Think bold, random and asymmetrical this year. Go for big, brightly colored beads in long strands that drape around your neck, or pick shorter necklaces made with an assortment of bead sizes and styles.
Slip some bangles around your wrist and don't worry if they don't "match." Try metal bangles stacked on either side of brassy-looking versions--or mix them with colors that reveal your own style.
Rings are bold too. Put away your narrow band with a gemstone on top and try a wide band made from natural materials or from chunks of molten glass. Forzieri's ring assortment gives you an excellent preview of the possibilites.
Gems of different shades can be combined to really splash the color. You might see different types of big and bold cuts that help reveal the intensity of stones. Opaque gemstones are a good choice too and work well with natural components.
2005 Jewelry Overview
Earthy Colors and Materials
You'll find an increase in jewelry made from woods, stone and shells this year. These organic components are a good choice when you want to add color and visual texture to your ensemble.
Metals Are Big
Brassy and vintage-looking metals are everywhere in the form of bracelets, beads, chains and other jewelry. Bracelets might be hammered or adorned with vintage-looking motifs. Try mixing your metal jewelry with jewelry made from earthy materials and brightly colored gemstones.
Ethnic Jewelry
Ethnic jewelry includes African inspired jewelry and accessories and jewelry styles that are associated with other specific locations. Mediterranean styles are popular, especially jewelry with a vintage look. Beachy looking jewelry--made from shells, pearls and pale gems, is another hit for summer and fall.
Many styles of ethnic jewelry are made from natural materials so they're a perfect match for current trends. Explore the ethnic jewelry on Ethnos.biz. For antique jewelry try Black Dog Antiques.
Turquoise and Other Semi-Precious Gems
Turquoise and coral remain popular and you'll see a growing demand for jewelry made with colorful pearls, another organic.
Shimmer and Stone is a good place to explore current styles in jewelry.
Shannon Diego is right in line with current trends.
