Jewelry Forecast

Jewelry Forecast and News - What's Hot (and not) for 2004

Gold jewelry will return as a strong seller in 2004 as consumers combine their desire for long lasting beauty with an increased awareness of gold's investment potential. Gold jewelry with strong enamel accents and gold jewelry with large gemstones are predicted to be big sellers this year.

Sales of platinum jewelry went through the roof in late 2003 and are expected to remain strong the first half of 2004. The increased sales are attributed to "luxury purchases" rather than any inherent increased value or beauty of platinum.

While on the topic of luxury, Sotheby's recently announced that they would handle the sale of nine Fabergé Imperial Easter Eggs which are currently part of the Forbes Collection. This is the largest private collection of eggs and the second largest known collection. The Kremlin claims the largest collection with ten eggs. The Imperial Eggs and other Fabergé pieces will be auctioned at Sotheby's in New York City on April 20 and 21, 2004. This exquisite collection includes "The Hen Egg" which was the very first Fabergé Easter egg commissioned by Tsar Alexander III in 1885.

Fashion and design trends for any given season play a major role in determining the upcoming year's jewelry trends. Fashion Era (http://fashion-era.com) has a website that offers up some good insight into how trends in textiles, colors and fabrics combine to provide a framework for establishing jewelry and accessory needs for any given year or season. Jewelry and other accessories should complement rather than contradict the mood and fashion statement of the wearer. Some of what's hot in jewelry for 2004 can also be found at the Fashion Era website.

The public awareness and outcry surrounding the controversy over "conflict diamonds" continues to mount. Conflict diamonds are illegally traded diamonds that provide a "money laundering" venue for rebel and guerilla activities, predominantly in Africa. The international community has worked and continues to diligently work toward preventing the sale of said conflict diamonds into the legitimate stream of commerce.

Watch for a big "push" in right-hand diamond ring sales. The Diamond Trading Company has recently instituted a marketing campaign to promote "right hand" diamond ring sales. The campaign is appropriately entitled "Women of the World, Raise Your Right Hand". The diamond rings favored in this campaign will feature open designs with a vertical, or north-south, orientation. The diamond ring styles include modern vintage, contemporary, floral and romantic.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend and what girl ever has enough friends! Browse our large selection of Ladies Diamond Rings to find your "right hand" diamond.