The end of 2015 saw the widespread wearing of stackable rings, the rise of rose gold and the growth in use of glittering colored fancy diamonds in celebrity engagement rings. Whilst these trends are carried over into the winter collections for many of the big name designers, new collections for 2016 are set to turn heads in the jewelry industry. Big, bold, colourful and lots of yellow gold are the key to the accessories A-listers are now seen wearing and this is being emulated in the high street stores.

Fringes are everywhere

Once seen on the catwalks on clothing such as capes, knitwear and designer items such as handbags and boots, fringes are now part of every ‘must have’ jewelry collection in 2016.

Gently falling like winter icicles on a roof, diamond and silver fringes adorn bracelets to give the wrist and hand a gentle and expressive movement and give length and shoulder-brushing sparkle to earrings.  Oscar de la Renta  and Alexandra Wang lead the way with beautiful fringed pieces.

Bold florals and knotwork

Color is definitely the key to jewelry in 2016 and it’s all about big, bold pieces rather than subtle, slim, accent items.

Necklaces set with colored diamonds and precious gemstones such as rubies and sapphires are perhaps the  most talked about change in styles for this year. Chokers, Ancient Egyptian style collars and glittering droplet items classic Hollywood stars of the 1950s would wear to the Oscars are everywhere.

Celtic knotwork of silver or colored gold in either plain metal or studded with rows of pave diamonds sit alongside the collar-style necklaces and can be complemented with a Norse-style wrist bangle or cuff.

Gold, gold, gold

White gold has been the front runner  as the metal of choice over the last five years with it being jettisoned to the top choice for engagement rings. Yellow gold has suffered from a slight downturn in popularity over the last decade with the emphasis being more about white metals such as platinum and silver but it seems that the tide is turning. Whilst fashion experts agree that white metal will continue to be popular for rings to accompany that all important question, other jewelry is definitely reverting to the butter soft look and feel of yellow gold.

The perfect accompaniment to the classically set bold necklaces and Latin-inspired collars, gemstones this winter and spring look particularly stunning against the traditionally classic hue of 9 and 18 karat gold.

Popular diamond cuts

Every year sees certain cuts of diamond being much revered over others and whilst the ever-popular brilliant round cut is set to continue to be the most chosen for rings, there are other options which will certainly be jostling for top spot over the coming 12 months.

Often celebrity led-trends which then become timeless classics, diamond shapes for this year which will grace the fingers of the rich and famous are set to include:

• Princess cut; square or rectangular with amazing fire and brilliance
• Emerald cut; rectangular with long step cuts
• Pear cut; the re-emergence of this classic cut which gives longevity to fingers
• Hearts and Arrows; a kaleidoscope effect of facets which combines modern cutting technology with classic settings

The most important message from jewelry designers for 2016 is to mix and match; find a style you enjoy and personalize it. Combine classic pieces with contemporary looks and you’ll be bang on-trend every season this year.