Necklaces inspired by medallions, broaches in the shape of service stars and gold buttons.

SPARKLE YOUR STYLE

Mithila Mehta lets you know what’s en vogue this season

    Jewellery is meant to be timeless and classic, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fashionable as well. We peek into our crystal balls, and predict the top jewellery trends that promise to make it big.
    This season is all about big, bold and beautiful. Shares jewellery designer Padmini Shetty, “The focus is on jewellery that makes a statement, is extremely contemporary chic but yet retains a classic touch. Look out for exotic materials, especially natural pieces given the global trend towards sustainable design. There is also a heightened emphasis on exquisite craftsmanship, as we veer towards designs that rediscover the beauty of traditional Indian technique with a modern look.”
    A noticeable trend surfacing has been the evolution of design towards the ultra modern and futuristic. Jewellery cuts and shapes inspired by the future have become quite a rage internationally, a trend that promises to hit India soon. The emphasis is on sleek, angular and geometrical shapes. Jewellery in 3D shapes is also becoming quite a draw. 

WHAT’S IN? What is arguably the most ubiquitous jewellery piece—the necklace—promises to take on interesting forms in the season ahead. “We will see the choker neck piece come back in a big way. Most Indian women have beautiful long necks; the choker suits them perfectly. Whether it is chokers in traditional Indian designs with kundan or gemstone work or contemporary chokers with platinum and crystals, the look is very versatile,” shares stylist Ruchika Singh.
    Layering necklaces is another trend that has caught our experts’ eye this season. “The beauty of layering is that it allows you to reinvent your current jewellery. Depending on what you layer and to what extent, you can come up with some very interesting combinations.” Multi-layered strings of pearls have received the nod of approval from global designers—they’re effortlessly classic and sophisticated. Maybe it’s time to raid your mother’s jewellery box!
    The maxi necklace trend that started in 2011 just refuses to ebb. This season brings you maxi necklaces in bolder, bigger designs—taking the meaning of a statement piece to a whole new level.
    Head pieces are back—gorgeous as ever. Whether you go the natural way by tucking some flowers into your hair or opt for a classic diamond-studded clip, quiet sophistication is the key. Interesting, cuff bands (bracelets) have found favour among designers. Also taking international runways by storm are jewellery designs inspired by military embellishments. Think: necklaces inspired by medallions, broaches in the shape of service stars and gold buttons. 

NATURALLY EXOTIC Look out for jewellery fashioned from exciting, exotic and unexpected materials. Mirroring the general global trend towards sustainable design, jewellery too is riding the earthy, natural wave. “Resin jewellery is making waves all over. It is finding favour because it is bright, colourful and creates a rather funky feel,” shares jewellery designer Priyadarshini, who has her own design label.
    Geodes (spheres with minerals such as quartz or pyrite embedded at their centre) are a big hit this season. Geodes have an untouched, raw beauty that make them a perfect choice to adorn neck pieces, rings or earrings. What makes them all the more appealing is that no two geodes look the same, so your jewellery will be effortlessly unique. Floral designs are finding favour this season as well. Jewellery made from real flowers can add an element of freshness to any look. Alternately, jewellery with floral designs could also work well: such as a diamond encrusted brooch in the shape of a delicate flower. "Floral designs are classic and evergreen. They work well for most women," opines Priyadarshini.
    If fun, flirty and unconventional is your thing, you will find the trending appearance of feathers in jewellery design particularly exciting. "For those who like to keep their jewellery offbeat, feathers are just perfect. They add a very feminine, playful aspect to your look and are sure to get people talking," shares Singh. Long earrings, an asymmetrical necklace adorned with feathers, a funky bejewelled belt—the only limit is your creativity! 

COLOUR CHECK The colour of the season is blue in all its myriad shades and hues—right from turquoise to cobalt, aqua and navy. Jewellery promises to mirror this trend, with blue stones and beads finding favour in Fall collections. Internationally, iridescent rainbow-coloured jewellery pieces have been showcased by leading designers as well.