Jewelry Journal

SPRING 2009 IS IN THE AIR . . .

Black & White . . . always classic, always in style.

Coral & Yellow are the warm palettes this spring . . .
look to the country of India for inspiration.

Amazonite greens & translucent turquoise look great for a cool palette.

• Exotic and ethnic inspirations will remain a big feature for all accessories in 2009, particularly jewelry.  Think tribal jewelry . . . safari khakis as well as seed beads, chunky beads, wood, ceramics, printed and painted shell, worn finished metals, mixed color threads, plastic, and leather . . . especially if it’s handcrafted jewelry.

• Gold is becoming more expensive amid the global economic down turn, so many women are turning to other materials as an alternative.  Silver is always popular, and brass is going to be big this year.

• Cool yellows, greens and turquoise will be the colors of the spring and summer.   The economic gloom means you can also bank on classic black and white to capture a timeless elegance and discreet chic.  After all, some fashion jewelry trends never go away.

• If you are feeling bold, experiment with clashing colors in your clothes and jewelry.  Mixing bold outfits with bold jewelry is one of the key fashion jewelry trends of the year.  Perhaps the goal is to banish all the financial doom and gloom. Whatever the case may be, rock it out, girl!

• Bold statement jewelry, which was popular in 2008, will remain a hit.  Whether it is tribal jewelry, handcrafted jewelry, or big geometric designs, big is beautiful!

• Fashion loves a good motif, and in Spring 2009, it will be the butterfly. Where there are butterflies, there are flowers. Think big flowers and butterflies!

• Great earrings are going to be the key item for spring.  Casual, light weight, colorful chandeliers and dangles will definitely take the spotlight.

• Jewelry with a story . . . the trend of 2008 will continue to grow as ethically-sourced jewelry continues to capture hearts and minds, as well as our eye.  Fair trade jewelry and environmentally-friendly materials are set to take 2009 by storm.

• Cuffs and chunky bracelets are still in full swing . . . particularly, if it is a tribal jewelry look.

• Handcrafted jewelry . . . as we question what went wrong to land us in this economic mess, it is time to go back to what is true and honest.  The value and beauty of jewelry that is handmade will be a major trend in 2009 and beyond as we begin to appreciate the beauty of artisan work over the mass-produced.