Fresh From Italy

RAPAPORT… The About J show, held in Venice, Italy, this year in early-September overlapping part of the Venice International Film Festival, cast the spotlight on collections of branded diamond and gemstone jewels certainly worthy of any red-carpet stroll. Immediately following the three-day invitational event was VicenzaOro Fall, held approximately 45 miles away in Vicenza, Italy, which focused on a range of medium- to high-priced gold, silver and gemstone merchandise. 
   Among the biggest draws at both shows were bold jewels with multicolored and gradient patterns, often in a variety of gemstone shapes; ultraflexible constructions such as weaves and meshes in gold and silver that draped around the body; layered, bypass and crossover designs; a new generation of lightweight creations featuring openwork and laser-cut details; architectural silhouettes made with a mix of traditional and industrial materials and playful animal, insect and reptile designs in realistic and figurative patterns. Here’s a look at some of the top trends.