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www.thejewelrybook.com
Kite drop earrings in 18k
yellow gold with blue opal,
chrysoprase, and diamonds,
$6,500; Theresa Kaz,
201-602-3695,
www.theresakazjewelry.com
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"Industry is talking a lot about lab-grown diamonds, which are a great opportunity for natu-
ral diamonds to distinguish themselves. I strongly believe in lab-growns. Both categories
represent different emotions, which is totally fine. The two should come together rather than
fight each other, confuse the consumer, or make them reject buying any diamonds."
On Jewelry Trends
Paola de Luca, founder and creative director of The Futurist
"Product directions include a 1960s flavor, with Art Deco themes evolving into a modernist
feel with colorful geometric shapes or inlaid stones. I am seeing a lot of emerald cuts with
baguettes. Chunky rings, interesting hoops, and door knockers and other large earrings that
echo the 1960s are also coming back. Large links that are sleek and wearable and have big
medallions or statement charms with letter motifs, while other directions feel historical and
are mixed and matched with simpler looks. All retailers must have affordable diamonds in
fashion-forward patterns as well as multiple hoops and ear cuffs. Finally, pearls are important
because they're affordable, desired, and widely interpreted by designers."
On Pearls
Kathy Grenier, vice president of business development for Imperial Pearl and director of marketing for the
Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA)
"Awareness about pearls is getting stronger. This year could be a tipping point. This is a
similar happening to the Pantone Color of the Year, classic blue; people already love blue, but
now it will be everywhere in a new way. Both pearls and the color blue are classics ripe for
reinvention. They are traditional but new. The more we connect with consumers—as CPAA
is through new lifestyle images of how women wear pearls today (layered with other
jewelry)—the sooner the shift will happen. At Christmas, Imperial saw female store owners
from age 35 to 45 asking for substantial-size pearls. When you can wear almost anything and
that is what you're choosing, then that says a lot. I think consumers will now start to see what
pearl people do about the category."
www.gemplatinum.com
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800.356.3192
www.facebook.com/JeffreyDanielsUniqueDesigns
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www.instagram.com/jeffreydanielsuniquedesigns
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