The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
7 Trends to Watch in 2016
Uniquely cut or shaped stones, black and white combinations, and mixed metals are among the trends expected to be prevalent in the new year.

New York--It’s going to be an exciting year in jewelry design.
Trends have been taking new and innovative turns, and now spread across the country faster than ever, as social media and the Internet allow everyone to see and adapt to them in a short period of time. Because of this, retailers need to adapt to the trends more quickly or even be out ahead of them, said Amanda Gizzi, director of public relations and special events at Jewelers of America.
Here are the trends that the experts think will be popping up, and staying put, in the fine jewelry market in 2016.
1. Stackables/layering. This trend isn’t going anywhere, especially for pieces that are personalized or allow for the sentimental. In jewelry, this includes layering delicate necklaces together as well as stacking rings and bracelets.
“It’s really important (for retailers) to have and buy these pieces to drive in the younger generation,” Gizzi said. “It’s a buy-one-today, add-one-tomorrow mentality.”
2. Mixed metal. As bridal trends continue to evolve to suit today’s millennial couples, mixed metals have been and will continue to be a top trend, especially when it comes to rose gold mixing with white gold and platinum.
“The juxtaposition of the warm rose against cool platinum makes for a unique and beautiful setting, and there are so many different ways in which you can display the accent, from contrasting prongs to a halo,” Amanda Tropila, the former public relations manager at the Platinum Guild International (PGI-USA), told National Jeweler in early December.
3. Open styles. One of the most prevalent variations on this trend is openwork jewelry. This is an ongoing trend likely influenced by high precious metal prices.
Openwork cuffs are going to get a little bigger and spread out to keep metal weight down, “letting more skin show through,” Gizzi said. She also noted that these types of pieces likely will begin to include fewer opaque stones, as the style moves toward the use of more translucent or transparent gems.
Variations on the trend also can include rings and bracelets that wrap around the finger or wrist without meeting in the middle, and collars that remain open in the front of the neck, not completing the circle.
4. Y necklaces. This classic shape already began its comeback in 2015, and Helena Krodel, senior vice president of creative and brand at TrueFacet, said
5. Black and white. This will be especially prevalent given the rising popularity of blackened metals, Gizzi said. Brands like David Yurman, Lagos and Armenta all unveiled lines featuring blackened metals for fall/winter collections and many more are expected to follow in 2015.
Gizzi said that she thinks this trend has a lot to do with punk influences and the impact of rock-and-roll, as well as the popularity of tribal-inspired pieces and traditional Mexican silver jewelry.
6. Unique stones. Also speaking to today’s younger consumers are unique gemstone shapes or cuts, both in colored stones and diamonds.
“Uniquely shaped stones, as well as colored stones, are still popular as the millennial bride looks to make a statement and stand out from the rest,” Tropila said. “Pears and marquise are being set east-west or just slightly askew to give it extra personalization.”
Heart-shaped stones also are gaining traction as celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Iggy Azalea bring them to light.
7. Fanciful. While the use of animals, wings, and feathers are nothing new in fine jewelry, they will “have some freshness for 2016,” Gizzi said.
They’re not only playing on the fanciful, fantastical imagery, but they’re also pulling from symbols of empowerment, such as the use of wings. The added meaning behind these pieces can make the jewelry extra special for a consumer.
“Jewelry that pulls on people’s emotions will always have a place for customers.”
The Latest

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.


The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.