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A Digital Alchemist is someone who combines technology with tradition to create better design. We are at a juncture in history where technology has advanced so quickly that we barely understand how to use it properly. People are quick to abandon traditional techniques that were used to design and create mankind’s most beautiful jewelry. Tough economic times have forced business owners to redefine themselves and leaders in the industry are telling them that technology has the answers. These leaders would say there is a revolution in the industry going on; and if you’re not part of it; you will be left behind. A Digital Alchemist would say that it is an evolution going on, and that the future of the industry depends on not forgetting the past.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Pantone Color of the Year: Influence on Jewelry

As designers, salespeople and merchandisers a part of our job is understanding color and using that understanding to influence our daily decisions.  Pantone, the color experts make our jobs easier by doing research into "color influences", they look to the entertainment and arts industries.  Pantone looks at films in production, art exhibits, emerging artists, popular travel destinations, sporting events on the global stage and other varied socioeconomic conditions.  They also analyze how technology might affect manufacturing (availability of new textures) and its effect on the presentation of color.

The influence of Pantone's color of the year can be seen in many industries, including clothing, housewares, bedding, pillows, interior design, paint and makeup colors.  We in the jewelry industry should be aware of these trends and use this information to optimize our success.  Utilize it in our designs, sales presentations, packaging, and marketing materials.  Show your customer you are the trend setters.  I suggest keeping a collection of images to show your customers how to connect the dots and create a cohesive design aesthetic throughout their lives.  This will empower both you and your customer.

  Tangerine Tango on the Runway: Elie Tahari Spring/Summer 2012 photo: Gerardo Somoza

 A little color theory goes a long way.  Understanding color schemes will make everything easier.  Two types of color schemes are analogous and complimentary.  Analogous schemes are made up of colors tightly grouped on the color wheel.  Complimentary schemes mix cool with warm colors, by using opposites on the color wheel and a pleasing balance of saturation.  To apply this to jewelry we look to colored gemstones and find there are many options which can be used for many styles and price ranges.

Gemstones that are available in orange include spessartite garnet, zircon, fire opal,
sapphire, tourmaline, imperial topaz, moonstone, star moonstone, citrine, andesine, hessonite garnet, carnelian, and coral.

 Blue being the compliment to orange gives us these gemstones.  sapphire, tanzanite, topaz, zircon, spinel, aquamarine, apatite, lapis lazuli, sodalite, tourmaline, paraiba tourmaline, rainbow moonstone, iolite, kyanite, agate, and flourite.

Some people think it is hard to sell colored stone jewelry.  I believe a better understanding of color and its influences on our daily lives will open up a world of possibilities.








Posted by at 6:40:00 PM

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