Baselworld 2012 led the way for another exciting year within the jewellery and watch trade. Standing out from other trade shows with its pioneering luxury brands that leads the way in the trend department.
There has been a notable increase in the use of rose gold and diamond slices in jewellery. Diamonds in a much more varied use of cuts were resplendent in the show as well as a strong use of rubies adding some colour to the mix.
Here the trends have been broken down into six macro categories with accompanying photos on the following pages:
-Hanging Tassels:
Tasselled Earrings and Pendants have made a big comeback. Sweeping statement earrings add glamour but can be modernised with rough cut or faceted gemstones for an edgier look. Clusters of strung pearls create classic elegance and movement to earrings. Tasselled Pendants can feature small charms for personalisation. The Tassel creates motion within the jewellery so the more tassels hanging: the more dramatic the movement.

-Underwater Nature:
Nature always features as a key trend in jewellery but this year focused more on motifs based under the sea. Stylised and classic motifs feature starfish, seahorses, shells, and octopus motif creating fun fashion pieces. Wave undulations are predominant in ring and bangle shapes. Maritime hues for cabochon stones instil a sense of ocean calm in to the pieces.

-Less is More:
Secret stones for a more understated glamour. Stones pave set on the edges of shanks for jewellery that is not about being flash. Using diamond slices instead of standard cuts in earrings and pendants can turn a piece from being ordinary in to something special. Repeated forms with alternating stone set elements

-Alternative Materials:
A strong use of alternative materials within jewellery. Strong blacks represented with ebony, sting ray skin, rubber, leather and ceramics. Use of silk cord for bracelets with metal and stone set charms; creates a playful sense of style and fun whilst also mixing day wear with luxury.

-Mix and Match:
Pave mixes of different stone sizes and colours. Creating rainbow colour gradients by setting stones of different hues all together. Clusters of different sized stones can prove and asymmetrical and edgy design to something otherwise classic for a more interesting effect.
