In leading jewellery shows across the globe, the tactile beauty of gold has gained special prominence as design houses revisit the merits of this unique and timeless material. Once again, goldsmiths explore possibilities of creating visual drama through creative manipulation of gold, capitalizing on its malleability and rare shimmer. It is not only through innovation in form that gold presents themes or structures a 'feeling' but also through the introduction of new finishes, which makes wearing gold jewels a multi-sensory experience.

The most common technique in gold finishing is polishing the surface of the metal to achieve spotless glow. On its own or in combination with natural stones, gold unifies all the other elements of the jewel to present a singular expression of its wearer's character and personality. Polished gold achieves an almost ethereal effect and enhances the overall look of the jewel.

However, in recent years, there has been a marked departure from the polished gold finish. Designers and artisans have become more daring and started to develop new textures that further demonstrate the versatility of the yellow metal. Contemporary jewels benefit from the juxtaposition of a wide variety of finishes which only reinforces the multidimensionality of its materials.

Lama Al Saheb, PR and Project Manager of World Gold CouncilWorld Gold Council, explained: "The interplay of different textures in gold jewellery demonstrates the vast potential of the yellow metal as a creative medium. While gold is traditionally valued for its soft glow, its other properties deserve equal attention. For instance, it is highly versatile and can look hard or soft, even fluid, depending on the finish. Goldsmiths have developed sophisticated methods in controlling the

amount of light reflected by the yellow metal, allowing a particular piece to project a dramatic look that can rarely be achieved using other materials."

As metallic sheen take centre stage in the fashion and design world, gold takes on a higher profile as the material of choice in fine jewellery. The look is all about contrasts and contradictions - raw and refined, industrial and organic, hard and soft, geometry and poetry.

Notable among new textures developed by international design houses is the satin finish. The stunning effect is achieved by using delicate brushstrokes that leaves soft imprints on gold, creating a fabric-like surface. The technique can be likened to the use of sandpaper on metal, but more accurately done. This type of finish produces less reflection and shine compared to high polish and is commonly used as a background for jewels which have stones set on them.

In addition to caratage and colour, gold finish can affect the overall style and feel of a particular item of jewellery. The new focus is on highly textured finishes: silky, ribbed, plaited, pierced and woven, or on the dreamy satin sheen and frosts of the 70s style. New designs are exemplified by raw, hammered finish, evoking handmade craftsmanship and an organic feeling that echoes ethnic themes but with contemporary flair.

"Gold jewellery design has been seeing a lot of transformation in recent years. Gold finish and textures redefine the way we look at and appreciate gold as personal adornment. The possibilities are endless and I strongly believe this emerging trend will dominate the realm of jewellery in years to come," Al Saheb concludes.

-Ends-

About the World Gold Council
The World Gold CouncilWorld Gold Council (WGC), a commercially-driven marketing organisation, is funded by the world's leading gold mining companies. A global advocate for gold, the WGC aims to promote the demand for gold in all its forms through marketing activities in major international markets. For further information visit www.gold.org.

For more information, please contact:
THE IDEA AGENCY - PR DEPARTMENT
Tel: 04 3434424
Fax: 04 3434305
Email: pr@theideaagency-me.com

© Press Release 2008 from The Idea Agency

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