Small but mighty and packing a hue-tiful punch

I asked a number of exhibitors, retailers, and bloggers what they thought to be trending for 2016, and, among a list of other things (that you can read here), nearly all of them said color. If you’re thinking, isn’t color always popular?, you’d be correct. But it’s often how and in what form color is making its big showing, and in this regard, there are many answers. Some say opal (yes!), others say rainbow jewelry (fun!). Others still, are experiencing a blue period, with topaz, aquamarine, and turquoise taking the top spot on their list of customer demands. All good beloved things, that I think really just come down to personal preference (of both the jewelry designer and the customer).

Here’s my take on what’s making color so great right now, and it may not be what you expect. It’s not the big, scene-stealing pieces that have their pull on me (though, those are superb, too). Rather, it’s the small pops of color, in unassuming styles that are soft and sweet, but pack a punch anyway. Each piece is beloved on its own but can be built upon by combining various pieces to make one big, impactful grouping. These styles remain consistent with my current appreciation for all things fairly simple and small, while satiating that need for something to bright.

 

South Beach collection ring in 14k yellow gold with garnet and smoky quartz, $495; Andy Götz

 

Pavla earrings in 18k rose gold with 0.7 ct. t.w. pink tourmalines and 0.04 ct. t.w. diamonds, $700; Ayva Jewelry

 

Ring in 18k white gold with 0.26 ct. rount brilliant diamond and 0.5 ct. t.w. French-cut rubies, $3,069; Beverley K

 

Evil eye bangle in sterling silver with a turquoise doublet and white sapphires, $245; Charles Garnier

 

Bar stud earrings in 14k yellow gold with 0.07 ct. t.w. pink sapphires, $325; EF Collection

 

Choker necklace in suede and 14k yellow gold with 0.15 ct. turquoise cabochon and diamonds, $2,150; Fern Freeman

 

Rosebud skinny bar ring in 14k yellow gold with citrine baguettes, $915; Jane Taylor Jewelry

 

Gumdrop stud earrings in 14k yellow gold with 2.5 cts. t.w. chrysoprase, $370; Judi Powers

 

Satellite lavalier necklace in 14k yellow gold with 2.5 ct. brown sapphire and 0.75 ct. blue diamond, $1,485; Lulu Designs

 

Heritage collection small rings in 14k yellow gold with Australian opal, rose-cut diamonds, and tourmaline, prices start at $395; Nina Nguyen Designs

 

Floating cuff bracelet in 14k rose gold with 3.36 cts. t.w. amethyst and 0.14 ct. t.w. diamonds, $820; Shy Creation

 

Mini Margarita earrings in 18k yellow gold with 1 ct. t.w. olivine and diamonds, price on request; Carerra y Carerra

 

Kristyn Kylie gemstone necklace in 14k white gold with 0.35 ct. t.w. light blue sapphires and 0.03 ct. t.w. diamonds, $440; Dana Rebecca Designs

 

Galaxy collection stud earrings in recycled 18k white gold with 3.43 cts. t.w. amethyst and 0.24 ct. t.w. diamonds, $1,130; Arya Esha

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