Trend: Kinetic jewellery

June 17, 2019

By Jodie Smith

6 min read

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. 

Cartier ‘Clash de Cartier’ bracelets with coral in rose gold

Cartier ‘Clash de Cartier’ bracelets with coral in rose gold

 Cartier ‘Clash de Cartier’ rings with diamonds in rose gold

Cartier ‘Clash de Cartier’ rings with diamonds in rose gold

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’.

De Beers 'Horizon' ring with diamonds in yellow gold

De Beers 'Horizon' ring with diamonds in yellow gold

 De Beers 'Horizon' ring with diamonds in yellow gold

De Beers 'Horizon' ring with diamonds in yellow gold

 De Beers 'Horizon' ring with diamonds in yellow gold

De Beers 'Horizon' ring with diamonds in yellow gold

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.

Yael Sonia 'Perpetual Motion' collection

Yael Sonia 'Perpetual Motion' collection

 Yael Sonia 'Perpetual Motion' collection 'Spinning Wheel' bracelet with topaz and diamonds in yellow gold

Yael Sonia 'Perpetual Motion' collection 'Spinning Wheel' bracelet with topaz and diamonds in yellow gold

 Yael Sonia 'Perpetual Motion' collection 'Spinning Wheel' pendant with tourmalines and diamonds in yellow gold

Yael Sonia 'Perpetual Motion' collection 'Spinning Wheel' pendant with tourmalines and diamonds in yellow gold

 Yael Sonia 'Perpetual Motion' collection 'Spinning' ring with diamonds in yellow gold

Yael Sonia 'Perpetual Motion' collection 'Spinning' ring with diamonds in yellow gold

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.

Hattie Rickards 'Rubix II' ring with multi gemstones in yellow gold

Hattie Rickards 'Rubix II' ring with multi gemstones in yellow gold

 Hattie Rickards 'Rubix' ring with multi gemstones in yellow gold

Hattie Rickards 'Rubix' ring with multi gemstones in yellow gold

 Hattie Rickards 'Revolver' ring with multi gemstones in yellow gold

Hattie Rickards 'Revolver' ring with multi gemstones in yellow gold

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.

Piaget 'Possession' collection bangles with diamonds, carnelian, lapis lazuli and malachite in rose gold

Piaget 'Possession' collection bangles with diamonds, carnelian, lapis lazuli and malachite in rose gold

 Piaget 'Possession' collection rings with carnelian, turquoise, malachite and diamonds in yellow, rose and white gold

Piaget 'Possession' collection rings with carnelian, turquoise, malachite and diamonds in yellow, rose and white gold

 Piaget 'Possession' collection bangle with diamonds and malachite in rose gold

Piaget 'Possession' collection bangle with diamonds and malachite in rose gold

 Piaget 'Possession' collection pendant with diamonds in rose gold

Piaget 'Possession' collection pendant with diamonds in rose gold

 Piaget 'Possession' collection ring with diamonds and white chalcedony in rose gold

Piaget 'Possession' collection ring with diamonds and white chalcedony in rose gold

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.

Retrouvai 'Grandfather Compass' collection necklace with diamonds, emeralds and black onyx in yellow gold

Retrouvai 'Grandfather Compass' collection necklace with diamonds, emeralds and black onyx in yellow gold

 Retrouvai 'Grandfather Compass' collection necklace with diamonds, emeralds and lapis lazuli in yellow gold

Retrouvai 'Grandfather Compass' collection necklace with diamonds, emeralds and lapis lazuli in yellow gold

 Retrouvai 'Grandfather Compass' collection necklace with diamonds, emeralds and black onyx in yellow gold

Retrouvai 'Grandfather Compass' collection necklace with diamonds, emeralds and black onyx in yellow gold

 Retrouvai 'Grandfather Compass' collection necklace with diamonds, sapphires and mother of pearl in yellow gold

Retrouvai 'Grandfather Compass' collection necklace with diamonds, sapphires and mother of pearl in yellow gold

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.

Henn of London: Father and Two Sons Unite to Create Masterpieces

continue reading

Pink City Style: The Best-Selling Reversible Jewels of Gyan Jaipur

I would like to tell you more about the brand, its origin story, design inspirations and its popular Jaipur and Yami collections

by Katerina Perez

Fabulous Futures: Le Vian Unveils its 2026 Jewellery Trends in Las Vegas

Here's a rundown of what was included this year…

by Sarah Jordan

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Millionaire Products: Celebrating the No-Expense-Spared Bvlgari Polychroma High Jewellery Collection

Bvlgari is opening a magnificent new chapter in the world of high jewellery, and high jewellery watches with the Polychroma collection. Here's what I have discovered so far…

by Katerina Perez

Sea of Wonder: Celebrating the Ocean’s Endless Bounty with the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2025

Here are some of the creations that became an integral part of the Tiffany & Co. underwater world, including starfish, crashing waves and sea turtles…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.