Talking to Gary Ingram, the CEO of TheDiamondStore.co.uk, about 2016 jewellery trends and following the launch of their brand new collections, he made an interesting point. “Fine jewellery transcends age and fashion.”
When we asked him to elaborate, he explained, “I say that because our jewellery has so much meaning to our customers. We only sell jewellery items that are real – real diamonds, real gold, real gems – so they’re most often given as gifts of love. Apart from looking luxurious and reflecting personal style, they make you feel loved and treasured. That’s the real beauty of timeless jewellery.”
TheDiamondStore.co.uk has certainly captured the essence of how jewellery represents personal history. They specialise in handcrafted diamond and gemstone pieces that mark big occasions – engagement and wedding rings, bridal jewellery, diamond bracelets, eternity rings and fine gemstones all the way to Ruby Anniversaries.
“But if we’re going to talk pure fashion,” says Ingram, “The biggest thing in jewellery now is about making it your own by combining pieces. It’s not so much about specific design, because we offer a huge variety in terms of that, but more about wearability, collectability, and above all, being able to mix and match various items at once.”
Echoing this, many items in the e-tailer’s newest collections are stackable. Multiple band rings with mixed tones of yellow, white and rose gold, or contrasting black and white diamonds. Delicate bangles and big-carat-look bracelets that can be layered, and innovative textures and colours, like pink sapphires on rose gold.
“On the one hand, there’s a big desire for beautiful, delicate jewellery that you can wear just as easily with a little black dress or with jeans. And then we have the heirloom pieces, the engagement rings, wedding bands and anniversary jewellery that you’ll wear for a lifetime and later pass on to your children,” says Ingram.
“That’s why vintage is also very popular now. Rose gold, which first had its big moment more than 100 years ago, is back in a big way, following the trend in watches. Beautiful Victorian and Edwardian details like hearts, crosses, lock and key charms, ribbons, infinity knots, nature motifs, those really stand out because they’re timeless. In fact, they’ve never really gone out of fashion.”
What about engagement rings? “The halo will still be HUGE in 2016,” Ingram confirms. “And again, vintage styles. Diamond halos, sidestones and Art Deco influences in engagement rings have been big for a couple of years now, and they’ll continue to soar.”
Ingram also says they are seeing people spending more as we move out of recession. “We’ve seen a 140% lift in 0.50 carat diamond stud earrings, compared to much smaller studs last year.” And talking about earrings, if you want a fashion tip for 2016, invest in a pair of hoops. “Hoops are definitely ‘in’ right now. To prove it, we’re selling 60% more hoops and have several new designs with diamonds, and also rose gold.”
“The most exciting thing about fine jewellery in 2016 is how people will be wearing it in a much more relaxed and informal way,” Ingram concludes. “The key is to continue investing in those substantial pieces, like tennis bracelets for 40th birthdays and eternity rings for anniversaries. But don’t be afraid to build on that. One diamond ring can look quite traditional now. So wear a different ring on each finger, layer multiple bangles and necklaces. Let your jewellery express your individual style.”
