RAPAPORT… The ENK Accessorie Circuit in New York City showcased a number of trends for the season. In jewelry, there were two distinct looks — a big, bold piece or lots of tiny pieces worn together. Silver and diamonds continue to be strong, as do openwork, charms and pearls of all types, from coin to Tahitian, especially when the pearls are strung on cord or mixed with colored gems. Organic forms are important, with gems used in their natural state with the piece designed around the shape of the stone. There is an emphasis on silk, heavy thread or leather cords, as well as darkened metals. Feather and leaf motifs are also prominent. New to this show were pieces in bronze with diamond accents.
Queen Beads™ from Galatea: Jewelry By Artist is a new concept in pearls where each pearl is a charm that can be worn alone or with other pearl charms from the collection. Customers can create their own necklace or bracelet designs by selecting from 135 carved pearl designs that can be arranged according to the customer’s choice. Each white or peach freshwater pearl or black South Sea pearl can be bought individually to be worn singly or collected to create unique designs that are easily rearranged. These pearls for cool girls feature a silver core so they slide easily onto a chain.
Platinum Guild International (PGI) held Editor’s Day in New York City to showcase the newest in platinum designs to the media. The theme of the event was entry-level platinum. The pieces were featured in six categories selected by retailers: Platinum Vintage Engagement Rings, Platinum Modern Engagement Rings, Entry Platinum Engagement Rings (less than $2,500 semi-mount), Platinum Earrings, Platinum Fashion Rings and Platinum Wedding Bands. Editors were asked to vote for their top picks. Winning designs were on display at the Platinum Innovation Design event held during the JCK Show in Las Vegas.
It’s good to be a Royal. To celebrate being the only jeweler in the world with the word “Royal” in its title, Royal Asscher has debuted a limited-edition orange floating diamond ring. Founded in 1854, the company created the highly coveted Asscher cut, now known as the patent-protected Royal Asscher. In 1980, the “Royal” title was bestowed on the company by Her Majesty Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. In 2011, the Queen once again granted the title to the company for the next 25 years as an acknowledgement of the firm’s leading role in the diamond industry. Orange diamonds were chosen for the special-edition ring as orange is the national color of the Netherlands and it pays tribute to the Royal House of Orange-Nassau. The rings are part of the Star of Africa collection that showcases diamonds floating in a fluid-filled dome. The collection benefits Royal Asscher’s Africa-focused fund-raising initiative.
