AROUND THE WORLD IN GOLD
The World Gold Council booth at the Basel fair showcases leading gold jewelry designs from countries around the world. Here are highlights of the jewelry shown there in April or featured in the council's 11th Gold Trends Book:
France -- rings and chokers with soft-linked chains or substantial pendants.
Germany -- matching sets of bracelets and earrings in rigid, geometrical forms.
England -- selected pieces from an 18k designer collection characterized by floral motifs, generous shapes and rope work.
Italy -- jewelry with interwoven braided work, gold crafting techniques evocative of ancient times and innovative techniques such as electroforming.
U.S. -- designs with geometric, symbolic and floral motifs with unusual surface treatment.
Japan -- jewelry in 18k and 24k g