New jewellery trends feature glistening stones and reddish gold

New jewellery trends feature glistening stones and reddish goldHamburg  - A gift of jewellery can express love, status, luxury or simply a zest for life.

But it always expresses a special emotion. That makes necklaces, bracelets and rings a favourite Christmas gift. But jewellery must match both a person's outfit and the current fashion.

While everything points to clean lines and discreet colours in fashion, jewellery by contrast is breaking away and going off in its own direction.

This year's stars in jewellery design are softly-shimmering rose and red-gold, according to the German jewellery and watch association in Pforzheim. The materials obtain their reddish nuance thanks to a copper alloy. They now feature in many collections. Other options include white gold, silver and other precious metals, depending on the collection. All appear opulent and vivid.

The combination of gold and quartz creates a striking accent, said Melanie Dummin of the jewellery chain Christ in Hagen, Germany.

"Jewellery that combines sterling silver with marcasite and cubic zirconia are in demand," she said. Jewellers agree that rose and red- gold are the trendsetters "combined with natural colours," said Anja Heiden of the jewellery chain Wempe in Hamburg. "Cinnamon-coloured diamonds are perfectly suited for creating a soft transition."

So-called, bi-colour creations are becoming more and more popular. These are gold-platinum combinations or a play of colours in white and yellow gold. Combined with aquamarine, rose quartz and amethysts, they are a definite eye-catcher. The collection by Al Coro includes lots of rose and red-gold studded with colourful stones.

The tendency toward opulence is unbroken in this year's styles. "Big is beautiful," is one credo. This is underscored by large cocktail rings, long necklaces and wide bracelets.

"Jewellery that can be added on to is enjoying increasing popularity," said Alfred Schneider, chief executive director of the jewellery and watch association. "It can be artfully draped on a chain. And collecting the baubles can provide some enjoyment." A woman can also express her own individuality by assembling the jewellery herself.

No piece of jewellery is like any other. Sim is offering combinations with unusual geometric forms or materials such as a gold-silver choker in trapezoid shapes or in combination with precious metal and hardwood. Niessing Spannring Collect presents a playful exchange of gold, platinum and matching diamonds in yellow or sherry tones.

The dominant style in chokers has a middle piece in which the clasp is concealed. A choker around the neck emphasizes a woman's personality. Spirals, hoops or netting lay the foundation for attaching diverse pieces of jewellery or charms.

Pearls, once derided as grandma's jewellery, have found a new target group. Darkly- glistening pearls from Tahiti are making a splash, the jewellery and watch association said, particularly in chocolate brown or hard coal.

The charms produced by the hip label, Thomas Sabo, seek to express individuality and freshness. Many of the pieces are playful and romantic, but rebellious symbols also play a big role in the designs. This is borne out in the new collections Rebel, Heart and Take me Higher.

The label Police is aimed at all women who find meaning in such symbols. Striking precious metal elements and black rubber bands are part of the collection. And it's no surprise that the collection carries such names as Riot, Venom, Revolt and Poison. The latter is identified by a men's chain with a poison-tooth charm made of precious metal.

Silver is the dominant material in the Thomas Sabo line. It's not surprising considering that it is the classic entry-level material for young people and for people just beginning to wear jewellery. But it's also used as a basis for elegant jewellery.

Silver looks noble in the Chanel line, where stones in clear accent colours contrast with the precious metal. Armani also remains true to its plain elegance in its jewellery, as does Calvin Klein, where clearly outlined colour patches place the precious metal into the fashion scene. (dpa)

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