Add a little colour to your life.

Whether it is a result of happenings in the world today or just the simple need for a change, consumers today are definitely looking for a little colour in their lives. Led by the Italians, jewellery designers have started the move away from the more classical look of white diamonds with white gold or platinum and have begun to use more colour in their designs. This was a change that began in Italy two or three years ago but like all things Italian, it has now spread throughout the different jewellery markets.

This trend has been seen at all the major trade shows throughout Europe and now in the USA. Colour is back and there is not a more perfect partner to enhance the coloured gemstones available today than the queen of gems, the white, cultured South Sea pearl. This combination opens the door for some beautiful designs incorporating the lustrous white South Sea pearls and both precious and semi-precious stones set in gold or platinum, teamed with emeralds, the new popular brown diamond, the sapphire and even the perfect look for summer, the turquoise. All colours are enhanced by forming a perfect partnership with white South sea cultured pearls.

Some of the world's top designers are now using white South Sea pearls with other precious and semi-precious gems to create unique and colourful looks. Every woman's dream is to own a perfect strand of white South Sea pearls, but their dreams need not stop there. Today's new use of colour means that there are so many other variations to consider - beautiful pearl strands with the pearls interspersed by white and black diamonds to give a light feel to a strand. Large single white South Sea pearls at the end of a drop consisting of citrine, amethyst and other semi-precious stones, all hanging from a black leather choker redefine pearl jewellery, giving it a variety and appeal for the younger wearer. Designs such as these can be worn with jeans, with summer dresses, or with that little black dress. And for a more sophisticated event pearls look stunning teamed with sapphires, both pink and blue, and diamonds in designs that enhance and promote the fabulous lustre of the perfect white South Sea.

Today's consumer can choose from a variety of shapes, styles and designs. Chunky rings are the new summer accessory; a simple pearl ring is replaced by two pearls side by side and linked by diamonds set in yellow gold for new warmth. Pearl chokers with tiny amethyst droplets complimenting the pearl, bracelets from pale coloured keshi pearls and stunning necklaces complete the look this summer.