As the jewellery industry embraced its largest show of the UK calendar, and we all united for four days of mayhem and madness (and hopefully some serious transactions!), I have been thinking about what trends I spotted this year and how that will translate to the end user.

There is a lot of emphasis today about how catwalk trends filter their way down to the high street, and how the consumer can take that trend and make it their own, so I have decided to dedicate this month’s installment to an IJL STREET STYLE SPECIAL. I have hand-picked some prominent faces from the UK jewellery industry and looked at how they interpret the industry trends; after all they are the ones creating them in the first place!

First up I am wearing a mixture of all my favorite designers, fusing both fine and fashion; a cult classic Shaun Leane tusk bangle, a classic Rolex watch, my engagement ring by SHO Fine Jewellery, a chubby diamond frog necklace and gold and diamond ‘Love’ bracelet by the brilliant Lebanese designer Nayla Arida, a white topaz and gold pated bangle and a chunky gold plated ‘Muse’ cocktail ring by Lebanese designer Joanna Dahdah.

Retail Jeweller editor Laura Mccreddie and deputy Kate Donovan are looking chic in black, and embracing a certain ‘street style cool’ with lots of layering of funky pieces.

Laura is wearing Katie Rowland earrings, a beautiful ornate perfume bottle by Bjorg, a three dimensional gold star necklace by Yuki Mitsuyasu, an Alice Meater gold ‘nut and bolt’ cuff, an Allumer torch friendship bracelet, the fashionista’s favourite pig ring by FSA, an Alexander McQueen silver skull ring and a Bremont Solo watch.

Kate is wearing a classic peacock feather necklace and hoop earrings by former UK Jewellery Designer of the Year Alex Monroe, a slinky gold ring and smoky quartz ring by Gilda’s Tryst, a Daisy Chakra bracelet and a big gold Guess watch.

Former Links of London Creative Director; Elizabeth Galton has just launched her much anticipated jewellery and accessories website, featuring a great selection of contemporary emerging and established designers - www.elizabethgaltonstudio.comElizabeth is pictured with young rising star; Joanna Dahdah. Joanna recently graduated from Central St Martin’s and has already collected a host of design awards and recognition.

Elizabeth is looking effortlessly cool carrying the transitional autumn trends with a funky summer dress and tasseled boots. She teams this with a classic pair of diamond studs, a Swarovski Goddess cuff by the catwalk jeweler Jenny Manik Mercian, famous for her breathtaking catwalk collaboration with US lingerie brand Victoria Secrets, and an EG Classic skull wrap bracelet designed by Elizabeth herself.

Joanna continuing the cool street chic, is wearing gold earrings from her new Double collection, a Double two finger stacking ring with pave black spinel, a delicate gold and diamond pendant and a classic big gold ball pedant from her award winning Muse collection.

The industry powerhouse Shaun Leane is looking incredibly slick wearing his pin sharp grey suit, skinny tie and on trend ‘geek chic’ reading glasses, and just a hint of rebellion with his leather woven gold and onyx gold vertebrae wrap, and chunky gold vertebrae bracelet. Love love love!

Sarah Ho of SHO Jewellery standing with her fabulous new Couture Collection, and looking a picture of elegance wearing a silver Mari Splash pendant and matching cuff, bespoke smoky topaz and diamond ring, diamond Coin ear studs, a lucky jade bangle that she never takes off, a ‘5 Blessings’ friendship bracelet and her bespoke engagement and wedding band combination.

Newly crowned Designer of the Year at this year’s UK Jewellery Awards; Tomasz Donocik sporting his usual discerning style, hanging out by his stand wearing a leather wrap star bracelet, a silver and bronze halo bracelet, a super cool snake spine bracelet, a spider and ant wrap bracelet, a star chain bracelet and ring, a star hematite pendant, a double horse head and a large gun pendant, all from his collections.

Finally I managed to catch up with the legendary Willie Hamilton and Sarah Carpin of CMJ, their stand was buzzing with people, and excitement over the newly launched CMJ Media.
Sarah was wearing the infamous Turkish designer Gurhan, his signature 24ct beaten gold and silver necklace, earrings and ring from his recent collection. Somehow, everything Gurhan does it spot on, and his recent expansion through out the UK just goes to show the consumers love it too. Sarah is also wearing Tomasz’s star wrap bracelet, some Monica Vinader stacking rings and a big gold Guess watch.

Willie is wearing the CMJ Crest that has been designed as a suit pin by a young jewellery graduate and a beautiful classic Piaget watch, with a bespoke strap made especially for him.

Well this season is clearing all about layering and wrapping, mixing and matching materials from metals to leathers, and wearing fashion jewellery next to fine. The individual interpreting the trends and giving it the personal touch. I did notice the embrace and support of immerging brands, and very little big name brands, except when it comes to watches; we still seem to like to wear the recognised brands. I also noticed a distinct lack of charms….so maybe that ship has finally sailed.

By Alex Gregory-Peake
Director of specialist jewellery consultancy, Auric.
www.auriclondon.com