The Color Field

By Monica Clare McLaughlin, Production Editor -- JCK Online, November 1, 2003

Colored gemstones of every hue and pearls of every persuasion continue to inspire jewelry designers and boost sales in the volume market.

Consumers in the volume jewelry market are still captivated by color. Perennial favorites like the Big Three, amethyst, and blue topaz compete for attention alongside other popular choices like opal, mother-of-pearl, and Mystic Topaz. The warm tones of citrine and garnet—so well suited to the demands of fall fashion—are turning those stones into big sellers, and on the mass-market level, shoppers are still partial to pink. Pink tourmaline, pink sapphires, and rhodolite garnet all complement the pink clothing seen in the autumn and winter collections of such companies as Express, Banana Republic, and Gap.

Meanwhile, pearls remain a surefire consumer draw, as freshwaters, akoyas, Tahitians, and even South Sea varieties are being used in both fashion-forward and classic designs. But unless you're resort-bound, that Tahitian pearl toe ring may have to be put away for the chilly winter months!