As we are in the first month of the year, we decided to find out what would be the dominating design trends for the year 2017. As they say innovation is key to new designs, this year too, one would see some refreshing innovations. With millennials forming the major chunk of the buyers, sustainable green designs would be more appreciated. “This would be the year when sophisticated bling – tasteful glamour combined with luxury shine that is applied with finesse, taste and style would rule the design arena,” says Sangeeta Dewan, Principal Designer, Zoya.

Apart from various trends that would rule the design scene,demontization would have its impact on designs. Consumers would opt for designs that are elaborate and classy, yet little cheaper. This may give rise to buyers opting for alternate metals and gemstones. “Kundan jewellery would be in - when we talk in silver metal with gold plating as after demonetization we have seen a paradigm shift in consumer needs. They want to buy gold jewellery but are unable to pay so they want the same gold designs in silver metal, which is cheaper in cost and yet gives the feel of gold,” points out Sangeeta Boochra, Jewellery Designer, Silver Centre.

Let us have a look at the few major trends…

Multi-coloured Gemstone Jewellery

Gone are days when every consumer would prefer subtle yet simple colour white in jewellery or would opt for one colour gemstone jewellery. This year, there would be preference for multi-coloured gemstone jewellery.

“While diamonds and solid gold will still remain as wedding favourites, bejewelled pieces flaunting multi-coloured gemstones in an array of reds, greens, blues and yellows will make for covetable creations. Another rare variation that is likely to stand out are combinations of pinks and purples against traditional vintage backdrops, purely whimsical and feminine,” says Gautam Ghanasingh, CEO & Creative Director, Ghanasingh Be True. 

Multi-layered/ unconventional necklaces

Conventional is passé. Breaking the monotony of traditional layered necklaces, this year would see some longer, unrestricted layered necklaces being preferred by the jewellery lovers. “Bored of conventional necklaces, jewellery patrons are opting for longer, unrestricted necklaces. These necklaces could be layered, multi-strand ones, lariats, with beads or pearls. They can also be customized according to personal choices,” says Sangeeta Dewan.

Gautum Ghanasingh forecasts a wave of refreshing innovations in the world of bling and bijoux and translates into a new line of haute designs for his brand. He further adds “Most importantly, the highlight of this season will be new age necklace forms that range from body chains and symmetrical wraps around the neck to multi-chain and reversible options that flaunt two alternate variations.”

Natural Motifs

Nature has inspiration for designs in abundance. It has and it will keep inspiring designers albeit with some new twists to give it a refreshing look. “Designs inspired by delicate whimsical nature with playful details and sculpted 3-d forms especially as earrings and finger rings would be seen a lot giving a break from the technology and digital world. Raw surfaces and textures enhance the subtle sophistication inspired by nature,” says Garima Maheshwari, Jewellery Designer, Miliani Collection for Reliance Jewels.

Natural, Organic shapes and forms are popular. Florals in their beautiful authentic forms will be witnessing popularity this year. 

Tribal Silver Jewellery

Once being looked at as lesser metal, silver has become trendier and stylish and has found its place in fine jewellery due to its affordability and lustrous shine. “Tribal silver jewellery would dominate the market when we talk about silver finish jewellery - due to its vintage and classic feel - and more and more people are becoming aware of Indian heritage and jewellery what royals used to wear or what the old artisans made. It goes well with cotton clothes - suits and in summers it’s a must go,” says Sangeeta Boochra. 

Chokers & Statement Necklaces

“Chokers would continue to be the go to accessory –in newer silhouettes with all thick and thin avtars with a centre pendant or multi-stranded layered look or with delicate front open styles with dangling elements,” says Garima Maheshwari.

“Statement neckpieces and elaborate head gear should trend in 2017. The concept of multi-layering in neckpieces is very in and popular. Keeping with my brands’ tagline ‘A Jewel Shindig’, my pieces are a glitzy gathering of jewels coming together to be a part of a grand celebration. My designs offer a variety of distinctive designs and in the coming year, for jewellery, any kind of piece should be versatile - suitable for office and for various other occasions,” says Gauri Himatsingka, Jewellery Designer.

“Wearing coordinated jewellery sets are more likely to take a halt in favour of statement stand-alone pieces that stand out in contrast to couture,” points out Gautam Ghanasingh. While Sangeeta Dewan says “Dainty and delicate chokers with elements, forms and chains are becoming popular. Fine and flexible, these pieces create an elegant and delicate look.”

Greenery – the Pantone Colour of the Year

Pantone is the world famous colour authority and it influences the design trends, store merchandising, etc. Pantone has announced the 2017 colour of the year – Greenery! It describer colour of the year as “Greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate.”

What could be the better way to embrace this trend than jewellery?The yellow-green hue is perfectly captured in peridot. We may see ittrending in the jewellery this year. As the colour may find it limitations,back home emeralds may find their place to make up for the greenery. “Choice of stones is authentic, and old world. Emeralds are going to be popular due their rich, green colour,” says Sangeeta Dewan.

Emeralds are classic and can never go out of fashion. “Diamond jewellery with emeralds - they can never go out of style. Even after demonetization, buyers are willing to spend a big chunk of money on these jewellery due to its look and royal colour in nature. Columbian emeralds are ruling the market over zambian emeralds - due to its good quality and property,” adds Sangeeta Boochra.

Animal Motifs

Jewellery in shapes of animals and insects has been worn by women since a long time. In recent times, these motifs have been quite popular in fine jewellery as well. “Feisty jewel studded pieces inspired by the animal kingdom -especially bird motifs is expected to rule over runways. Think intricately ornate peacocks and majestic lions, jaguars, horses and elephants in the form of new age aesthetics such as chokers, bold hand cuffs and finger cuffs envisioned for the bold and edgy,” elaborates Gautam Ghanasingh.

Statement Earrings

Wearing statement earrings in various shapes and sizes has been quite a trend lately and it would continue to dominate this year, too. Talking further on earring and their popularity, Garima Maheshwari says “Earrings would reclaim their place as the most favourite statement accessory ranging from small danglers to extremely long –some that even dip down the shoulders as bare shoulders still remains the fashionable trend for the season.”

Geometrical or asymmetrical shapes

Asymmetry appeals to the youth more as it gives them individuality. Besides, asymmetry, a new line of designers are opting for geometrical shapes to make elegant jewellery pieces. Talking about the raw stylishness of these shapes, Sangeeta Dewan adds “Graphical, geometric, statement making earrings and bracelets which can be worn individually or stacked. The forms of these pieces are pure with raw elegance. These pieces can create a statement on their own. They need no other accessory along.”

Finger/wrist adornments

“Accessorizing the fingers with offbeat chained connectors two finger, three finger adornments would be in. Bold fingerings with focus on elaborate front views often used as a canvas for storytelling would be in vogue,” says Garima Maheshwari.

“Jewellery trends in 2017 will also include bracelets with chains, crystals and different use of coloured stones like aquamarine, corals, turquoise in them,” mentions Gauri Himatsingka.