Sparkles

Diamond fine jewellery collections launched this year are using the stones as discreet accents to a style rather than the main focus. Semiprecious stones, such as topaz or rock crystal, are used as a lens to magnify diamonds set underneath. Diamonds are also set around and above semi-precious stones, adding a discreet touch of luxury to fashionable fine jewellery. And designers are increasingly searching for more unusual diamonds, as cognac, champagne and chocolate diamonds have become so popular that good-quality brown diamonds are becoming harder to find. One designer this year uses heavily included diamonds in his new collections, while others opt for showcasing unusual colours, cuts or rough stones.

A recurring theme in many of the high jewellery collections launched at Sparkles was understated luxury. In a subdued market environment, fine jewellery is becoming less affected and showy, appealing to a more prudent consumer who is not simply looking to buy the biggest stones, but is more inspired by the beauty of design.