Jewelry Trends

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.

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

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

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

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

This holiday, if you’re stuck on simple affordable ideas for a loved one, consider the bracelet, an oft-forgotten piece of jewelry. Many women focus predominantly on earrings and necklaces and often forgo the elegance a bracelet can provide.

Besides, they are all the rage this season. According to one expert:

Bracelets, bracelets, bracelets!

The wrist will take on new importance this fall and winter and what better way to flatter an appendage than with a bold cuff bracelet. Though a large, unadorned cuff bracelet makes a statement on its own, cuffs sprinkled with stones and jewels of all types are also fabulous. These bold statement pieces will take your wrists from ordinary to extraordinary without spending a fortune. Feeling creative? Buy a plain cuff bracelet and decorate it with the stones and jewels of your choice

Here’s one of our most popular bracelets – one you simply couldn’t go wrong choosing:

Style 7064M

Antique Style Filigree Moissanite Bracelet

Antique style filigree bracelet with Charles and Colvard created moissanite. 3/16″ wide and the standard 7″ long.

Available Total Weight: 3.60ct t.w.

The release of the PANTONE Fashion Color Report coincides with the beginning of New York Fashion Week.

“Now more than ever, women are vigilant when it comes to spending,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

“Instead of reinventing their wardrobe at the start of each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they already own. Pairing a bold color with a basic piece or freshening up their look with bright accents addresses the need for practicality, as well as fun.”

Yellow has made its mark on fashion and spring will further this trend with gleaming Aurora. Reminiscent of the first glimpse of yellow as the sun begins to rise over the horizon, this shimmering, slightly greenish yellow adds a bold infusion. Energy continues to surge throughout the warmer hues, leading to provocative Fusion Coral. This inviting orange connects directly to tangy Tomato Puree, this season’s classic red. Pair it with Turquoise for a retro look.

When it comes to yellow, nothing is better than the complex and rich yellows of Gemesis, covering just about every shade under the sun. Not only is Gemesis is fashionable with its varied yellows, but costwise, you can have your cake and eat it too!

Style 9026GM

Filigree Diamond Pendant

Hand engraved pendant with hand applied scrolls and a 3/4ct Gemesis cultured diamond with fancy yellow or orange color on an 18″ wheat chain. Pendant measures approx. 8mm in diameter.

Available Metal: 18kt White Gold and Platinum
Available Stone Size: 3/4ct

Initial pendants with pave stones and pave initials

Initial pendants with pave initials and no border

Hi everyone. We’re wondering what you think about these potentially new items. We keep seeing these pave initial pendants and are wondering if we should carry them. If we do, you’ll be able to order them with all of the usual options that we offer: 14kt white, yellow or rose gold, 18kt white, yellow or rose gold, palladium or platinum. For the stones, we’ll offer them in diamond, moissanite, Radiance, sapphire, ruby, emerald and just about anything else you can imagine.  And, they can be made with a high polish or brushed finish.

The first picture shows the series with pave set stones around the border and in the in initials. It measures about 3/4″ in diameter.

The second picture shows the series with just the pave initials and measures slightly wider, around 7/8″ in diameter.

And, of course, they’re available in any initial!

Let us know what you think by voting below. If we end up carrying them, we’ll let you know and send you a ‘special deal’ coupon, so make sure you’re signed up for our Jewelry Club newsletter (on the right hand side of the website).

Thanks!
Joe

Our jewelry store prides itself in its eco-awareness, regionally and internationally by using recycled materials and gems acquired from reputable companies. Also products like Gemesis and moissanite offer diamond-quality with less damage to the earth.

We really admire the efforts of this woman, who is turning beach trash into some pretty amazing jewelry:

Judith Selby Lang is an artist who never pays for material for her jewelry or artwear. This bright plastic junk is forever washing up on shore at her beloved Kehoe Beach in Marin County.

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“The environmental situation is so dire, the plastic pollution is enormous, it goes back to what can I do? As one individual, where can I begin?” said Judith.

One of Judith’s bracelets is made of discarded flip-flops. It’s all stuff we can relate to, like a bouquet of popped balloons still strung together, soon to be a necklace.

“I hope to engage people in the idea that they can take a bag to the beach and they can pick up some plastic and make stuff of their own and that’s a way we can get the beach clean also,” she said.

There are lots of disposable lighters out there and some may be about to light up someone’s wardrobe.

There is no sitting around waiting for these pieces to sell. At studios, like the Donna Seager Gallery in San Rafael, this artwear is on display and selling. A bracelet is made of milk carton pull tops now selling for $45. The plastic necklace worn by the gallery owner is $300.

“I think they get an especially big kick out of it because it looks good. I don’t think they would be so impressed if it didn’t, but it has both qualities,” said Donna Seager Liberatore.

And Judith is now adding a twist to her trash collecting, moving from the beach, to the high seas. She has received her first shipment from the North Pacific Gyre, a massive circulating pile of plastic trash out of both sides of Hawaii. She has big plans for a fishing line and may turn it into a necklace.

“Not only will it be a great reminder of what’s going on about ghost nets and the gyre, but I think it will also make a beautiful piece of work,” she said.

With many more loads from the gyre to follow, a world’s worth of trash is one woman’s treasures.

Source: ABC7 (Take a look at the video for her amazing work.)

According to one expert:

The winning trends for Winter 2009-2010:

¨ Big and bold
¨ Dramatic, unique, unusual necklaces
¨ Huge cuff bracelets with big stones
¨ Natural stones, eclectic natural look
¨ Black
¨ Multi-strand necklaces
¨ Pearls
¨ Cocktail rings with huge stones
¨ Big hoop earrings

And the color choices? Yellow and coral. It stands to reason that these colors that elicit a sunshine effect would be popular in the darker months. The nice part is, at Joseph Schubach Jewelers, we can provide jewelry that’s priced right for you, with colors you choose.

When it comes to yellow, for instance, we can provide you with citrine, yellow topaz and of course, Gemesis cultured diamonds, whose gems possess some of the brightest, most vivid hues of yellow around.

Take a look or check out our Gemesis gallery:

Style 8570GM

Bypass Gemesis Diamond Earrings

Classic “bypass” stud earrings featuring 1/2ct t.w. Gemesis cultured diamonds in fancy yellow or orange color.

Available Metal: 14kt White Gold And Yellow Gold
Available Stone Size: 1/2ct t.w.

Style GM1014

Yellow Round Gemesis Earrings With Marquee And Round Diamonds

.84ct t.w. of deep fancy yellow round brilliant Gemesis diamonds of VS clarity set into 18kt white gold earrings accented with approximatley 1.50ct t.w. marquee and round white diamonds.

Metal: 18kt White Gold
Stone Size: .84ct t.w.