prism - American Gem Trade Association

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Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond ring by Jane Wulbrandt. Black Diamond ring by Erica Courtney. Yellow Tourmaline ring byVielle Jewelers, LLC. 17 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 (Color Me Bridal Continued) Raspberry Rhodolite Garnet®, Ocean Blue Topaz, Aquamarine, and Cotton Candy Amethyst®, tells Eddie LeVian, owner of the Great Neck, New York based jewelry manufacturer. Multi-Spectrum winner and AGTA Member, Robert Pelliccia of JR Dunn Jewelers in Lighthouse Point, Florida says the trend for color in bridal has become an important niche, especially in custom design work. “Years ago it had to be a white diamond. Now, more brides are saying “yes” to many gems.” He says it’s about 50/50 that color-minded brides choose a gemstone center or accents. Atlanta-based designer Jane Wullbrandt notes that secret or surprise gemstones worked in the gallery of the ring are often the most symbolic to a couple, representing the birthstones of the children entering a new family union or colors/gemstones with special meaning to the couple. “It’s a subtle way to add sentiment,” says the AGTA Member and multi-Spectrum winner. Whether used as the center gemstone, side accents or hidden inside the gallery work, blue sapphire requests are on the rise for couple looking to bring a bit of good luck to the marriage in the bridal rings, reports LeVian. Gone Viral Pelliccia attributes the proliferation of bridal shows, magazines and web sites for raising awareness about non-traditional bridal options. He says requests for certain colors spike after important Who’s Wearing What posts go viral online. With the royal nuptials looming, it’s no surprise blue sapphire requests are up. In fact, Pelliccia took platinum honors in the bridal division of the 2011 AGTA Spectrum Awards with a blue sapphire platinum ring accented by sapphires and diamonds. Another example, one that truly solidifies the trend for bridal color, is demand for black diamond rings—inspired by Mr. Big giving Carrie a 5 carat rock in the final scene of the film Sex and the City 2. More couture than taboo, Big gave Carrie a black diamond ring because she’s “not like anyone else!” While Israeli designer Nelly Cohen for Cherie Dori is not convinced that black diamond rings will be a big trend, she does see a strong penchant for stacking black and white diamond bands. She advocates the use of black diamonds be subtle and tailored. “It’s best as a trim around the edge of the shank, or eternity style,” she explains. But most striking has been a strong trend for champagne, cognac and chocolate diamonds, reports LeVian, who has had tremendous success with the brand’s Chocolate Diamonds, often paired with Strawberry Gold, in engagement ring designs. In fact, LeVian hails the chocolate theme as big in weddings, overall, including the bands for both bride and groom. He says that since December, brown diamonds have really taken off in the bridal category. San Francisco-based designer, Pratima Sethi for Sethi Couture, deems brown diamonds almost as popular as yellow diamonds, translating their success in fashion to bridal. Like yellow diamonds, she says the browns work well in both a starring or supporting role in the ring design. The key for most color-minded brides, notes Courtney, is that the ring design looks traditional. The twist is in the gems selected; and the sky’s the limit in color, type and combination. So, drop the formalities, get introspective, and think inside the crayon box! See the hautest looks, visit www.addmorecolortoyourlife.com.
AGTA ADDS C OLOR TO C ONCLAVE NEI Group Paula Crevoshay T he AGTA participated in the recent American Gem Society (AGS) Conclave in San Francisco by providing education and promoting colored gemstones and pearls at the event. The Conclave was held in San Francisco, April 27-30. “It is really important for AGTA to have a presence at the AGS Conclave to educate and inform AGS members about colored gemstones and pearls, as well as Zultanite Gems, LLC showcase the beautiful products from our Members,” stated Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. “It is a perfect time for all retailers to get more involved with color due to recent bridal and fashion trends as well as the great margins that are still available in this category.” The AGS Supplier Fashion Show featured jewelry designs by over 20 AGS members. AGTA ensured colored gemstones and pearls would be represented by bringing a version of the American Gem Trade Association Collection that appears at Red Carpet events. 11 AGTA Member designers participated in the AGTA Collection with two showcases of fabulous jewelry designs and gemstones. The model representing AGTA in the fashion show wore designs by the NEI Group, Dallas Prince & Company, Paula Crevoshay, Oberon & Caswell, and Zultanite Designs. The fashion show’s coordinator, Helena Krodel of the Jewelry Information Center, wore a beautiful sapphire suite by Omi Gems. AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 18
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