Wondering what jewellery trends will be emerging in 2010?
I make it my business to know! By attending jewellery fairs and staying in touch with the European jewellery design community, Sarah Hutchings- Orsini Director, ensures that Orsini Collections will always reflect the latest European trends.
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'Visit this page regularly to keep an eye on European & International
jewellery trends'
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Having just returned from one of the largest and finest jewellery fairs in the world “Vicenza Jewellery Fair” or ‘Fiera Di Vicenza’, I have summarized all the key 2010 jewellery trends.
It is all rather overwhelming when you are wandering the fair as there are over 1000 exhibitors, as well as some of the finest jewellery suppliers in the world. It is all about your site position at the fair for the jewellery suppliers. Those considered leaders were often in the premium positions with large booths. I was pleased to see Marco Bicego and Hulchi Belluni, both my key designers in the Orsini store situated in the premium booth area.
The Italians are well recognized as leaders in innovation, and they didn’t disappoint in that department. The jewellery had spacious new volumes with graphic punch. High notes included cutout metals & ‘negative space’. This ‘openwork’ is not new, however the shapes have become multidimensional.
Is faceting going out of fashion? Definitely not, the designs featuring oversized gemstones were large in the table (width) and had little depth. Very eye catching.
Intricately textured earrings, rings and pendants were a must have as well as the use of multiple metals & textured gold. I am thrilled to feature the work of Marco Bicego in the store as his textured rings and earrings are this season ‘must have’. Rose gold is having a revival and colored gemstones remain a key trend. ‘Heavy on the metal’ cocktail rings were the new season’s couture. Pianegonda personifies this trend with his oversized rings, they are definitely heavy on the metal. Silver is also making a comeback as the gold prices remain high.
Interestingly enough the shapes still remain quite geometric, circles were a big look at last season’s fair and they still remained a dominating trend. Other shapes also emerging- squares, discs and spheres as well as varied and unusual shapes eg. serpents. Round balls on rings, necklaces were evident with a number of designers and Hulchi Belluni certainly featured this trend.
Nature is a theme that I noticed in many designs, be it leaf designs, flowers, butterflies and even ladybugs. Celestial themes were evident with the use of stars and moons. Hulchi Belluni is named after (‘bella luna’) or beautiful moon. They certainly personify this trend.
As for color, white diamonds still feature strongly, as they always will! As were the increasing use of pearls. Color was proliferative, blues, greens, pinks, purples were seen in a number of the key booths. White is the new look this season with the use of white mother of pearl, white agate and white coral. Perfect for the ‘white’ fashion trend. This was evident in most of the towns we visited; the design capital of Italy Milano had women wandering past us looking incredibly fresh and chic in their all white linens and cottons.
Head-turning hoops, particularly forward-facing styles, continue to be staples for the upcoming season. These can be simple hoops, or feature embellishments such as fine diamonds, gemstones or textures. Marco Bicego have amazing textured hoop earrings.
In the Orsini store I choose jewellery designers that I feel are leaders in jewellery design in Europe. It is also very important that I have 100% trust in the quality of their work. Having met a number of my key designers personally and understanding their philosophies has helped me in the store and also made me have a far greater appreciation for their work.
Hulchi Belluni is led by jeweler and designer Martine Hul. She described for me the spirit and energy behind the brand, A lot of the jewellery is designed using nature as an inspiration as well as positive energy. She certainly has a sparkling energy, sensitiveness and effervescent creativity which allows her to add unique value to each piece of jewellery she designs. The majority of Martine’s pieces are created using 18 white and yellow gold and diamonds.
I was lucky enough to have training with the team at Pianegonda and meet Franco Pianegonda, the inspiration behind Pianegonda. He personally designs all the pieces he creates, it is very important that each piece he creates comes from the heart. Style and innovation are words that come to mind having met Franco. Everything about him and the company personified style.
My most unexpected discovery whilst visiting Italy was the flagship Toy Watch store in Milano. What an amazing experience. The watches range from fun, outrageous, sporty through to incredibly glamorous! The are the latest muct have craze in Europe, and I could understand why. I made sure I stocked the latest watches on my return to NZ.
I certainly do not plan to change my selection of jewellery designers; they are certainly up to date with the latest trends in the industry.
What a wonderful experience, I can’t wait to go back to the next fair!
Ciao
Sarah xo
