Jewellery Focus May 2019 | Page 24

CONTRIBU TOR / INGLE & RHODE Bespoke services are also ever more frequently being seen alongside brands’ collections, allowing buyers to flex their creative muscles and invest in a piece that is unique to them, in line with changing demands delicate, colourful tennis bracelets, and items in Jelena Behrend’s eponymous unisex jewellery collection have successfully sold to both men and women despite being listed on luxury retailer websites under women. The Serbian designer has noticed that women are opting for more matt texture in their jewellery, while men are choosing highly polished items with more sparkle. Collections from contemporary jewellery designer Alan Crocetti are constantly sold out, and worn by celebrities from Ezra Miller to Miley Cyrus. His unisex designs are universally lauded and desired. Bespoke services are also ever more frequently being seen alongside brands’ collections, allowing buyers to flex their creative muscles and invest in a piece that is unique to them, in line with changing demands. Gone are the days when purchases are dictated by limited, heteronormative and gender binary offerings in an outdated market. 24 MAY 2019 | WWW.JEWELLERYFOCUS.CO.UK Jewellery is a marker of ritual, a way of embellishing, and a way to commemorate and remember life’s biggest moments. Whether you see evolution within the industry as a product of jewellery design, or as a product of the shifting mentality of those who are wearing it, it’s impossible to ignore the evolving market jewellery sits in. Jewellery can be precious and significant, fun and frivolous. It always enhances, often protects, and should be available and accessible for all who want to buy it, whoever they’re buying it for. After all, having ears, fingers, and wrists to adorn is not limited to any particular sex, and embracing the changing demands of the market opens exciting opportunities for jewellers and artisans looking to make their mark. This month’s piece comes from Tim Ingle: co- founder and director of Ingle & Rhode Ltd, the UK’s leading ethical fine jewellery brand.