Gemstone Trends 2003

Outlook
The year ahead will confirm some of the current trends. Key elements are the wish for highly ornamental and decorative design elements as well as the yearning for products "with a soul”. Consumers are getting more and more tired of mass produced "soul-less” products, which can be found all over the world. Instead they have an increasing desire for one-of-a-kind and highly individual products. This is indeed good news for the coloured gemstone industry. The trend for colour is far from being over so soon. And – even better – the trends to come emphasise on many different shades of colours and not on some few, selected ones.

Colours
The use of colours becomes very refined. Subtle colour gradings and combinations are increasingly important. Opulent and intense colours are used in the upper end of the market to create strong and distinctive looks. On the other hand we witness a relaxed and cheerful use of colours in a multi-colour range. Finally there is a classical range of elegant "dégradés” reminiscent of periods of highly aesthetical design periods.

Effects
There is a distinct trend towards materials with effects. Opalescent, iridescent and silky mother-of- pearl effects will be increasingly important. Colour is just one element of the appearance of a material, The effect it has, is just as important. Furthermore there is a tendency towards material with a translucent appearance, rather than with a transparent and brilliant look.

Cuts
The highly luminous cuts of recent times are there to stay. They should be applied not only on transparent materials, but just as well on translucent and even opaque materials. Classical shapes coexist with slightly elongated and therefore very contemporary looking shapes. For pavés it is imaginable to combine translucent and transparent as well as fine colour gradings together. Besides highly luminous facets the cabochon makes a comeback in high-quality and strong colours.




Vintage is the theme of the past. Reminiscent of times gone by and with a little shade of varnish, patina and dust on it. But refined and rich in expression.

Gemstones in this trend are:
tourmalines; pale versions of ruby, sapphire and emerald; rhodolite; peridot as well as all other materials in similar colour shades









Bohemian Glamour combines the complex heritage of ethnic jewellery with the expressive jewellery of hollywood divas in the 50’s. Asian, Indian and European ethnic jewellery and the inspirations by Tony Duquette and Jean Schlumberger create a glamorous style, which appeals to a high end, international clientele.

Gemstones in this trend are:
mandarine garnets, high quality ruby, sapphire and emerald, pink sapphire, black diamonds, green and other precious, intense shades of jade, yellow sapphire, tsavorite, amethyste as well as other materials in similar colour shades








Casualness creates a summer-like mood. Very relaxed and cheerful, these colours remind of beach-houses and sun-bleached deck chairs. Blue and yellow are predominant, enriched by coral and turquoise.

Gemstones in this trend are:
all shades of sapphire, coral, turquoise, subtle shades of aquamarine from blue to green, paraiba tourmaline as well as other materials in similar colour shades








Sophistication treats the very classical elegance. Concentrating on very few colours, but most refined in appearance.

Gemstones in this trend are:
all white gemstones, all yellow to cognac gemstones, cream coloured materials, brown tones of smokey quartz, tourmaline and diamond as well as other materials in similar colour shades