Gold return

Platinum, white gold, and silver, also known as the white metals, have been growing in popularity over the past few years. In fact, platinum is so popular now for bridal related jewelry, even chain stores such as Service Merchandise now carry a line of platinum bridal sets. However, gold continues to be the bread and butter of your average fine jewelry store. So, though gold never really fell out of favor, it’s back in a big way. In fact, big and bold is the luxury look in gold jewelry. JCK refers to this look as retro since it is considered a return to the decadent 80s. (Yes, believe it or not, the 80s are now retro!)

After size, karats count as a trend in gold. JCK explains this trend is due to the affects of "multiculturalism" on jewelry designers who are being influenced by African, Indian, and Asian cultures where 22 to 24 karats are the norm. I found this particularly interesting since it seemed to take so long to see even 18 karat gold jewelry available in your average jewelry store. Can you imagine making jewelry using 22 karat gold wire? Yes, scary but so beautiful too!