The ever-changing nature of jewelry trends are driven by a number of factors. Right now, rose gold is having its moment in the sun after precious white metals were the color of choice for the past few years. Let’s take a look at why that might be.

One significant influence for jewelry designers is overall fashion and design trends. Right now, pastel colors are in vogue, seen everywhere from fashion to home decor, and rose gold is an ideal backdrop for pastel-colored gemstones like mint green garnets, pink kunzite, rose quartz, and baby-blue aquamarines.

Additionally, what’s happening in one place can cause a ripple effect around the world. India is one of the larger gold markets, and rose gold is very popular. As a major gold manufacturer, India produces an abundant supply of rose gold for jewelry manufacturers around the globe.

Here’s some fun trivia about rose gold that you can share at your next cocktail party:

• There is no such thing as naturally occurring rose gold. It’s made by adding copper to molten gold. Jewelry houses, much like medieval alchemists, experiment in search of the perfect combination to make the rosy blush. Their special blends become closely guarded trade secrets.
• An example of how fashion goes in cycles, rose gold was extremely popular during the Victorian era (1830s to 1901); pink was considered the color of romance. Platinum and silver – icy white metals – were in demand in the following Edwardian Era (1901 – 1915), and continued to be popular throughout the Art Deco period (1920 – 1935).
• Rose gold experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Retro period (roughly 1935 – 1950). This was helped in part by the U.S. government declaring platinum a “wartime metal” and in turn, banning the metal from civilian use.

After years of cool, white metals dominating jewelry designs, and the rising availability of alternative white metals such as palladium and titanium, it makes sense that consumers are drawn to rose gold. Warm, beautiful, distinct – this metal du jour is adding more color options to the jewelry landscape.

Now that we’ve got you blushing over rose gold, here are some stunning pieces worth sharing.

18k rose gold cable chain with pave diamonds on six open wave strands with ten alternating open wave polish gold on top of a round White Mother of Pearl. Image courtesy of Frederic Sage.

Feathery clouds swirl across a mid-day sun, or so this Fire Pendant from Frederic Sage seems to us. The diamonds add flecks of light, while the rose gold adds warmth and luminescence.

Trabert & Hoeffier Mauboussin rose brooch. Center stone in brooch is a star ruby. Courtesy of GIA & Tino Hammid.

Big bows, flowers, and of course, rose gold, were favorites during the Retro period. The use of rose gold gives life to this piece.

Classic Stars 18kt rosé gold with 0.60 ct brilliants inside the dome. Image courtesy of Royal Asscher.

This ring looks like a snow globe, and the moving diamonds like falling flakes of snow. This gives the piece an ethereal quality, and the rose gold adds to the magic.

Pink sapphire and diamond 3-stone ring set in 18K rose gold. Image courtesy of Omi Prive.

This three-stone beauty of pink sapphire, diamonds, and rose gold might just be a perfect gift to give on Valentine’s Day.

Rose gold ring in the shape of a butterfly. Image courtesy of MIIRORI by JACOB’s Jewelry.

If Mother Nature made jewelry it would look like this MIIORI by JACOB’s Jewelry butterfly ring. It’s light, airy and utterly elegant. Notice too how rose gold softens the look.

The post Rose Gold Revival appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

Affordable, prestigious, and trendy, it’s no wonder that silver is enjoying a renaissance. Considered one of the three Noble Metals – gold and platinum being the other two previously covered – silver sales have been on the rise, with an average increase of 19% from 2011 to 2012 (according to the National Jeweler/Nielsen silver survey).

Image courtesy of Tracy Rasinski Photography LLC

Price-conscious consumers are taking note, as silver is more affordable than gold or platinum. As the whitest and brightest of all metals, it’s luster is also unparalleled, giving prestige to a metal with an already storied history.

Image courtesy of Loretta Castoro Signature Collection

Metalsmiths like silver because of its excellent working characteristics. It’s pliable and strong, able to bend into new shapes easily, and withstands the nicks that result from frequent wear and tear.

There are numerous reasons for silver’s resurgence. According to the November 2012 issue of JCK Magazine, silver cuff links, money clips, and dog tags have been trending upwards, making silver a particularly timely choice. Mark Maxwell, manager of Jewelry Manufacturing Arts for GIA in Carlsbad observes that “Traditional and commemorative high-end gifts like baby rattles, teething rings, and picture frames are making a comeback. These items are typically made from silver, and this has created a renaissance for the metal.”

