Jewellry is either very trendy today or very safe. The styles have zoomed back to the 80s to revive the look of that era with fresh inputs. So if you really want to buy something in keeping with the trends today, ask your grandmother her choice. The vintage look is in! Large size stones, big rings - antique gold, antique pronged settings, cabochon, a riot of colours, are as much in vogue.

Stepping into the markets…
In the international markets, jewellery is very varied, and the western markets like Europe and US, show a predominant influence of the eastern look. I identified strongly with the styles prevalent in the European and US markets on my recent trips. However, no single style dominates as choices vary according to personality types with everyone having a distinct taste in jewellery – individualistic and unique. The western markets are also heavily tilted towards branding and design. Even the layman in the west wears a brand, so their yearly sales are a riot! When you walk down the crowded streets of 5th avenue in New York or Santana Row in San Jose, everyone is sporting a brand. It is literally a dream for the common-men to own a piece of jewellery from Tiffany’s!

The Eastern markets, especially the Far east like Dubai and Bahrain, still tilt towards a very opulent style and are very quality conscious on the grading of diamonds, stones and the gold. It has to be very precious to be expensive. They prefer jewellery that’s more ostentatious and more opulent than ever. So, precious stones like the oversized diamonds, large sized rubies and emeralds are the hot favourites.

International markets …
The recent jewellery show of mine in Paris was an eye-opener to jewellery trends prevalent there. The preferred jewellery there is minimalist and stylish. A new design especially with eastern influences intrigues them. Also, semi- precious gemstones are popular. While Paris prefers simple jewellery, Milan (Italy) identifies with more exotic baubles. The Italian women definitely like to make a statement with their jewellery.

On the other side of the globe, the US markets show immense interest in big- sized coloured stones and design over quality. So whether the jewellery is set in white metal, silver or 12 carat gold is not important. Also, the quality of diamonds is only incidental, the design is of prime importance as is the brand!

Trend spotting…
While the preferences in jewellery vary in different markets, the trends are common. The vintage look is popular and in metals, gold is still the most important. The warm clean gold look or antique polished gold is in demand all over. Besides the vintage look, feminine jewellery is also popular. ‘Scalloped’ styles, soft look and delicate intricacy with flowing feminine styles are the trends in vogue.

This season, the one piece of jewellery making headway in the west are loose, long necklaces with stones, charms, brooches pinned on them. These necklaces are worn waist length with dresses or jeans. They have a very colourful funky look or can also be very simple and chic for formal occasions.

The trends in jewellery in India tilt strongly towards two diverse styles - very antique or very new. No fusion at all! If you want to invest in an expensive piece, it should ideally be like an heirloom in vintage styles with precious stones. The second style quite obviously is fun jewellery which is modern, colourful and worn casually. In terms of gemstones, while rubies and emeralds are still in the circuit, the ‘in’ colour for this season is blue, and shades of the same family, especially the deep blue sapphire.

In the wardrobe…
Your personal jewellery should necessarily be varied. A few classic pieces of jewellry are important and if they are expensive, they should be like heirlooms, which can be passed down generations as beautiful pieces of craftsmanship. Make sure to collect emeralds, rubies and diamonds. Equally important is some fun jewellery that’s trendy, inexpensive and exciting. Rings are an exciting part of a jewellery wardrobe. The one large-sized ring makes quite a style statement.

Spruce up your jewellery with long, flowy and flexible necklaces and keep them really long. Large sized stones or flat cabochon plates are in demand. In earrings, go for the medium sized, colourful and flexible ones. While trends do dominate the choice in jewellery to some extent, go for a piece only if it suits your personality. Whatever be your fancy, wear it with an attitude and you could well become a trendsetter!

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