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This was the year of the costume jewelry statement necklace—oversized in scale with big, bold stones and often in triple-digit prices. Retailers reported little price resistance for these artful designs, and many vendors added “highest-ever” priced pieces to their assortments.
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In response to necklace demand, bracelets slipped a bit from 2007 heights as a portion of retail assortment.
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Long necklaces—in assorted shaped links, multiple metal chains, asymmetrical styles, long pearls and novelty beads—continued.
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Stackable, enamel bangles sold by the armful, particularly in bold colors. One department store noted selling “thousands” of hinged enamel bangles. Stacks of stretch bracelets in fun styles—like colored pyramid studs—were hot too.
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Artsy necklaces stole the show, with unique material mixes and shapes.
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Chandelier earrings began their big comeback, which will continue—the perfect accessory for strapless and one-shouldered tops and dresses (particularly on the Red Carpet).
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Color was key in all jewelry categories, with bright hand-painted resin, glass and crystal beads.
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Specialty chains made gains developing distinct, store-branded jewelry—notably J. Crew, Banana Republic and Club Monaco.
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The home party jewelry shopping concept grew, with more sophisticated fashion lines like Stella & Dot and Lia Sophia.
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The peace sign turned 50 in 2008 and peace pendants made a strong statement at all pricepoints, from oversized metal symbols to elegant diamond designs and everything in between. The junior market was first on this trend.
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Manufacturers hyped eco-chic jewelry—from reused vintage elements to sustainable rain forest tagua nuts. Manufacturing cooperatives in Third-World countries producing Fair Trade jewelry gained traction.
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Bridge and costume jewelry barriers dissolved at the designer level, with retailers mixing costume with sterling.
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Vintage-style designs—from flea-market inspired, monogrammed pendants to antiqued metal chains— remained strong, particularly in brass or gold.
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Lanvin (pearls or stones with ribbon ties) and Marni (bold, asymmetrical plastic and wood combos) remained influential.
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Pearls were hot. Long strands were freshest to juniors, while shorter classic styles seemed to celebrate women in politics.
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Delicate, sentimental and inspirational jewelry was key—with Love, Hope, Faith and Peace messages helped ease today’s tough times.
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Precious metals spiked last March (gold topped $1,000/oz. while silver hit $20/oz.). When manufacturers didn’t (reluctantly) absorb the price increases, retailers with consistent open-to-buy dollars had to shrink bridge departments to accommodate higher prices.
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Stainless steel, popular in Europe, particularly Italy, trickled into the jewelry market as a viable alternative to pricey precious metals.
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Sterling silver came out flat to slightly down, with basic replenishment items—hoops, CZ, and peace signs—performing best. Clear CZ remained 50% to 65% of the CZ business.
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Vermeil—24 karat gold over sterling—continued strong, echoing golden hues in fashion jewelry. Key classifications were earrings, chain and boxed gifts.
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At the high end, unusual diamonds (black, raw, roughcut, rose-cut) added a hip angle to fine jewelry.
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Fine gold jewelry felt the squeeze with the luxury customer, although rising gold prices added to the metal’s “intrinsic value,” re-emphasizing the value of gold as an investment, according to a study by the World Gold Council
