Jewelry Consumer Insights

Implications - As we struggle with a global obesity epidemic, the focus on food is increasing. While marketing for real foods has reached record highs, innovative artists have created eye candy that feeds the visual senses instead. These appeal to hungry appetites, yet don’t take a toll on health.

Implications - Younger generations are approaching religion in a very different way, and some churches are trying to adapt. The Pope even tried to appeal to more environmentally-conscious demographics by adding new sins which pertain to the maltreatment of our planet.

Implications - The tie symbolizes polished male sophistication, and while some have abandoned it, others are looking for a redesign. Reinventing a classic can bring it back to mainstream, but often it also targets new demographics. Some of these ties appeal more to youth or eccentrics, rather than traditional businessmen.

Implications - Making the change from being fashion pieces or relationship status indicators, these functional rings appeal to people’s quirky nature and desire to stand out. Some are high tech like the USB or handshake transfer rings, while others are sillier, like the schnitzel hammer and receipt rings.

Implications - Bags are a critical part of a woman’s style statement, and as diverse as their personalities are, so too there must be accessories to match them. Mainstream designers don’t play with much more than size, color and pattern, but innovative designers are experimenting with unique new shapes. What other industries could benefit from this?

Implications - Once an insult, the geeks of the world see the term no longer as a source of shame, but a compliment instead. A wide array of products have been created that encourage society’s brainiacs to share their message with the world - that they are proud to be geeks, and want products made just for them.

Implications - These bandaids go back to the childhood notion that fun bandages reduce pain. In adulthood, playing up or laughing at one’s weaknesses often helps boost confidence. Like the children who turn their discomfort into fun ways of showing off toughness, so too adults are comforting themselves with designer bandaids.

Implications - Some budget-crunched consumers will selectively splurge on one sensational statement accessory rather than several pieces meant to be worn together. A single piece of show-stopping jewelry or a pair of outrageous shoes gives a consumer the feeling of luxury without the pain in their pocketbook.

Implications - The neon movement celebrates bright and bold in-your-face color. These neon styles are all about "peacocking" and prove you don't have to spend a lot of money to say "Look at me!" Bold wardrobes are all what you wear, not who you wear. These fashions express that subtly is out, and big and bold is in.

Implications - The 80s have been an umbrella trend decade for the past few years. The 80s effect has been felt across the board, particularly in the fashion industry. As this decade completes its decline stage and the 90s moves into its early adopter stage, the craziest of the crazy 80s fashion is back for the denouement.