Minimalist designs, Renaissance flair predicted for 2018 jewellery

By Andrew Scott
Mar 09, 2017


Those looking to get a jump on next year’s jewellery trends need look no further than the ‘Forecast 2018+’ seminar held recently as part of the 34th Hong Kong International Jewellery Fair.


Paola De Luca, creative director and forecaster of Trendvision Jewellery and Forecasting, said the science of predicting jewellery trends is a little like stock broking. She predicts that simplistic, sustainable designs will be popular next year, and will be seen in the form of geometric patterns, enamelled surfaces, coloured inlays and retro 70s-inspired diamond chains.


“One such jewellery trend is lightweight and silhouette designs which are popular around the world, as well as in China,” De Luca says.


“When it comes to the modern consumer, less is more. Minimalism has become very popular nowadays among people who lead a busy lifestyle and in turn, we forecast that this will give rise to an evolution in jewellery design which reflects people’s daily lifestyles.”


Another predicted trend is Renaissance-inspired jewellery, which could be seen in the form of bold colours and symbols such as crosses, amulets, talismans and ‘lucky’ numbers. A futuristic-inspired trend is also expected to give way to electric colours and materials including nano ceramics and physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings. High-tech jewellery will likely be an ongoing trend, as evidenced by the rise in popularity of 3D printers.


Testament to that is the fact that the best-in-show winner of the Jewellery Show’s Design Excellence Awards was a Japanese designer who created her necklace using 3D technology. Natsumi Odate designed the Rhythm necklace to perfectly replicate the form and shape of wild grape leafs. Realistic leaves are contrasted with abstract-shaped leaves, giving the piece a unique edge.


The annual International Jewellery Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, is an occasion to showcase some of the finest craftsmanship and most innovative designs in the industry. More than 52,000 visitors attended the show this year.