Picture the usually rounded prong with the rounded part sliced off, leaving the prong flat and flush with the diamond. Its a reflection of the fashion world's renewed interest in black and white clothing, though these jewelry styles also look smashing with bright primary colored clothes as a backdrop. Green and blue gems were also ubiquitous. Color combinations seen at spring shows drew imitators, with blue topaz joining rhodolite garnet, for example. Iolite and amethysts were popular, as the color purple stays strong in clothing.
Beads remain but look fresher in diminutive versions.
Bold saturated gems are replacing pastels in the color palettes of designers and manufacturers. Gems cut so the surfaces look like shimmering clear water also looked fresh, especially in peridot, blue topaz and pink tourmaline. In pearls, fewer pastels are seen and black and white predominate. Coin and faceted pearls also made strong appearances. Precious Metals Enamel is more apparent as manufacturers look for less-expensive ways to display color.