GOING FOR GOLD
With an economy that’s (gradually) becoming more buoyant, shoppers are beginning to treat themselves to luxuries they’ve forgone for a while. That means customers are rediscovering their appetite for gold. To be in a strong position for the precious metal’s comeback, your merchandise mix should focus on substantial earrings with crisp lines, rings with quiet diamond accents and petite layering necklaces. — TANYA DUKES
This article originally appeared in the January 2016 edition of INSTORE.
ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES
➤ Putting on a pair of dramatic gold earrings upgrades an outfit in a way that a simple stud never will. But not just any chandelier will do the job. Steer clear of designs with fussy, overwrought details. Instead, choose styles that have streamlined proportions and softly geometric shapes.
JEMILY FINE JEWELRY
WHY WE LOVE IT: The playful asymmetry between these earrings will make observant people do a double take.
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DESCRIPTION: 18K gold Harlequinade reverse-set diamond (0.22 TCW) and rubellite (0.58 TCW) earrings
MSRP: $2,375
(973) 879-8689 | jemily.com
VAHAN JEWELRY
WHY WE LOVE IT: With their articulated construction, these stylized wings have unexpected movement and are a contemporary alternative to a traditional chandelier design.
DESCRIPTION: 14K gold earrings with diamonds (0.66 TCW)
MSRP: $11,250
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(800) 365-6101 | vahanjewelry.com
K. MITA DESIGN
WHY WE LOVE IT: Light creates lovely highlights and shadows on the surface of these earrings because the design has a shapely undulating silhouette
DESCRIPTION: Open Pebble earrings in 14K gold with champagne diamonds (0.14 TCW)
MSRP: $2,030
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(646) 633-4573 | k-mita.com
ASHER JEWELRY
WHY WE LOVE IT: These are ideal day-to-night earrings. They’re not so oversized that they won’t pass muster at the office, plus a line of spiraling diamonds dresses them up for after hours.
DESCRIPTION: 14K gold earrings with diamonds (0.33 TCW)
MSRP: $1,195
(800) 726-0706 | ashercollection.com
HERA
WHY WE LOVE IT: Gold earrings don’t get more glam than these and the selective placement of the diamonds really highlights their geometric shape.
DESCRIPTION: Leaf chandelier earrings in 18K gold and diamonds
MSRP: $3,995
(416) 477-2895 | designsbyhera.com
FRED ASHER / ASHER JEWELRY
What’s the best thing about working with gold?
What I love most about gold is that it’s a precious commodity. To make jewelry with ingredients that are valuable is more important today than ever. Many young consumers gravitate towards electronics, which lose value as time goes by. Precious commodities like gold increase in value.
What trends are you seeing in gold designs?
[In 2015] we saw a big trend in abstract, open and delicate gold and diamond rings. I loved designing those looks, and they are extremely successful for our retailers. In 2016 we are forecasting those delicate, open looks to be even more successful.
PUT IT IN NEUTRAL
➤ The pairing of yellow gold and gems, especially diamonds in versatile, neutral hues is so sophisticated. Together they have discreet charm and lots of warmth, and a yellow gold ring dotted with subtle diamonds is a luxury that can be worn and enjoyed every day.
OSTBYE
WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s all in the details: The cognac diamonds glow against their darkened gold setting and the grooved band has a pleasing, artful rhythm.
DESCRIPTION: Cognac diamond textured 14K gold ring
MSRP: $1,149
(866) 553-1515 | ostbye.com
AMALI JEWELRY
WHY WE LOVE IT: If someone wants to wear diamonds but is a little afraid of bling, this would be a perfect choice — it’s got more shimmer than blinding sparkle.
DESCRIPTION: Champagne diamond and 18K gold ring
MSRP: $2,200
(781) 789-8976 | amalijewelry.com
ALEX SOLDIER
WHY WE LOVE IT: This ring invites you to study its design from every direction. It’s a little ring brimming with unique features, including a textured surface that’s clearly one of a kind.
DESCRIPTION: Acorn ring in 18K gold with black diamonds
MSRP: $3,500
(212) 354-4244 | alexsoldier.com
VIVAAN
WHY WE LOVE IT: The large central diamond looks perfectly understated because its color and shape fit seamlessly within the dome shaped gold mounting.
DESCRIPTION: Icy diamond ring with natural fancy color diamonds in 18K gold
MSRP: $7,000
(212) 302-0402 | vivaan.us
ROYAL JEWELRY
WHY WE LOVE IT: The sculpted petals of this rose have elegant curves with extraordinary dimension.
DESCRIPTION: 14K gold ring with black and mocha diamonds
MSRP: $9,425
(800) 762-9900 | royaljewelry.com
PRETTY LITTLE LAYERS
➤ Instead of investing in one substantial gold necklace, shoppers are enthusiastic about creating a look with multiple pieces. It’s easy to build a striking look with several strands, but when it’s time to keep it simple one will do. Consider stocking up on delicate necklaces that are easy to layer.
MIDAS CHAIN
WHY WE LOVE IT: The strands of gold drape in such a modern, romantic way. It will be hard to resist playing with the soft gold fringe throughout the day.
DESCRIPTION: 14K gold fringe necklace adjustable from 16 to 18 inches
MSRP: $538
(877) 643-2765 | midaschain.com
SHY CREATION
WHY WE LOVE IT: This necklace fits the shape of a plunging neckline to a T. Its graduated gold and diamond elements are reminiscent of fun-loving 1970s fashion.
DESCRIPTION: 14K gold necklace with diamonds (0.68 TCW)
MSRP: $1,300
(800) 606-1749 | shycreation.com
ANNE SPORTUN
WHY WE LOVE IT: Each disc and link is slightly different from the next and shows the handmade character of this necklace, which oozes beachy, bohemian chic.
DESCRIPTION: 18K gold disc necklace
MSRP: $1,740
(416) 363-4114 | annesportun.com
JUST JULES
WHY WE LOVE IT: Clusters of diamond briolettes frame the face and will flicker with a pretty glow whenever the woman wearing this necklace makes the slightest movement.
DESCRIPTION: 14K chains with white diamond briolettes
MSRP: from $4,625
(480) 860-6211 | justjules.com
JUDE FRANCES
WHY WE LOVE IT: The length of this necklace multiplies its styling possibilities. It can be worn long and loose, doubled or combined with other strands. Repeating Maltese cross stations give it an Old World aura.
DESCRIPTION: 32-inch chain with Maltese crosses and round faceted white sapphires bezel-set in 18K gold
MSRP: $1,900
((949) 553-8860 | judefrances.com
