TRACKING TRENDS:
STUTI KEJRIWAL gives a round-up of trends in jewellery to watch out for this year When asked about this year’s trends, the industry leaders mainly referred to big, chandelier earrings and cocktail rings, with a special emphasis on diamonds as the most in vogue this season..

ll that glitters ain’t gold! 2006: A new year and the promise of new journeys. And if you are a trend-watcher, it would be worth your while to take note of the new journeys that jewellery design is embarking upon. Noted jewellery designers, fashion designers, celebrities and jewellery houses give us the pulse of jewellery trends for the year 2006 right here! So, what are the buzzwords for the new year?

MINIMALIST
The key adage ‘less is more’ makes a deep impact in 2006. In other words, the idea is to follow the KISS principle — Keep It Simple, Stupid. Gone are the days when people could roam around the city bedecked with jewells, so if you want to make an impression, it would suit you to whisper and not to shout.

Diamonds
When asked about this year’s trends, the industry leaders mainly referred to big, chandelier earrings and cocktail rings, with a special emphasis on diamonds as the most in vogue this season. “Chandelier earrings and cocktail rings are enough, as less is more,” says renowned jewellery designer Paulomi Sanghavi. Voiced by other designers as well, including jewellery designer Queenie Dhody, it clearly seems that the earrings and rings combination is the ‘chosen one’. But what does this mean for those who are partial to necklaces? While necklaces have not been mentioned significantly as a fashion trend, those who would like their necks adorned could opt for a classic look, albeit expensive, which includes just a string of solitaires, the round ones being the most common.

Jadau
For those who have an affinity towards the traditional jadau sets, one should just wear heavy jadau earrings and rings, as recommended by Jaipur Gems, one of India’s premier jadau makers. Notes fashion designer, Shaina NC, says, “Jadau can be worn to accessorise contemporary styles.” She also predicts that there will be a surge in the popularity of the jadau set with international buyers, especially as an accessory to cocktail dresses.

Gold
While gold has completely taken a backseat in ‘06, those who like its glitter should be wary of wearing something too large. Jewellery houses like D’damas predict that for gold, lightweight Italian style trends, which include small necklaces, that is, “trendy, easy to buy, and affordable” will be in vogue. On the other hand, gold jewellery is, however, not very popular with youngsters. However, while minimal jewellery might be the catchphrase of 2006 as also emphasised by fashion designer, Neeta Lulla, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the jewellery needs to be crafted within a minimalist boundary. Earrings are getting bigger and rings are getting bolder, including stones like diamonds, precious and semi-precious coloured stones. Queenie Dhodhy further reiterates the importance of big statement pieces.

COLOURED STONES
Trend mappers have almost unanimously highlighted the prominence of coloured precious and semi-precious stones for the coming year. “A lot of coloured stones will gain importance in 2006, especially in the realm of jade, turquoise and corals,” says actress Celina Jaitley. Neeta Lulla, Shaina NC and Paulomi Sanghavi all second Jaitley’s view that coloured stones like amethyst, topaz and the ones above will matter this year.
Studio Reves, a jewellery store, further supports this view. “2005-06 are years of the coloured stones and there will be a further influx of a lot of coloured stones for various occasions — citrines, amethyst, multi sapphires, opals, tourmalines...”

VERSATILITY
A noted author once said that “East is East, West is West and the twain never shall meet.” But that’s not quite what 2006 has in mind. Minimalist and contemporary designs, jadau with western clothes as well as coloured stones indicate the amalgamation of the East with the West. Clearly, pieces of jewellery now are expected to be far more versatile than before. They are suitable for both Indian as well as western contemporary functions. Thus, there seems to be a movement towards the ‘banning of the locker system’. As Studio Reves asserts, there is a need to bring jewellery out in the open and not something which you put away in a locker and forget about it for years.

JEWELLERY AND FASHION
The new trend will also see a movement towards coordinating outfits with coloured jewellery. Where marriages and trousseaux are concerned, brides have a tendency to design jewellery according to the outfit they wear rather than the other way round. But Studio Reves thinks that this is not always the best way to go. “Wedding outfits,” they say, “should be designed according to the jewellery that is to be worn and not vice versa, as one spends more money that way.”

SETTINGS
D’damas predicts that for diamonds, there will be a greater emphasis on pressure settings. Pressure settings bring about a solitaire effect and are relatively inexpensive as compared to buying a single solitaire. Also, carbon setting will gain momentum. Studio Reves has also emphasised open settings with claws. They affirm that “claws are in and different shapes of claws are in style.”Other trends that have found more than just a passing mention include stiletto earrings, which are essentially long cylindrical pieces, worn for cocktail parties. Designers have also referred to an increasing trend of buying more prêt (i.e. ready-to-wear) jewellery that are reasonably priced. And we cannot help but notice the international inclination towards three-stone rings, earrings and pendants which can be worn on an everyday basis.However, for now, as Mandira Bedi, actress and television host says, “Long earrings and chandeliers have a good life.” And you really can’t go wrong with having a few coloured stones your way. But even if the style mantras include all things minimal, it’s always important to find your own personal style.

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