AN ornament of noblewomen for centuries, diamonds are used to infuse glamour into the casual, sporty look predominant in fashion today, winning a younger market, according to research by DTC, which commissioned international trend research company Peclers, based in Paris, to forecast trends in diamond jewellery.
Expert at deciphering the changing fashion moods, Peclers defines three main trends in diamond jewellery:
Mysticism, Magic and Metamorphosis
The recent release of the third Harry Potter movie and the now-completed ¡°Lord of the Rings¡± have had cultural reverberations that have reached diamond jewellery design. DTC notes that the vogue for dreams, myths and magic can be seen in many forms.
The animal world remains a strong influence, but there is a move away from cheerful ladybirds towards more sinister and mysterious creatures, such as snakes, wolves, chameleons and dragons.
Minimalism which was popular in the 1990s is now a thing of the past, as diamond jewellery has become more decorative and baroque. There are necklaces in a tangle of chains, pearls and diamonds, fantastically jewelled animals and intricately set, dark blue and green stones that are reminiscent of night-time or twilight. On a green butterfly ring, four diamonds form the evil eye to ward off attackers.
Light and luminescence
Light is affecting all forms of design, from interiors to packaging to make-up. In diamond jewellery, light is inspiring designers to recreate shimmering waterfalls or chandeliers, shining water effects or the intense burning light trapped inside ice. The light and depth of the ocean also inspire design, as do ocean creatures such as starfish. Diamonds, with their juxtaposition of fire and ice, are the perfect medium to reflect this trend.
There are ropes of diamonds that flow like water; pure, almost unadorned diamonds like droplets on the skin and opalescent stones reminiscent of moonlight. There are also intricate pieces in the shape of jellyfish or starfish, and long, trailing diamond earrings evocative of mermaids¡¯ tails.
Nature, space and the cosmos
The Milky Way¡¯s swirl of planets and stars inspires diamond jewellery designers to find ways to connect different elements.
One of the major design trends is to take minerals straight from the earth without any human manipulation to change their shapes. This is the attraction of nature in its primary state ¡ª untouched by human hands.
The cosmic trend reveals itself in diamond jewellery shaped like planets or comets in white, pink or yellow gold, and slimline necklaces with chunky round stones that echo the Milky Way. Different elements, including diamonds, are combined to form the galactic aesthetic. Designers place rough diamonds in clean settings, enhancing the purity of the gem and underscoring its raw naturalness.
