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The hottest trends. The newest looks. They were all there at the August Atlanta Jewelry Show. A preview of what’s selling now, what your customers are looking for in Fall/Winter 09:
Interchangeable Is In
From Pandora to Trollbeads, anything with interchangeable components are flying off the shelves. Your customers can design and personalize their own bracelets or necklaces, expressing their individuality. Versatile pieces with a variety of looks in one piece entice. Starting simple and adding on over time adds appeal, especially in this economy. It also drives repeat business for you!
The OWL (Ones We Love) Collection by Kelly Waters offers “Build Your Own Necklaces” with add-on charms in semiprecious gems and Murano glass. Their “Life Expression” Collection, “lets her say it to the world,” sporting messages from green living to the internet and special causes. The OWL “Minis” are especially hot.
For Kameleon, “Change is Natural.” Their Jewel Pops in a rainbow of colors like Strawberry Shortcake (rhodochrosite) are all the same size, designed to migrate amongst the entire collection of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Their rings are their fastest-selling.
It’s Personal.
Jewelry with a Message
Jewelry that makes a statement is everywhere. Expressing your individuality through pieces with symbols and uplifting messages is in. The cross, fleur de lis and heart pendants in Symbology’s Harmony Disc Collection by KC Designs are their most popular.
Inspired by Nature.
The Organic Look
Green continues to grow. The organic look is thriving, from earth tones in gems to metals, including blackened steel, oxidized silver and green and brown gold.
Nina Nguyen offers necklaces, earrings and bracelets in fluid organic styles with a variety of colors suited to the seasons, such as amethyst for Fall or green amethyst for Spring. According to Nina, gunmetal oxidized silver with vermeil is especially popular. Her collections are manufactured by a rural women’s co-op in her native Vietnam, a current trend in transparent manufacturing with an awareness of social causes. Jewelry designed and manufactured by women is a growing trend.
Jewelry with a Story
Everyone loves a story. The Southern Gates Collection by Cargo Hold features exquisite sterling silver filigree designs inspired by Charleston’s historic decorative iron gates. They even enlist the support of local college art students in rendering their designs. Such regional flavor adds a local color customers crave, distinguishing a collection from mass-produced “generic” jewelry. Pieces made in the USA, especially by regional designers and artists, add appeal.
As Good as Gold
In challenging economic times, people gravitate to gold. Even with gold hovering at $1000 an ounce, gold is hot. According to Oro International, who features beautiful Italian-made selections, chains are always best sellers. New trends include gold in colors such as chocolate and green.
Color and Pearls, Pearls, Pearls
Color is everywhere. Chocolate’s very hot in gems including diamonds and pearls. Pearls in fresh fashion-forward designs with gems are a favorite. The Pearl Exporting Company offers exquisite designer torsades featuring multi-strands of tiny Japanese Akoya Keshi pearls accented with sapphire briolettes.
An abundant palette of offerings awaits to whet your customer’s appetite. Tune into what’s now. Be fashion-forward and your reputation as a jeweler in the know will help you grow.
Mia Katrin is an award-winning, internationally celebrated couture jewelry designer, specializing in one-of-a-kind and limited edition high-end necklaces with precious gems in 18-24 karat gold and platinum. Her Collections, which have been worn by A-List Hollywood celebrities, are featured in many top galleries and stores throughout the country, where she regularly hosts Trunk Shows. Contact Mia via her website, http://jeweljewel.com, e-mail info@jeweljewel.com or call (877) JEWEL-MY.
