Trends, Fashion & Design Classics what’s happening in jewellery

BY PAUL HENDERSON

In some ways, jewellery is a fashion industry - but given that precious or fine jewellery lasts a long time it’s probably slower to change than say the clothing industry. That’s not to say that trends don’t emerge, they do – but it’s likely that they last longer and are less susceptible to perhaps more whimsical changes.

In some ways, jewellery is a fashion industry - but given that precious or fine jewellery lasts a long time it’s probably slower to change than say the clothing industry. That’s not to say that trends don’t emerge, they do – but it’s likely that they last longer and are less susceptible to perhaps more whimsical changes.

Classic designs tend to stay, but evolve slowly over time – take the solitaire engagement ring for example.

Gold colour is likely to be white gold today, but look back to the eighties and yellow gold was more popular. Very recently there’s been a move back towards yellow gold for engagement rings, so as you can see trends are often cyclical. What has changed are design styles, diamonds are worn closer to the finger today and we’ve seen increased interest in ‘halo’ rings, where the centre gem, often a diamond, is surrounded by a ring of smaller gems, a sparkling interpretation reflecting an angel’s halo.

Rings are worn today for a variety of reasons – no longer do we see just engagement and wedding rings on the hand, these are often complemented by an eternity ring, to celebrate an anniversary or the birth of a child. In addition, rings are often seen on other fingers and on the right hand, as people express themselves through distinctive designs that allow greater freedom of expression.

One of the designs that Bairnsdale jewellers Curtis Australia are often asked for is their crossover ring. These distinctive and exciting designs are the perfect vehicle for precious gems and can feature different combinations of gem colours for a truly individual statement. There’s often a centre gem acting as a focal point and these rings can even be custom made to bring together several existing, much loved rings. The bands, often two or three appear to cross over each other, but are effectively one ring. This makes the contemporary design of the cross over ideal for any occasion and given the options available can make quite a splash.

Another relatively recent trend that has stayed the distance are pearls, especially larger pearls. Often worn as earrings, these are often accompanied by simple, elegant gold fittings that drop the pearl down from the ear. Interestingly these tend to be paired with yellow gold, the warmth of the gold contrasting with the cooler lustre of the pearls. While we’re talking of earrings, drop earrings in particular have become more popular than studs, although Master Jeweller Glenn Curtis has lost count of the number of classic, claw set diamond studs he has hand crafted over his fifty years as a jeweller.

Gems have an endless appeal, and coloured gems have come to the fore in recent trends. Australia is blessed with a wide array of sapphire colours, but gems such as the purplish blue tanzanite have become popular, as have tsavorites, a member of the garnet family but light to dark green in colour. These remarkable gems can make a stunning feature when set in rings, or possibly as pendants.

One trend Curtis Australia have noticed is a move towards natural influences in jewellery design, particularly for less formal pieces. Their Beach and Woodland Collections are reflective of this, drawing on nature for inspired designs that remind us of the beauty around us.

Increasingly, jewellery is more meaningful if it relates to a special moment or memory, and the Beach Collection has struck a particular chord with those who live in our beautiful region of unspoilt beaches.

At Curtis Australia’s Bairnsdale studio, you can see a wide variety of different jewellery designs, with everything hand crafted on the premises. Not only that, but exclusive, hand made solid gold watches in both ladies and men's styles are also offered in the private and relaxed atmosphere of their purpose built showroom.

Next time you’re in Bairnsdale, pop in and see them at 129 Macleod Street, just up from the railway station and see classic and contemporary pieces that could well add a sparkle to your individual style.