Tomorrow, we’ll take a closer look at some of the jewelry choices seen at the Grammys. Stay tuned!

Posted in Jewelry News, Jewelry Trends

Fashion Trends in your Own Backyard!

January 5, 2010

To continue our trend on trends, today we take a closer look at the way history affects our fashion choices. It’s no surprise, actually. When it comes to economic climate, we wear it!

According to one expert:

Coco Chanel once said:

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

However far-fetched that may sound to some, there is some truth to it. One can look at jewelry from any given time period and get an idea of what was occurring in that society.

During the Renaissance era, the jewelry was extremely decadent. During the Victorian era, jewelry conveyed a prim and proper delicacy that was considered standard behavior for women.

What will be the mood this season? It seems that a lot of designers are still tapped into the idea of using unconventional materials this season, perhaps filling that need for a little decadence during an uncertain financial time.

Mark Shaw-Editioned Portrait of Coco Chanel#1 , Paris, 1957

Posted in Jewelry Trends

Broad, Social Influences Affect Jewelry Trends for 2010

January 4, 2010

In this day and age, trends are becoming more intricately connected to what’s going on in the world around us. The terms being used have more of a socio-political feel and a deeper resonance with the buyer.

Here’s what one expert has to say:

Over the last year, Gem Visions’ international team of trend and jewelry experts explored a broad palette of socio-cultural implications to come up with four distinct “mega trends” that they believe are most likely to influence fine jewelry. For 2010, those trends are: false nudity, oversized games, pure chaos and divine chimeras.

The first features ultra-light, airy designs focusing on light and transparency yet counterbalanced by minute details and rendered in milky pastel colors such as pale olive green, sugar-almond tones, salmon pink and deep powder blue.

Designs in the “oversized games” category feature a theatrical stylization of nature with extravagantly sculptural, playful forms in shocking and acidic colors juxtaposed with cold, concrete neutrals.

Draped materials, layers and random imperfections in stones and metals will be some of the design characteristics for pieces that fall under the “pure chaos” category. A mix of multicolors and monotones will make up the color palette.

Finally, “divine chimera” designs will be expressed through mismatched materials and hot oranges, reds and corals complemented by opaque shades of anthracite and brown. Pieces within the category are meant to unveil personal identity and express fantasy and escapism.

Posted in Jewelry Trends

Trending Jewelry of 2010

December 28, 2009

Forewarned is forearmed. Make sure you know the upcoming trends for 2010 before your next purchase. Here’s what one expert has to say:

Warrior princesses, sultry ladies of the early 20th century, and innovative blends of ethnic cultures, are driving jewelry style trends into 2010.

Jaana Jatyri, founder and CEO of Trendstop.com, said at the International Jewelry London (IJL) trade show that Boadicea, fabled warrior queen of the Britons, was a symbol of a new style trend emerging in jewelry for the summer of next year.

“The “Warrior Princess” theme is responding to the strong images of a more masculine trend in women’s fashion,” Jatyri told a seminar at IJL this week.

She highlighted the use of wood with metal, and multiple chain arrangements reflecting the warrior princess style.

Another key theme in jewel design, “Modern Boudoir” — a timeless look with “French chic” — was inspired by stylish women of the Art Deco period, such as Coco Chanel, the subject of two recent movies, and the movie star Marlene Dietrich.

Jatyri outlined other trends including “Nature’s Alchemy — different ways of blending nature and technology; “Organic Anatomy,” the influence of organic structures such as snake skins and bones; and “The Witching Hour” — a dark and mysterious style, reflected in the use of dark crystals, fish hook earrings, and resin-encased insect designs.

Jatyri also referred to a merging of cultures in jewelry design trends.

“There will be more trends that are about mixing cultures, mixing French chic with Indian style or Asian styles,” she told Reuters television in an interview.

“That way we can create something new, like fresh looks that combine different elements from different cultures.”

She said, “By combining different cultures, for example you might have a metal chain with a wooden pendant from India, or even something like Buddhist beads, prayer beads or something like that. And you use them as a necklace.

“So it’s taking elements from different cultures and creating something new and a bit more fashion-based.”

© Copyright (c) Reuters

Posted in Jewelry Trends

Textured, Layered and Natured Trends for 2010

December 21, 2009

Trends are interesting phenemenoms. Some stick around for many years, some overlap and of course, they always seem to repeat themselves in one form or the other. As the old adage goes, “Everything old is new again.”

As we approach a new year, 2010 jewelry trends seem to reflect much of what we’ve seen in 2009 – but with some new twists – sometimes literally:

Fall and winter jewelry is trending towards bold, asymmetrical designs with lots of texture, and in colors that are often drawn from nature. Woods with visible grains are being used to make showy beads, and “striped” stones (like agate) are popular for adding visual texture. Overall, components may be mixed, but color and texture are both key elements in current designs.All-metal jewelry is hot, too, with chunky, often hammered components. You’ll find some nice examples in white metals, but yellows occupy the number one slot, and are popular in shades of rose to deep gold.

