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The 2005 BaselWorld Fair showed that jewelry designers' desire to work in Platinum for its inherent pure, rare and eternal qualities is stronger than ever with a plethora of Platinum jewelry styles that are bound to make a huge impression on the U.S.A.'s jewelry market. Popular Platinum jewelry trends to stand out at this year's fair include geometric shapes; Platinum jewelry mixed with unusual materials such as wood, crystal, fur and rubber; nature inspired; and men's Platinum jewelry--especially watches.
An over-riding fashion trend coming from BaselWorld is long, opulent Platinum necklaces with geometric-shaped links, accented by white diamonds. The look...simple, lean and clean. Designers chose Platinum as their precious metal of choice because its high purity and density would allow them to achieve this long look. German design house Henrich & Denzel featured a Platinum necklace with circle links of different sizes with a Platinum and diamond pendant that features a special mechanism that allows the pendant to be worn in either an open or closed position. Japan is also showcasing this look with Platinum chains and necklaces that can be worn in various lengths, ways and combinations, such as a lariat type. Designer Isabella Fa, who also revealed her latest collections at BaselWorld, bases her designs on simple geometric shapes such as circles and ovals. Her latest Platinum designs include a super sleek Platinum "Rief "choker with a center diamond and matching bangle. Among the U.S.A. designers to showcase this trend is Daniel K who created a Platinum and diamond "Orbit" Pendant with matching dangle earrings.
Nature, provides inspiration to many Platinum jewelry designers around the world. They understand that Platinum's purity and eternal nature make it the perfect compliment to
designs that mimic the rhythm of life, and this year was no exception with nautical and
Safari as the key trends. In China, according to Alice Lue, Public Relations Director of PGI-China, a 'back to nature' concept is en vogue with all aspects of life and this has been reflected in motifs of Platinum jewelry design. "Water is an essential element of nature and Platinum's relationship with water creates the perfect synergy with nature-inspired designs," says Lue.
Italian designer Basilio Liverino created Platinum, diamond and pearl brooches resembling sea-life such as crabs and lobsters. Award winning British designer, Sarah Jordan's entire collection of Platinum jewelry is sophisticated yet simple nature inspired, including her Platinum and diamond "Panache", "Serenity" and "Spirit" collections featuring pendants, earrings, bangles and rings.
Designers from several markets at BaselWorld such as the USA, United Kindgom, Italy and Germany revealed the increasing trend towards men's Platinum jewelry designs. The male consumer is becoming more discriminating in their choice of jewelry. Men love Platinum because it has a sophisticated image that makes it a subtle choice for the self-assured man. Internationally renowned celebrities such as Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and David Beckham have long been driving this fashion trend. Watches continue to be most beloved jewelry item for men and this year the number of international brands who are creating Platinum watches to meet this demand has increased exponentially including: Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., A. Lange & Söhne, Bulgari, Cartier, Chopard, Harry Winston, Jaeger-LeCouture and Frank Muller. Celebrated Platinum jewelry designers in the U.S.A who are enjoying this increasing trend men's include Chris Aire, Neil Lane, Alan Friedman, Michael Beaudry, Jacob & Co. and Anthony Nak.
Platinum mixes perfectly with virtually any element to create a fabulous piece of jewelry. This is evident in the most unusual and fashion forward trend to come from Basel; Platinum mixed with a variety of non-precious materials including rubber, leather, fur, wood and crystal. Among these Platinum designs is a Platinum and wood cross by Michael Wegeman, and an eccentric Platinum choker garnished with a blue goat's pelt, aquamarines and diamonds and matching bracelet, by Max Kemper. Italian design house Catalano created a stunning Platinum necklace adorned with a 19-carat crystal garnished with blue topaz and diamonds. Cede has also created Platinum pendants on interchangeable white and black rubber bands. In the U.S.A., Anthony Nak's latest Platinum designs include a Platinum filigree tree medallion with a crown attached on leather and matching ring.
Platinum has also been a key player in the increased trend of jewelry featuring multi-color diamonds and gemstones. Platinum's natural white luster does not cast any color into the diamond or gemstone allowing it to shine in its own true light. Popular hues set in Platinum to have a strong presence this season include: Aquamarine, yellow canary diamonds, champagne diamonds, black diamonds, emeralds, green beryl, green tourmaline, pink morganite and pink sapphires.
Platinum is prized for its Pure, Rare and Eternal qualities:
Platinum's purity not only means that it is hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin, but its natural white luster allows the true radiance of a diamond or gemstone to shine.
Platinum is 30 times rarer than gold.
Platinum will hold a diamond or gemstone securely, now and for always.
About Platinum Guild International USA
Platinum Guild International (PGI), the marketing arm for the worldwide Platinum jewelry industry, is dedicated to promoting Platinum and its pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade. PGI has offices in each of the world's major jewelry markets, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of Platinum jewelry.
For more information on Platinum, please visit www.platinumguild.com
Contact:
Antonia Caamaño
PLATINUM GUILD INTERNATIONAL USA
(212) 404-1605/ acaamano@pgiglobal.com |
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