A Modern Twist to Valentine’s Day Jewels

3D Printing and CAD design has provided unlimited potential of what jewelry designers can do in the 21st century. Now it’s time to use this technology to create jewelry designs that test the boundaries of our most cherished traditional holidays.

For Valentine’s Day hearts and flowers are the most popular themes for jewelry design. Those who are able to put a modern twist on these traditional design motifs should attract new audiences to their work. Retailers are looking at new ways to attract consumers (particularly younger ones) and designers who are able to produce contemporary looks to traditional themes will be a step ahead in this area as well.

So the goal is creating contemporary designs using traditional themes while still managing to keep the traditional romantic appeal of the year’s most romantic holiday.

White metals, such as silver, platinum and palladium, along with pink and rose gold convey romance. These are also the metals that can easily be used to create more modern design techniques. This is the one time of year where colorless diamonds shine, perfect for white metals in particular. There are good reasons why white diamonds and metals are associated with bridal jewelry. White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection and it represents a successful beginning.

Amethyst is the February birthstone but unfortunately its royal purple color doesn’t really express romantic intent but rather power. If you use it do it sparingly, as highlights for other gems. Instead go for pink and orange and light blues that include citrines, sapphires of various colors, and gems like aquamarine and beryl. You can’t go wrong with red or even green gems as well, such as rubies, rubellite, red spinel, emeralds and green topaz. Pearls, particularly black Tahitians, work well with white metals for a modern appeal.

When creating pieces, look toward modern architecture and interior design inspirations with simple, minimalistic forms that define clear concepts. Eliminate details—such as large bouquets, repeating themes or elaborate presentation of gems, which are so much a part of traditional romantic jewels. Surfaces should be smooth and sleek with clean lines.

By taking these approaches, designers can place a creative new twist on a traditional holiday theme that should be appreciated by jewelry buyers young and old.