Necklace Trend

“Layered necklaces haven’t disappeared, but styles are more compact than we’ve seen in recent seasons. When you surf the Internet, you’ll still see pics of celebrities wearing many necklaces, and they’re often super heavy, chunky designs.

Most of us in the real world will opt for a more subdued look, for practical reasons (cost, uncomfortable weight) and because we aren’t providing billboard space for designers. But celebrities are usually on the cutting edge of style — jewelry they’re wearing today may be on retail racks in coming seasons.

Source: About.com – Jewelry Trends

Layer away with these affordable and stunning freshwater pearls:

Single Strand Freshwater Cultured Pearls – 8.5mm – 11.5mm

Single strand freshwater cultured pearls, 17″ with 14kt yellow gold clasp.

8.5mm-9.5mm: Now $299
9.5mm-10.5mm: Now $399
10.5mm-11.5mm: Now $499

Posted in Jewelry Trends

Chandalier Earrings – A Holiday Winner

December 7, 2009

Maintaining their popularity from as  far back as last season, chandellier earrings are fun, flirty and elegant.

Chandelier Earrings
Chandelier earrings are perfect winter accessories because they are typically embellished with gorgeous gemstones that elegantly cascade down the ears and frame a woman’s face beautifully. This season look for earrings with intense color palettes such as infusions of fuchsia with garnet or deep olive greens with topaz. A burst of fierce color and glistening gemstones creates a striking contrast that gives any ensemble a touch of alluring glamour.

Source: JewelryDays.com

Here’s an eye-catcher and holiday crowd pleaser:

Style 3364M

Oval Shaped Dangle Earrings

Elegant oval dangle earrings with round diamond accents with hand applied filigree engraving and scroll work. Shown with 15ct t.w. ovals.

Center Stone Type: Natural Diamond, Clarity Enhanced Diamond, Gemesis Cultured Diamond, Moissanite, Radiance Diamond Simulant or most other gemstones
Main Stone Size: Any
Main Stone Shape: Any
Metal: Platinum , 18kt

Call or contact us for additional info, pricing or with your own idea.

Posted in Jewelry Trends

Holiday Gift Giving Trends

December 2, 2009

Sure, we know, we know – the economy is tough. But that’s where some creativity comes into play. According to this expert, the idea is to revisit outfits from previous seasons and “jazz” them up with the ever-popular statement necklace:

In this tough economic climate, people are getting luxe looks for less by downsizing their wardrobes. They are updating their look by accessorizing last season’s outfits with this season’s statement necklaces, rock candy cocktail rings and dazzling Old-Hollywood vintage pave diamond earrings. “A great piece of jewelry can update your wardrobe in an instant,” said Shawn Hakimian, CEO of RomancingDiamonds.com, the world’s leading jewelry store for hot holiday jewelry deals.

From the runways of New York city to the mean streets of Hollywood, blue diamonds are a huge trend this season. Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Hope diamond, the most famous diamond in the world, blue diamonds are taking the country by storm. Blue is one of the rarest and most desirable colored diamonds. It’s no wonder that blue diamonds are so hot this holiday season. After all, blue is the most popular color in the world.

Cashmere and pearls girls should try a classic strand of pearls. Pearls look oh-so-perfect with skinny jeans, a cashmere sweater and ballet flats. Modern vintage pieces add a touch of art-deco elegance to your retro-chic outfit. Wear classic gemstones new ways, like wearing a baroque pearl bracelet. Experiment with a multi-colored sapphire necklace in candy-colored hues of pink, blue, yellow and green. A blue diamond flower pendant with white diamond accents adds a touch of fun to any outfit.

Diamond jewelry is more than a present; its a quality heirloom that holds its value.

Source: PR Log Free Press Release

Here’s the perfect (and affordable) strand of pearls to go with that holiday cashmere:

Freshwater Pearls – 8.5mm – 11.5mm

Freshwater pearls, 17″ with 14kt yellow gold clasp.

8.5mm-9.5mm: Now $299
9.5mm-10.5mm: Now $399
10.5mm-11.5mm: Now $499

Posted in Jewelry Trends

Joe Jewelry Maltese Diamond and Pearl Crosses On Sale

December 1, 2009

We added a couple of items to our sale page that I’m especially fond of. I’m fond of them because I designed them! Anyway, they’re great pieces, in my opinion anyway, and would make terrific holiday gifts! They’re in stock and ready to ship!

Maltese Cross with Diamonds And Tahitian Pearl

Maltese Cross Earrings with Diamonds and Tahitian Pearls

Posted in General Jewelry Info, Gift Giving Advice, Jewelry Trends, Sales and Special Promotions