Ring gift of YAYO.

The majority of silver is mined in Mexico, Peru, China, and Chile. In order to be called “silver” in the U.S., alloys must contain at least 92.5% pure silver.

Are you currently in the market for silver? Here are a few helpful pointers worth considering:

Image courtesy of Tracy Rasinski Photography LLC.

• Silver was more valuable than platinum during the Victorian era, and it was the metal of choice for making tiaras for the aristocracy. So you can wear your silver with the pride of pedigree.
• Sterling silver is increasingly being used in jewelry. Lines of sterling jewelry with karat gold accents are doing well, especially because the price of gold is at an all-time high.
• Contemporary designers like David Yuram and Michael Good continue to experiment with the metal, creating new and edgy designs. That means you’re likely to find hip and affordable pieces to satisfy your inner fashionista.

Versatile, contemporary, and affordable, silver sizzles for consumers, designers, and jewelers alike.

The post Silver: A metal that shows its mettle appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

Platinum is a metal favored by jewelers for its durability, malleability and significant weight. It doesn’t tarnish and maintains its natural white color, making it an excellent option for heirloom jewelry. And because it’s long lasting , platinum creates a secure setting for diamonds and gemstones, making it a top choice for engagement and wedding rings to last a lifetime.

However, platinum wasn’t always as readily available for jewelry as it is today. Ancient Egyptians used platinum in jewelry and sarcophagi, but then it disappeared into obscurity until the 1700s. In order to be shaped for casting, platinum needs to be heated to 3,872° F, a challenge that Medieval Europeans were unable to surmount.

Cartier pave round and channel set diamond earrings set in platinum.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, advances in technology enabled metal smiths to generate the heat necessary to work with platinum. In the 1780s, King Louis XVI of France declared platinum the “only metal fit for kings” after his jeweler, Marc Etienne Janety, fashioned several platinum pieces for him. Fast forward 100 years, and Peter Carl Fabergé used platinum to create his famous Easter eggs starting in 1884. But it wasn’t until the early 1900s, when Louis Cartier began using platinum to craft jewelry for royalty around the world, that it truly started to gain stature.

20.02 carat cushion cut pink sapphire set in platinum. Courtesy of Omi Prive.

Today, platinum is associated with style, elegance and timelessness. The metal has a multitude of attractive qualities that helps solidify its prestigious reputation. Many famous gems such as the Hope Diamond are set in platinum, and delicate jewelry designs are often crafted in platinum, which is a testament to its durability and ability to hold precious stones securely. Naturally hypoallergenic, platinum is also ideal for those with sensitive skin.

“Contempo I” ring constructed from platinum. The ring includes black jade, white diamonds and a faceted Tahitian black pearl. Gift of Mark Schneider.

What do you think platinum’s best qualities are? Tell us about the platinum jewelry pieces you own and why you love them!

Image of Crescent Moon bracelet is a gift of Michael Bondanza, Inc.

The post Platinum: A Metal Fit for Kings appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

After years of being overshadowed by white gold, yellow gold is making a comeback! The demand for colored gold is usually dictated by fashion trends. Whenever shades of blue and silver are fashionable, the demand for white gold tends to increase. With Earth tones currently at the forefront, there’s a growing desire for yellow gold.

“Soft gold” or “silk gold” necklace made of strands of woven 14K gold that can be worn twisted or untwisted.

Humanity has been captivated by this precious metal for the past 6,000 years. It was once believed that gold symbolized the sun and its life-giving power, which was reflected in elaborate jewelry pieces created by ancient Egyptians and Sumerians.

Ancient Egyptian necklace ~100 CE (Roman Empire). String of mixed beads of emerald, gold, glass, quartz, amethyst, and faience.

Gold is favored by jewelry designers because of its durability and ductility, which allows it to be easily fashioned into new shapes. Adding other metals, called alloys, changes the color of gold and provides a variety of palettes. One factor in a designer’s selection of alloys depends on whether he or she is using it to set hard or breakable stones. The alloy determines gold’s pliability or firmness, and therefore, its ability to hold these stones in the overall design.

When shopping for gold, look for pieces that have a lightweight design and durable engineering to receive the best value. A recent trend in “eco-gold,”—reclaimed or recycled gold—is popular with environmentally conscious consumers.

Do you prefer the classic yellow gold hue in jewelry, or the also popular white or rose gold?

The post Gold Rush – Gold Jewelry Design appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.