How funny the celebrity world can be when it comes to scouting fashion trends for the future, however like it or not, what we see on the runway usually has an impact of the rest of society. This time around, the jewelry industry is gearing up for a resurgence of white, lustrous metals for engagement rings and wedding bands.
There has already been a surge in popularity of Emeralds in the last half of 2010, and the trend was validated by being seen on this year’s nominees like Amy Adams.
However the latest forecast comes after a wave of silver and diaphanous gown hit the red carpet for the 2011 Academy Awards: Michelle Williams in a sliver Chanel, Nicole Kidman in a white number by John Galliano, Hillary Swank in shimmery Gucci, Halle Berry Marchesa fit for a fairytale, and Gwyneth Paltrow’s sleek and metallic Calvin Klein. And now speculation abounds that jewelry is the next to follow suit.
Platinum has always been a favorite of brides to be, its white shine and durability make it ideal for a ring you expect to wear the rest of your life. And although it has a higher price tag than other metals, platinum is a fluid metal, which means that possible nicks and scratches don’t mean you will lose any metal, just that it needs to be rebuffed.
Another choice for bridal jewelry is white gold, being a little more affordable than platinum; it is a pliable metal due to its natural softness making it ideal for elaborate designs. Although yellow gold, which has made resurgence in popularity lately due to the demand for vintage inspired engagement rings, it considered traditional material for bridal jewelry, white gold combines tradition with modern styles.
The demand for white metals can’t be faulted considering that when paired with smaller accent diamonds, such as pave’ set diamond, the white of the metal compliments the sparkle of the gemstones. Such as the Insignia 7055R from Verragio, which features a Round cut center diamond flanked with two smaller Round cut diamonds all set onto a pave’ set, twisted shank.
White metals can also compliment in an understated way, such as in the Eterna 0279PW wedding band. The ring features a continuous row of channel set Princess cut diamonds, allowing the stones to flow uninterrupted around the entire length of the band. The diamonds are held in place on each side by a lip of metal, that when crafted in platinum or white gold does not overpower the design.