Flower Power and Colored Diamonds Accelerate New Trends in 2009

While not a brand new trend, flower power rings are sprouting up like tulips on a spring day. A fresh and whimsical approach to fine jewelry, this "fresh picked" look is appealing to celebrities, such as Ali Larter of "Heroes," the baby boomer crowd and even the tweens. An iconic symbol that once held political connotations, the look today is for the gal who wants to exercise the freedom to be happy and carefree.

While the look has been forwarded by a variety of jewelry designers, it's gaining recent momentum in step with the 60s pop art flavor prevalent in jewelry fashion today. Consumers may recognize the trend is inspired by the some of the leading fine artists and designs of the 1960s, including works by Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and others. An edgy, fun rock n' roll feel may be thrown in for good measure.

While plenty of baby boomers have fond memories of the decade of change, the recent ring trend isn't necessarily a return to flower power politics. Instead, it represents an apolitical and fanciful approach popular the last couple of years in Europe. Called "the happy look," the lighthearted mood is a welcome fashion style for the U.S. market given current economic events. The 50th birthday of the happy face symbol makes the trend even timelier.

Some of the notable designers of the look include Roberto Coin, La Reina, Sevan, Super Bell, and DiLuca, according to Modern Jeweler. But plenty of other designers are also jumping on the board with similar design concepts. Many of today's most influential designers are adding 60s-inspired items to their collections. There's no shortage of concepts from which to draw, from the yoga diva look to other flower power influences felt on the runway.

The kaleidoscope of color makes these super-sized beauties especially fun to wear. Petals are dazzling in a luxurious sprinkling of gemstones and small center gemstones. From bold to pastels, the cacophony of colors is breathtaking. Meanwhile, proving that the rose-shaped ring can smell as sweet, John Hardy's collection even includes a bouquet of "scent" rings that open to hold a drop of the wearer's favorite perfume.

The color shake-up continues in 2009 jewelry fashion with the growing interest and attention towards natural colored diamonds. Growing consumer curiosity and a rising interest among the industry has lead to a recent initiative by the Natural Color Diamond Association (NCDIA) to fill this developing niche.

The demand for colored diamonds has exceeded demand for the preceding decade, according to an article in the LA Times. Even in light of the recent economic downturn and the higher price tag of colored diamonds, jewelry and fashion experts believe consumers will still continue to accelerate this trend, looking to the higher end for fashion direction. Growing education in the value of colored diamonds and awareness of celebrities sporting colored stones is driving consumer desire. In fact, predictions point out 2009 as a particularly good year for all shades of yellow diamonds, which have proven to be fashion favorites. In addition, growing prices in white diamonds - D through I - are making yellow diamonds a better value for many buyers.

These beauties are found not only in yellow, but literally every color of the rainbow, including black, pink, red, green, blue, green, and purple. In fact, nearly 300 colors have been identified thus far. Not only are they trendy, but colored diamonds are also a solid investment, holding their value longest over the colorless diamond.

In anticipation of the growing interest in colored diamonds, the NCDIA is marketing to a variety of price ranges, from the ultimate luxury level, such as auction houses, to mass market programs including chains and department stores.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora charms, Pandora bracelets and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.