The growing trend of coloured stones - diamonds or semi-precious - has resulted in an almost endless palette of hues to choose from, not to mention size, cut and clarity. It can be a dizzying experience trying to pick which colours you like or which shades suit you best. Affordability is another matter to consider.
Thankfully, there is another option for those looking to make a bold yet elegant statement. This year many jewellers are presenting alternative collections featuring pieces in black and white.
Jewellery houses have designs where white diamonds are paired with either black onyx or white enamel, from rings to cuffs, necklaces and brooches with stunning results.
Paring down to black and white is not only challenging for designers, but also realises the endless possibilities in terms of materials and design.
Art Deco seems a continuous theme running through many collections, harking back to the 1920s when style was seen as glamorous, elegant, functional and modern.
A reaction against the forced austerity from the first world war, Art Deco was an opulent style based on geometric shapes and a combination of eclectic styles.
With this in mind, Cartier takes its inspiration from the Art Deco period, presenting pieces with designs that feature a series of black and white ovals to create a hypnotic effect on rings, bracelets and earrings.