Spring Racing Carnival.

The Melbourne cup is fast approaching, so shopping for the perfect outfit is in full swing. This year my style choices incorporate the current love affair with floral prints and a little Mad Men style, with a black backdrop (cannot resist). the dress is a short Valentino. The shoes, Tony Bianco wedges. Wedges are an excellent choice if you don’t want to sink slowly into the grass and ruin your heels on the day and also have the added comfort factor. The  Sydney milliner Jonathon Howard Hatmaker made this gorgeous piece and the sunglasses are Dandy by Le Specs. With so much going on with the print I have chosen to echo the print with a delicate Clover Bracelet. The ring is a Pink Tourmaline Stack Ring teamed with some patterned fine gold stackers to make a statement. A cocktail ring or big cabochon ring is a great way to add a little glam to an outfit. Don’t forget the bag, something with a chain strap perhaps , so that you can juggle your champagne flute, canapés and winnings!

Left to right:  Circle Cuffs, sterling silver or 18k gold plated brass. Horseshoe fine chain bracelet, 9k yellow gold. Horseshoe Rope ring. Sideways ring. Signature Porter Ring with claw set oval lemon quartz, in sterling silver.

Jewellery Trends 2012/13…

The Spring/Summer 2012/13 ready-to-wear shows saw fashion names, like Valentino and Gucci,serve up pastels,art deco styles and floral-patterned art nouveau-influenced clothes, with its romantic forms and undulating lines. Melissa Harris witnessed numerous designs and collections that echoed these feminine, intensely romantic designs at the JCK Jewellery Show in Las Vegas this year.Melissa attends the event every year, which involves 2500 participating companies from 22 countries, to uncover new labels and fledgling designers for her store in Paddington.

“It’s wonderful to see all the new designers, gain inspiration and stay abreast of trends. I began my career in California, so it has a special place in my heart. My own jewellery debut was a small collection of necklaces at LA EYEWORKS on MELROSE in 1988,” says Melissa.

“Romantic designs abound this year,” said Melissa. Art nouveau is exotic and naturalistic in its essence, and designers took inspiration from leaves, flowers, insects, feathers (especially peacock plumes) and wings. Opals and moonstones made a statement amongst many of the designs.

A nod to nouveau style.

“One of the pieces that caught my eye was by jewellery designer Paul Morelli. His art nouveau diamond bangle was stunningly beautiful,” said Melissa.

Art Deco was still strong, with its structure and architectural lines evident in the collections. The jazz age was a strong period for jewellery design so it’s no wonder that it’s influence still resonates today. The highly anticipated release of Baz Luhrmann’s Great Gatsby will surely boost the popularity of this style of jewellery also.

Colour was huge, with fire opals and carnelian filling the tangerine trend. Turquoise also featured prominently throughout the show–tsavorite and green amethyst were also in abundance.

2012/13 jewellery trends included:

• Winged Victory – Winged designs that ranged from protective to transformative. Ranging from romantic to those with a rock & roll edge, peacock feathers to Native American style, feathers proved to be a strong motif again this year.
• The Moon and Stars – Celestial shapes and styles shone brightly.
• Organics – Gemstone cutsranged from precious gem slices, irregular shapes and polished rough cuts. Rustic diamonds galore.
• Gold Spun – Yellow gold was key, with lace and woven styles making a strong showing.
• Coming up Roses –Rose Gold was also showing up in many of the couture designer’s work. Melissa predicts rose gold will continue its resurgence next season.
• Oh my God – Opals are seeing a true resurgence in a variety of different types and cuts.

Orange was the hero colour of the JAA trade show.