SOLITAIRE INTERNATIONAL JULY 2018 45COVER STORYin smaller sizes or in matrix to create
spectacular designs. Opals are also seen
in a wide variety of pieces, especially
stones from Ethiopia.
Lab-grown diamonds have definitely
moved into the mainstream, helped no
doubt by the surprising—to say the
least—announcement by De Beers that
it has created a new lab-grown diamond
subsidiary named Lightbox. As you can
imagine, this shocking departure for
the diamond brand left exhibitors and
visitors buzzing with the news.
The adoption of lab-grown diamonds
is only one manifestation of how brands
are creating more affordable collections
in order to appeal to a wider range of
buyers. Using lighter, more delicate
designs in all materials, including fringe
and tassels, manufacturers are hoping to
attract more self-purchasers of all ages,
as well as more customers looking for
reasonably-priced gifts.
Bridal, of course, was the largest single
category at the shows and, while white
diamonds were the norm, bridal is taking
on more colourful centre stones. The
most popular gems are sapphire—with
blue and padparadscha tones leading thefemale self-purchasers, with 71% of this
group spending more than $500 (average
price point of $1201). As for watches and
charms, twice as many respondents saw
a decrease in sales as those who noted an
increase in demand.
Design directions
As in all these shows, there were not really
any major new design directions. The
product offer is so diverse, as is demand
that just about everything could be seen
at the Vegas shows. Having said that,
however, we note that a few directions
were somewhat more prominent this
year than last. Multi-coloured gemstones,
including rainbow designs are very much
on-trend. W hether decorating enamel
insects or composing a rainbow-patterned
necklace or brooch, multi-coloured gems
elegantly epitomise Nature’s glory. Treated
titanium jewellery is also a way to show a
myriad of colours.
W hen it comes to popular single
colours and/or gemstones, if I had to
choose one or two, it would be Paraiba
tourmaline in various shapes and sizes.
W hile its price continues to rise, some
designers are using the neon-blue stone
The perennial hoop
took on a rainbow of
colour in these multi-
gemstone earrings
by USA-based
Suzanne Kalan.Platinum ring featuring a
4.17-carat pear-shape Paraiba
tourmaline accented by 0.47 carat
of round Paraiba tourmalines and
0.78 carat of round diamonds by
USA brand OMI Privé.Ruby, emerald
and diamond
pendant in gold
by first-time
JCK participant,
B.D. Jewellers,
exhibiting in the
India Pavilion.In the India Pavilion,
Derewala presented
a saleable collection
of on-trend gold-
plated silver jewellery
for the US market.