Ready-to-wear layers: Gurhan’s three strand “Delicate Rain” necklace with single pattern small lentils in 24K gold with faceted black diamond beads. 16-18" adjustable length, with 22K gold extension chain and lobster clasp. Retail, $12,200.
Pesavento’s DNA Stretch Large Bib Multistrand necklace with flat clasp is sterling silver with 18k rose gold vermeil:
Although what once was deemed “business casual” is now simply how people get dressed, when the office or the situation demands more formal business attire, jewelry must follow suit. An ad for apparel designer Hilary Radley shows how a slightly older, more traditional customer might interpret casual layers.
Doves also puts a more traditional spin on the layered look:
How a younger woman might layer up a suit, from Gadbois:
Don’t want entanglements? Try layering multiple pendants on one chain. Necklace and pendants, Heather Moore:
Now, let's look at some earrings. Hoops are one of those "always in" styles that sometimes are even more in, and this is one of those times. Pages from InStyle:
Statement earrings are always a good bet. Organic shapes, elongated links, and tassels are especially hot now. From Harper's Bazaar:
Tassels, especially, offer a lot of versatility for both jewelers and customers. For instance, attaching a fabric tassel to a gold earring is a hip and wallet-friendly way to bring a younger customer into the fine jewelry habit. You don't even have to go crazy looking for them, you can make them: Tap your favorite earring vendor for some gold studs and buttons (bring the price up or down with the size of the gold earring), then a quick trip to the trimming department of a good fabric store for silk or leather tassels and a jump ring sewn to the top gives you a host of options for the sale and a really versatile piece of jewelry. To the right, an all-gold version is an upgrade for the more affluent customer. Images: Refinery29.com.
“Delicate Flurries” tassel spring hoop in 24K gold and blue quartz, aquamarine, sapphire and tanzanite. 2-1/2" diameter. Retail, $3,200. Gurhan.
“Babette” 24k gold earrings with 0.33 ctw of diamonds, right, and “Amanda” 24k gold and oxidized sterling silver tassel earrings with 0.30 ctw diamonds. Both, Lika Behar:
Old World blackened sterling silver and 18k yellow gold 35mm hoop earring with champagne diamonds, 0.11 ctw. Retail, $845. ArmentaCollection.com:
When it comes to chains, it's ultra-hip to be square. Supermodel Gigi Hadid partnered with jewelry brand Messika for this collection:
Tiffany is on the trend, too. Note the mismatched earrings and (of course) layered necklaces:
Three-loop yellow gold square link chain with yellow gold Babylock; retail, $732. Marla Aaron:
Finally, not even remotely your grandma's pearls. Here, they're used as buttons (as in, not the earring style named for the button but really the kind that hold your jacket closed). Images, Harper's Bazaar.
It's truly a pearl moment. Even footwear is sporting the style:
And a more jeweler-friendly take on pearls from John Hardy, as sseen in InStyle:
