FASHIONS IN JEWELLERY

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 57, 4 September 1926, Page 17

FASHIONS IN JEWELLERY

THE TIDE TURNING.

In the overseas "Daily Mail," published in London, the chairman of the National Jewellers' Association (Mr. G-. L. Joseph) made some interesting comments on the British jewellery trade. "One great change that has been apparent during the past few month*," he said, "has been the forsaking of cheap jewellery for high-class articles. At no other period since the war has there been such a call for 'rich' jewellery as during the past six or twelve months. It seems that women at last are recovering from the shyness o£ the first few years after the Armistice. It was a peculiar position that prevailed then. During the war it was considered in some quarters quite bad taste to make a display of precious things, and after the Armistice one heard more of the word 'profiteer' than, perhaps, of any other. It was no surprise then that women were rather chary of wearing jewels in case the charge of 'profiteer' be levelled at them or whispered about them. There are signs of a distinct change. Today she is wearing less in bulk but more in value. And she realises that she obtains a far greater effect. Although much lees in bulk is being worn, yet all articles of jewellery, such as rings, brooches, earrings, bracelets, and the like, are bigger. "Possibly the two most noticeable revivals are earrings and elaborate bracelets, which, in many cases, cover two to three inches of the wrist. Very delicate and daintily set earrings are on the market at the moment, and all sorts of precious and semi-precious stones are being utilised in the endeavour to harmonise with the colour and motif of the dress. Such rare and charming stones as Chinese jade, lapislazuli, real green chrysoprase, golden carnelian, blood-red coral, and black onyx, are all employed, with diamonds, pearls, and other costly gems, to create the present style o£ long drop, earrings, which, in I many cases, reach almost to the shoulders. Diamond bracelets from %in to IViia in width are very fashionable. In the majority of cases these are entirely «tudded with fine brilliants; in some cases one finds them picked out and ornamented with ruby and black onyx in combination. Emerald, rubies, and sapphires are very much -used, while Egyptian ornaments; also, are fashionable at the moment. "Women o£ the present day,, as wall as the dressmakers, are beginning to realise that jewels to be effective must harmonise with the dresses worn. The predominance of platinum as a setting for jewellery is very noticeable. .This is partly due to the dictates of Dame Fashion, and partly because platinum is a more suitable and durable setting for diamonds and other gems." Regarding men, the speaker said:—"For years man has worn very little jewellery, and although he is content with bare necessities in this direction, yet he, too, is lending an ear to the call of fashion. The latest for men include platinum-ringed and pearl-centred studs for dress shirts and many new designs of cuff links."