From Drake to Kylie Jenner – why diamond jewellery is a hot gender-neutral accessories trend
Luxury houses like Chanel, Harry Winston and Cartier are meeting the demand for gender-neutral jewellery with casual designs that are immensely popular
Jewellers have all but embraced the gender-neutral trend, creating pieces with hints of sparkle by way of diamonds. There’s plenty of interest in fine and demi-fine design from luxury jewellers, too, and this uptick in demand appears to have liberated the stone: maisons are creating youthful and casual designs, all sporting a light sprinkling of small diamonds.
This plays into the consumer’s increasing desire to incorporate small amounts of luxury and glamour into daily life. Simple luxe accents such as dainty bracelets from Boucheron’s Bohème or Cartier’s Love and Juste un Clou collections are popular, as more buyers opt for versions paved with small diamonds.
Cartier’s latest fine jewellery collection, Clash de Cartier, is popular thanks to its edgy, geometric lines. Offering the option of many diamonds or a just few, these rings and bangles can be stacked and worn with some of the house’s other collections.
Claire Choisne, Boucheron’s creative director, agrees that jewellery today is increasingly being created – and worn – to reflect a person’s style, rather than gender. Referencing the house’s latest design – chains that can be worn as a necklace, bracelet or belt – Choisne says fine jewellery and diamonds are no longer designed especially for women: “We do not define the design as either for men or women. It’s designed for whomever the piece appeals to.”
Offering the option of many diamonds or a few, these rings and bangles can be stacked and worn with some of the house’s other collections.
While investing in big ticket, full-carat pieces may not be an option for many luxury-seeking beginners, these “gateway” designs are a great way to indulge in the beautiful, natural shimmer of diamonds at a more approachable price point. It is also a convenient way for those looking to experiment with diamonds in small doses.
The liberation of the diamond is a somewhat contemporary concept, since the stone has long been a symbol of power for men of stature. During the 20th century, the idea flourished that things that glitter should be reserved for women, resulting in only a few fashionable men daring to embrace diamonds.
The Cartier Love bracelet is perhaps the most successful example of diamonds as acceptable fashion accessories.