Paola de Luca

 

An interesting combination of sustainable and futuristic designs, and styles that pay homage to heritage and tradition are likely to dominate jewellery design trends in 2018, according to an industry analyst.

Paola De Luca, creative director and forecaster of TRENDVISION Jewellery+Forecasting, revealed that the upcoming mega trends in jewellery design are “Sustainable Harmony,” “Preserving our Heritage,” “Searching for Poetry” and “Futurama.”

De Luca held a seminar on jewellery trends on the sidelines of the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show.

She noted that jewellery designs falling under the Sustainable Harmony category reflect the choices of so-called “digital modernist” consumers. These are buyers who are leading technologically savvy and healthy lifestyles in a bid to create a better environment and a sustainable future for all. This trend features designs with geometric patterns, enamelled surfaces and coloured inlays. Retro 1970s-inspired slim diamond chains are predicted to be popular with consumers.

The next trend – Preserving our Heritage – explores romance and gothic characteristics, and exudes flair from the renaissance era, remarked De Luca. These jewellery pieces are characterised by fairy tale-like, esoteric elements such as crosses, amulets, talismans and lucky numbers. Intense colours and symbols are representative of this theme.

Under Searching for Poetry trend, designs that feature extravagant styles and patterns with references to the 1970s and 1980s are likely to take centre stage. The abundant use of Middle Eastern jewels blended with allegorical and floral motifs and rich decorations will be common under this trend, noted De Luca.

A design language that is futuristic and glamourous is the highlight of Futurama. Such designs will feature electric colour palettes and materials such as nano-ceramics and PVD coatings with layers of pixelate covers, added the forecaster.