Trend: Kinetic jewellery

Fine jewellery continues to evolve, and beyond precious stones and metals lies the technological frontier of complex design. It may be argued that this trend for kinetic jewellery incorporating dynamic elements has been borne from a need for relaxation; and a zeitgeist for toys, apps and accessories that allow you to focus anxious energy and stress into play. Though these creations are far more than just fine jewellery fidget spinners…

Cartier

Cartier’s latest collection is ‘Clash de Cartier’, which combines signature motifs and codes of the house: the stud, clou carrés and beads. “Mastering the Art of Duality” is the mission statement of the line, where symbiotically luxurious materials meet with a punk design. The domed studs – known as picots – are dotted around the wrist or finger on the headline rings and bracelets, and spin in place when one runs their fingers across the precious metal surface of the jewellery. Whether embellished with diamonds or not, this is a sumptuously tactile experience for those who are looking to adopt the dynamic jewellery trend. 

De Beers

De Beers’ new ‘Horizon’ collection features two parallel bands, held apart by three gold concave pillars. They also support a band set with 46 micropavé diamonds, which is able to oscillate and orbit between the ring above and below it. This futuristic collection has been crafted in rose, white or yellow gold and its name is derived from the inspiration behind this innovative design: the horizon line. The word ‘horizon’ comes from the Greek word – horizõn kyklos – that stands for ‘separating circle’.

Yael Sonia

Yael Sonia’s ‘Perpetual Motion’ collection has continued to expand with an enormous range of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings after its launch in 2017. This visually intriguing line incorporates a plethora of spherical gemstones which spin, rotate and revolve around Yael’s bold, geometric designs. The dynamic between the wearer and the jewel itself becomes even more pronounced when we are not only adoring the aesthetics of a jewel, but get fixated by the movements within it which we control.

Hattie Rickards

Not only does kinetic jewellery showcase technological achievement, but it also serves to entertain and enchant. For example, independent British designer Hattie Rickards ‘Rubix’ created series that features Fairmined white and yellow gold bespoke rings with either one, two or three spinning bands. Each of them is decorated with baguettes of multi-coloured sapphires and rubies, adding a splash of colour to the design.

Piaget

A long-standing collection which embraces the charm of dynamic elements is ‘Possession’ by Piaget. Its signature characteristic is the rotating diamond pavéd bezel, which spins independently around spheres or cabochons of gold or hard stone accents. Piaget has recently updated this line with pieces featuring white chalcedony, bangle bracelets and pendants in 18 karat rose or white gold with malachite, open hoop earrings in medium and smaller sizes with rose gold and diamonds, hoops in rose gold and diamonds, and new rose gold and white gold pavéd ‘Possession’ rings.

Retrouvai

One of trendiest jewellery companies of the moment is Retrouvai; combining talismanic necklaces and rings with of-the-moment materials, such as mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli and malachite. The spinning medallions of the ‘Grandfather Compass’ necklaces are particularly popular for the brand, dappled lightly with gemstones and diamonds. These gems offer a simplistic kinetic experience for those who just can’t (or don’t want to) keep their hands off their jewellery.

Depending on whether you prefer traditional design with a twist like De Beers’ ‘Horizon pieces, Piaget’s ‘Possession’ and ‘Clash de Cartier’, a modern talisman such as Retrouvai offers, or the more outré mechanical and innovative jewellery which Hattie Rickards and Yael Sonia create; there is a wearable style of kinetic jewellery waiting to be worn – and played with – for you.