Trend: Catwalk jewellery looks for Autumn / Winter 2018

November 16, 2018

By Jodie Smith

5 min read

The catwalks are the first place that the world turns to when seeking out latest trends, and interpreting the zeitgeist in fashion. In recent years couture runways have also begun to feature more and more jewellery in their presentations, and the Autumn / Winter 2018 shows were certainly no exception.

Chunky, masculine chains combine several fashionable themes; statement jewellery, masculine styling and seventies aesthetics. These necklaces with thick, bold chain links were spotted on the runways of Chloe, Miu Miu and Giambattista Valli in precious metals with Perspex and crystal details. The fine jewellery version of these hefty necklaces can be found in Pomellato’s ‘Tango’ necklace, resplendent in 18k yellow gold and set with diamonds. These large, sautoir length chains were styled over layers of clothing for both maximum impact, and practical winter outfit options!

Chloe, Miu Miu and Giambattista Valli A/W 2018 catwalks

Chloe, Miu Miu and Giambattista Valli A/W 2018 catwalks

 Pomellato 'Tango' necklace with diamonds in 18k rose gold

Pomellato 'Tango' necklace with diamonds in 18k rose gold

Hoop earrings have been one of the most pervasive jewellery trends of the last year, with broader styles being popular throughout fashion and fine jewellery alike. The latest iteration of hoop earrings is slightly off-kilter and more obscure – think asymmetrical shapes and surreal forms rather than simple, circular rings. Fernando Jorge’s ‘Stream’ earrings fit the bill perfectly; available in jade, chalcedony and brown diamond versions, all on 18 karat yellow gold. A whole host of fashion houses accessorised their Autumn / Winter 2018 looks with unusual hoop earrings, most notably Balenciaga, Gucci and Jacquemus. 

Balenciaga, Gucci and Jacquemus A/W 2018 catwalks

Balenciaga, Gucci and Jacquemus A/W 2018 catwalks

 Fernando Jorge ‘Stream’ earrings with chalcedony in 18k yellow gold

Fernando Jorge ‘Stream’ earrings with chalcedony in 18k yellow gold

 Fernando Jorge ‘Stream’ earrings with brown diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Fernando Jorge ‘Stream’ earrings with brown diamonds in 18k yellow gold

 Fernando Jorge ‘Stream’ earrings with jade in 18k yellow gold

Fernando Jorge ‘Stream’ earrings with jade in 18k yellow gold

Brooches are a jewellery accessory which are often ignored due to associations with fussiness, and traditionally older generations. Thankfully, this season’s runway presentations saw brooches come back with a bang! Across a myriad of designer outfits at Dolce and Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Dries van Noten and Gucci – brooches were front and centre of the looks. Another signifier that brooches are still a jewellery piece de rigeur is the inclusion of not only one, but two brooches in Tiffany & Co.’s 2018 Blue Book. This catalogue of the finest high jewellery from one of the most iconic luxury brands in the world is a wonderful barometer for trends to come in the world of jewelled novelties. The two Tiffany & Co. brooches – both from the ‘Spring’ line – are resplendent in warm tones of pink and colourless diamonds, combinations of 18 karat rose and white gold with platinum, and one 3 carat orange sapphire. Both feature the form of delicately embellished floral motifs with linear arcs, and this minimal sophistication looks set to be a trend which will translate into next season, and beyond.

Louis Vuitton, Dries van Noten and Gucci A/W 2018 catwalks

Louis Vuitton, Dries van Noten and Gucci A/W 2018 catwalks

 Tiffany&Co. brooch with a total of over 8ct colourless and pink diamonds in platinum and 18k yellow gold

Tiffany&Co. brooch with a total of over 8ct colourless and pink diamonds in platinum and 18k yellow gold

 Tiffany&Co. brooch with more than 3ct cushion cut orange sapphire, pink diamonds and colourless diamonds in platinum and 18k rose gold

Tiffany&Co. brooch with more than 3ct cushion cut orange sapphire, pink diamonds and colourless diamonds in platinum and 18k rose gold

Rigid choker necklaces were the order of the day for those who choose the more edgy and futuristic fashion from houses such as Alexander McQueen and Marni – who both presented thick, rigid chokers which sat at the collarbone. These short necklaces afford the opportunity for layering with longer pieces, and a selection of the examples at Alexander McQueen were embellished with large, vivid red and green crystals from Atelier Swarovski and finished in antique silver. Few examples of such sizeable necklaces exist in modern fine jewellery, though Piaget‘s ‘Sunlight Escape’ necklace with an emerald cut sapphire and diamonds is one of them. A similar design style can be witnessed in Fei Liu’s chokers; alternately in 18 karat yellow gold with rubellites, pink sapphires and diamonds, and another with 18 karat white gold, tanzanite, tsavorites and diamonds.

Alexander McQueen and Marni A/W 2018 catwalks

Alexander McQueen and Marni A/W 2018 catwalks

 Alexander McQueen choker with Atelier Swarovski crystals and ceramic in antique silver

Alexander McQueen choker with Atelier Swarovski crystals and ceramic in antique silver

 Piaget 'Sunlight Escape' choker with emerald cut sapphire and diamonds in 18k white gold

Piaget 'Sunlight Escape' choker with emerald cut sapphire and diamonds in 18k white gold

 Fei Liu choker with tanzanite, tsavorites, diamonds in 18k white gold

Fei Liu choker with tanzanite, tsavorites, diamonds in 18k white gold

 Fei Liu choker with rubellites, pink sapphires and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Fei Liu choker with rubellites, pink sapphires and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Pearl jewellery has made another resurgence back into popularity in 2018, especially pearl earrings. Baroque pearls are the current favourite choice of fashionistas; subverting traditional conceptions about the staid, uniformly spherical pearls of the 20th century. The perennially chic fashion names Louis Vuitton and Valentino both showcased pearl earrings during their Autumn / Winter 2018 presentations, perfectly accessorising the elegant and ladylike couture of both brands. Pearl earrings are presented in a variety of designs by Nadine Aysoy, who utilises baroque pearls in her fine jewellery collections alongside vivid gemstones.

