Stepping into 2004, joy and optimism have become the defining sentiment in design works and jewellery is no exception.

Sweet styles and romantic colours were the dominant characteristics of the "Gold Inspiration 2004" show held by the World Gold Council as it presented a dazzling overview of the latest global fashion trends in gold jewellery.

Albert Cheng, the managing director of the World Gold Council Far East, said: "The objective of the Council in presenting 'Gold Inspiration' is to provide the Greater China gold trade with information on the hottest global jewellery design trends."

The reigning theme for "Gold Inspiration 2004" is "Sweet Hereafter", a display of the jewellery designs in vogue this year which project an aura of gaiety, happiness and colour.

"Relax, enjoy life and have fun!" is now the universal motto embraced by fashion masterminds from around the globe.

Vibrant colours, vivid imagination, vigorous energy, light-hearted playfulness and the sweet celebration of the bliss of life sum up the spirit of jewellery design in 2004.

In addition to Chuk Kam gold jewellery, following the blossoming trends of K-gold jewellery from Europe to Asia, designers this year are becoming even more experimental in juxtaposing gold of different colours with innovative materials of all kinds, be it semi-precious stones, glaze, beads, shells or even crocodile leather in a rainbow of colour choices.

The dreamlike beauty of rainbow coloured decorative materials make each piece of modern gold jewellery a "must have" treasure for woman.

"Gold Inspiration 2004" can be classified into three main themes: Princess in Wonderland, Dancing & Swinging and Op Art Feast.

The design theme of "Princess in Wonderland" recaptures the mood of childhood innocence. This theme celebrates jewellery designs that are pure, innocent and child-like in appeal.

Imagine you're Alice in the Wonderland, stepping into the forest and looking at everything you see and touch with a child's eyes.

Butterflies and ribbons, hearts or buttons or flower shapes plus animals from fairy tales and cartoons are the hottest themes for designers to display their creative imagination with a touch of magic. The designs are all very feminine and sweet, very "girly" and come in dazzling colours.

A festive mood prevails for the theme of "Dancing & Swinging". Recall the glitz and glamour of New York's high society in the 1920s. The essence of jewellery designs on this theme is a celebration of the vitality of life. These are pieces of jewellery inspired by the chorus lines of dancing girls from the Broadway of the 1920s.

A lot of fringes, which were in fashion in that era, are carried forward in this collection and can be seen in the big trend for "chandelier" earrings, necklaces and bracelets that dance and swing to a musical beat.

Geometric motifs have always been a feature of every season's design trend. This year sees a revival of Op Art from the 1960s combined with the dramatic fashion expression of the 1980s.

Three-dimensional design, square/circle, solid/hollow, concave/convex contrasts are the hottest design themes. This jewellery is created for modern women with asexual and independent female appeal. Very cool and yet very seductive!

(Shanghai Star  April 29, 2004)