Jewellery Focus November 2018 | Page 15

FEATURE JANET FITCH TREND-WATCH Seasonal trends and the importance of colour A ‘‘ Signet rings are growing in popularity as a new generation discovers their appeal t this time of year trends are a hot topic, but the sheer diversity in today’s fashion scene makes spotting the winners difficult. This season and next, Pantone predicts colours that are “empowering” and full of “confidence and spirit”, and sure enough the catwalks were alive with vibrant red, turmeric orange, zesty yellow, green, pink, coral and bright royal blue, not just for S/S 2019 but also for this winter. For jewellery, colour is important, as is statement jewellery, bold cuffs and bangles, long lanyard-length necklaces, especially chains, and lots of new and unusual rings. Sian Evans’ latest Botany collection is full of colour, movement, and ‘languid sensual forms’. The collection is developed from a study of flora and fauna, using 19th Century botanical drawing and modernist mobiles as a starting point. Shoulder-dusting mobile earrings and 1970s-inspired collars and cuffs named after leaf and petal forms - like Infructescence and Umbelliferous - are available in super colour blocked aluminium in hot pink, orange, scarlet and blue, with hints of greenand subtle ombres. There is a special installation of the Botany collection at Gill Wing Jewellery in Islington, London until 15 November. (www.sejewellery.com) (www.gillwingjewellery.co.uk) Chalk Design Studio is run by architect Malaika Carr who designs handmade geometric jewellery. Inspiration for the latest ‘‘ November 2018 | jewelleryfocus.co.uk Sian Evans Tania Clarke Hall Karolina Baines Ella Fearonlow Arco Studio Scarpa Collection comes from the stunning building, La Toba Brion by Carlo Scarpa in Northern Italy, and the pieces in the Shaped Objects Collection are named after the colourful buildings of Barcelona. The new Hamlyn Collection, designed in collaboration with the Royal Opera House, reflects the detailed iron and glass façade of the Hamlyn Hall, and launches in December 2018. Walnut shapes form the structure and outline of the jewellery, in a rich palette of colours and etched gold and mirrored shapes. (www.thechalkhouse.com) Signet rings are growing in popularity as a new generation discovers their appeal. Karina Fagras fell in love with signet rings in 2006 and by 2017, with the help of a Virgin Start Up loan, she and her husband Colin were able to launch their brand - Blush & Bashful - and this year unveiled their innovative interchangeable jewellery, comprising eight signet designs and a ring setting that allows the signet to spin, so it can display either side, and designs can be easily imterchanged. There are four collections, City, Fauna with majestic stags or a mystical Wiltshire hare, Flora, and the Artist Collection, a collaboration with talented artists, all handmade in 923 sterling silver, with 18ct rose gold and black onyx accents. The brand plans to introduce bracelet, necklace and cufflink settings and more signet designs by the end of 2018. JEWELLERY FOCUS 15