The Future's (Almost) Here at First, A Look at Jewelry Trends

Tuesday was prediction day at First as Paola De Luca, creative director of Trends Forecasting Ltd (TJF), took to the stage with a high energy presentation about jewelry trends for 2009.

According to TJF, the future of jewelry can be categorized into four broad categories: Mythology in Progress, Austerity D-Luxe, Green Visions and Blur Reality.

De Luca posited that tradition and heritage are starting to become more important as younger generations look to their cultural history and to their roots. This “Mythology in Progress” is manifested by, among other factors, a resurgence of craftsmanship techniques, architectural inspirations and cultural and religious symbols; trends that can already be seen in the display cases of many gold manufacturers at First.

The mythology can also be seen in the evolution of “taken for granted” styles, such as bangles, which De Luca says are due for a strong comeback, though not around the wrist but worn high on the arm. Men's jewelry is also due for a boost as cuff links increasingly return to fashion.

The notion of “Austerity D-Luxe” takes its inspiration from a movement against the current disposable tendencies. De Luca asserts that consumers are tired of being bombarded with throw away products that lack depth. Rather than investing in a lot of cheap items, she says there is a move towards investing in a few choice pieces. These sophisticated consumers may be buying less, but with their bespoke selections they are actually spending more. This category places emphasis on excellent craftsmanship that is both simple and functional, with an especially strong focus on texture and finishing detail.

Green issues remain at the forefront of the consumer trend agenda. When it comes to jewelry, this translates into pieces that are unfinished and eco friendly, using materials such as recycled plastic and metals. The green revolution also heralds a return to arts and crafts with modern folk art-inspired jewelry taking a more prominent position alongside handmade jewelry and jewelry inspired by local cultures.

TJF's final category, “Blur Reality” represents the high speed changes that are taking place in daily life and symbolizes jewelry on the cutting edge of fashion. It also finds inspiration in the blurring of geography with the ever increasing reliance on new technologies, which are prompting a “dramatic change in taste.” Blur Reality also includes a look to the newly emerging markets of the east as well as Eastern Europe with inspiration taken from China, Russian ballet and opera.

In terms of jewelry pieces, many of the future trends are already here and already seen on the show floor: filigreed gold work, religious iconography, rough stones, deconstructed pieces, birds and insects, Tahitian pearls and bright colors.

Trends to look out for in the coming season include the fading away of chandelier earrings and comeback of stud earrings – especially classic pearls, - ceramics, multi-finger rings and dangling gemstones.