What will jewelry look like in 2014? Designers are already at work developing necklaces, earrings and bracelets for the new year. Swarovski Gems in its annual report, Gem Visions, anticipates the trends that we will see translated into the jewels that will be offered to the public.The company worked with jewelry experts, a historian and industry insiders to understand the direction of the design. The project saw jewelers from around the world match colors, materials, gemstone cuts and, of course, the Swarovski gems that will be offered next year.
According to the company’s experts, there will remain a strong interest in traditional colored stones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Style gurus Swarovski then narrowed the trends into four categories: Allegory, Cross Gender, Minimal East and Eldorado Remix. Allegory has to do with the dark arts and mysticism. Cross Gender underlines the choice of pink color while, in contrast, Minimal East is Zen-driven. Finally, Eldorado Remix celebrates the influences of ethnic jewelry and celebrates a new golden age.
Allegory. It’s the boldest trend of 2014. Allegory is defined as “a representation of abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete forms or material.” Allegory is symbolic, ritual and sacred. The theme has a soul that evokes medieval and mythical spirits. Jewelry inspired by this trend is allusive and sculptural, with intricate details. Allegory is built around the beauty of geometry and primitive instincts, ancient philosophies. However, the colors of the stones used represent modern times, far from a Gothic style. The color range includes rust, fire flame, ultramarine and off-white.
Cross Gender. It reflects the changing moods, the multifaceted and complex consumerism of today. It explores resistance to stereotypes and mixes them with conventions in a challenge. Cross gender focuses on surrealism, fantasy and the imagination of alternative universes in fusions and futuristic visions. This trend is centered on intense pinks, acid yellows, pale blues and pure whites.
Minimal East. The influence of Asia and Zen are the trend of Minimal East: ancient crafts and innovative technology guide this neo-minimalist trend. A contemplative style, but also capable of re-examining the cultural roots of today’s rapidly changing world. Minimal East uses soft, muted tones such as grey-green, greys, jade greens and a hint of striking Chinese lacquer red.
Eldorado remix. He wants to unite two southern countries, Brazil and South Africa. A trend that connects the modernity of Brazil and the African pride of South Africa. Vibrant, rich, tribal and lively, Eldorado Remix is suspended between tradition and contemporary ideals, embracing African inspirations and blending them with Brazilian styles and techniques. It involves the use of provocative colors such as amethyst, turquoise, ruby and coral, gems mixed with earth tones: deep and luminous green and brown.
