How time flies! It seems as though the millennium was only yesterday, yet we have already concluded the “naughties.” Now, as we embark on the second decade of the new millennium – a decade that also promises to pass us by at warp speed, what are the trends that will see us negotiate the new decade in consummate style?

Inspired by key color themes including: Tropical, Celebration, Abstraction, New Classic, Aqueous, and Perleage; it is apparent that vibrant color is the new black.

Blue, aqua green, pink, yellow, orange, red, purple; the colors of the rainbow and the kaleidoscope combine to wash away the demure moods and colors seen in 2010.

And what better way to keep the color palette in perspective than by complementing our wardrobe with the ultimate color accessory – fancy colored diamonds. Colored diamonds have been the ultimate fashion trend for those in the know for decades – perhaps the only accessory with the luster to relegate even haute couture to subordinate status.

Now, with their celestial status firmly established, colored diamonds have their own trends. After all, it’s about time that the world at large finally realized who is the star and who the supporting cast.

Rose-cut diamonds - diamonds with an elevated faceted dome whereby the triangular facets are used to mimic the progressively tighter spiral of a rose - are making a huge resurgence in 2011. Dating back to the 1500’s, rose-cut diamonds resemble the central portion of a rose bud, the effect caused by the points or facets coming together.

The rose-cut diamond trend is augmented by a major shift towards more accurate Victorian and Edwardian styled diamond rings. The true talents of the artisan will be under the microscope as more emphasis than ever will be placed on recreating the precise style and beauty that the true antique diamond rings from this period possessed. Coordinated sets of necklaces, earrings, and pendants to match the antique designed diamond rings will complete the look.

For those not enamored by the antique trend, there is always the more modern yet no less appealing option of diamond rings with curves, intricate details and fine accent work. No less challenging for the artist, this trend involves taking basic diamond ring settings and raising them to the next level in artistic design.

To best execute this effect, the diamond setting must be as high as possible. This enables the designer to find new ways to add delicate touches to the diamond rings, thus making them truly distinctive.

High set stones broaden the work area where the designer can demonstrate their creativity. As well as being elegant in and of itself, a high set diamond ring presents the opportunity to the designer to add incredible detail to the setting as well as the band. Intricate scroll work, etchings, embossing, and even small accent stones set into the area surrounding the diamond setting above the base of the band, result in a diamond ring resembling a tiara when viewed from the side. Consequently, these rings are often referred to as Princess set diamond rings.

Clothing fashion for Spring/Summer 2011 is taking a leaf out the diamond manifesto – color, color, and more color. Just imagine the brilliant reds, greens, pinks, blues, and purples of your favorite garments competing with the incandescent hues of your precious colored diamonds be they rose-cut, high set, Victorian, or Edwardian.