Louis Vuitton and Valentino A/W 2018 catwalks

Louis Vuitton and Valentino A/W 2018 catwalks

 Nadine Aysoy 'Tsarina' earrings with baroque pearl, beryl and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Nadine Aysoy 'Tsarina' earrings with baroque pearl, beryl and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

 Nadine Aysoy 'Tsarina' earrings with baroque pearl, blue topaz and diamonds in 18k white gold

Nadine Aysoy 'Tsarina' earrings with baroque pearl, blue topaz and diamonds in 18k white gold

 Nadine Aysoy 'Tsarina' earrings with peridot, baroque pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Nadine Aysoy 'Tsarina' earrings with peridot, baroque pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Fine jewellery and fashion works symbiotically, with one influencing another so that the two are intrinsically intertwined. The commonplace inclusion of jewellery on the catwalks of London, New York, Paris and Milan suggests that there is an upcoming trend for statement jewellery to be considered an integral part of any ensemble. 

Gübelin: The charm of the Burmese ruby at the ‘Magical Journey to Burma’ event

continue reading

Male Adornment: The Evolution of Men’s Jewellery from the 1400s Until Today

Men's jewellery is often overlooked, yet its history is both rich and cyclical. Over the past six centuries, the popularity of male adornments has fluctuated, reflecting shifts in fashion, status, and cultural values. Here, Amanda Triossi examines the reasons behind male jewellery, along with its periods of abundance and decline.

by Amanda Triossi

Perfect Proposal: The Top 10 Engagement Ring Mistakes to Avoid 

The moment you start thinking about proposing, everything shifts. Ordinary things become significant: dinner out, a walk in the park, a glance at their jewellery box. And then comes "the ring": a symbol of love, yes, but also a silent spokesperson for everything you feel and hope for. No pressure, right?

by Claire Roberts

Couture Show 2025: The Top 10 Debutants Heading to Las Vegas 

The much anticipated Couture Show will return to Wynn Las Vegas from June 4-8, 2025, shining a spotlight on established design talent, new creatives, and international brands that are vying for attention on the global stage. Just like in previous years, I am focusing my attention on the debutants

by Katerina Perez

Designing the Future: Revealing the Winners of the Katerina Perez x Osmium Institute Design Contest

What a ride it has been, witnessing such pure creative energy and original thinking, especially with a material as rare and futuristic as osmium

by Katerina Perez

New Icons: The Latest Collections by Italian Micromosaic Master SICIS 

I was presented with two striking new collections – Icon and Colibrì – that offer different interpretations of the SICIS aesthetic. Below, I want to give you a closer look at these capsule suites and tell you more about the inspirations behind them

by Katerina Perez

Fabulous Fabrications: TAOS Presents a Trio of Watches Inspired by Couture Fashion

Occasionally, beautiful timepieces demonstrating exceptional Métiers d’Art will land on our virtual desks and result in a round-robin series of emails. In the hours after we received insights into the emerging Swiss brand TAOS, almost the entire team had seen the fabric-inspired dials of its latest creations, and we all agreed that an article was […]

by Sarah Jordan

A Century of Sparkle: Celebrating 100 Years of Art Deco at GemGenève

From May 8-11, 2025, visitors to GemGenève can immerse themselves in a showcase of antique and modern jewellery while also experiencing the innovative spirit of the 1920s and 1930s through a photographic lens. Here, I'd like to tell you more about this creative collaboration and introduce you to the brands taking part…

by Katerina Perez

Tailored Perfection: The Best Jewellery Looks of the Met Gala 2025

Not since 2003 has a Met Gala theme focused exclusively on menswear, so we had high hopes for this year’s attendees demonstrating the best of tailored suiting adorned with high jewels. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ensembles of the evening…

by Sarah Jordan

Legacy of Love: The Dreamlike Jewels of Emirati Designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani

Jewellery is a transmitter of memories and emotions through time, which is something that Dubai-based designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani knows all too well. During our meeting in Dubai, we spoke about the importance of family, the sweetness of finding joy through creativity, and the ability to translate dreamy visions and deep feelings into wearable pieces…

by Katerina Perez

Celebrating Colour: 20 Uplifting Jewellery Creations by Lisa Nik

Whether you're craving a juicy mandarin garnet or an eye-catching bi-colour tourmaline, here are 20 joyful pieces that exemplify the Lisa Nik approach, as well as the inspiration behind them…

by Sarah Jordan

Watches and Wonders 2025: The Coolest Watch Novelties

With pastel pops, Pop Art influences, and playful twists on time itself, Watches and Wonders 2025 delivered a vibrant feast of creativity. Discover the fun new watches setting trends in Geneva this spring

by Rachael Taylor

White Hot: Achromatic Jewellery is Having a Moment

Let’s explore the revival of all white jewellery and discover why this look is universally complementary – and a great investment.  

by Rachael Taylor

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Reinventing Royalty:The European-Inspired Luxury Behind Isabel Gemology

I started 2025 with a series of articles titled ‘Jeweller of the Month’ to highlight the true talent among niche designers in the jewellery industry. For May, it is Isabel Delgado, the founder of Isabel Gemology, who I would like to shine the spotlight on.

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.