Exhibitors at this year’s JCK Show ~ Las Vegas showed their colors. Turquoise was the favorite, but orange hues such as coral, carnelian, mandarin garnet, fire opal, and citrine also livened up showcases, and the subtle rainbows of stones like opal, mother-of-pearl, and abalone had plenty of admirers. Even colorful silicone rubber cords contributed to the spectrum of hues brightening the displays. Many designers employed contrast to create harmony. Bold color combinations—think turquoise and coral—were popular, as were two-tone gold designs and pieces incorporating polished and matte finishes.

Other promising trends spotted at the show include message jewelry, especially lockets and charm bracelets; one-of-a-kind pieces; the use of rough stones in finished jewelry; versatile, convertible styles such as earrings that go from day to evening by adding a detachable drop; and touches of nostalgia. White akoya pearls also were popular, both in classic strand form and paired with colored stones or diamonds.

In watches, the big trend was just that—big. The growing popularity of large watches (usually 40 mm to 46 mm in diameter) was evident throughout the show’s Time Square. Once intended for the men’s market, oversized watches—upscale in price, and now often colorful and accented with diamonds—are becoming a popular accessory for more American women. And thanks to their larger numerals and day/date displays, they’re also sought by aging—and affluent—Baby Boomers.

Noticeable, too, was watch vendors’ greater use of gold and gold-plated lines as well as diamonds. The precious materials were used to enhance their timepieces as they put more emphasis on “quality” and “value” in their marketing. Another trend showing no sign of fading is the use of vibrant colors on dials and bands, especially in upscale watches.