2008 Jewelry Trends

Deep blue lapis lazuli is a perfect match for the earthy, ethnic look that's so popular right now. It looks good set with gold (those little gold flecks in some lapis are its pyrite content). Lapis is often combined with other gemstones -- black onyx makes a rich backdrop for lapis, but brightly colored gems work equally well with the blue gem.

Celebrities Wearing Lapis Jewelry
• Christine Taylor
  
• Jada Pinkett Smith

Onyx exists in many colors, but it's the deep black onyx that so many designers are incorporating into their jewelry, either alone or combined with other gemstones. Onyx is readily available and onyx is affordable, making it a popular choice for fashion jewelry. That doesn't mean you won't find high-end onyx jewelry -- you most certainly will see it in all price ranges.

Celebrities Wearing Onyx Jewelry
• Debi Mazar wearing Neil Lane Onxy Earrings
  
• Fergie in Black Onyx

Snakeskin and crocodile leather handbags and shoes trend up and down with the seasons, but are in more than they're out. We're beginning to see more jewelry that's designed with snakeskin inset into a metal framing, like the pendant to the left. It's illegal to ship items made from python skin into California (and crocodile will be banned soon) but some stores still do it.

Celebrities Carrying Reptile Clutches
• Celebrity Handbags

Chunky chains and necklaces made from large, open links remain popular for 2008 and 2009. More necklaces are layered, with links bound together into stacks that surround your neck. Some are long enough to wear as a single chain or to wrap a couple of times for more depth.

Look for more textured links, alone or combined with polished links. And don't hesitate to clip a charm to some of the links in your necklace -- that's a trendy look for 2008 and beyond.

You'll find a huge variety of turquoise bracelets when you shop for jewelry, both traditional styles and more contemporary looks. Most turquoise in today's jewelry has been treated in some way, either stabilized to make it more durable or treated to enhance its color. You'll find reconstituted turquoise -- stones made by mixing turquoise chips and powders with resins and then forming nuggets and other shapes from the mix. Using treated stones allows jewelry makers to offer turquoise at affordable prices, but treatments should always be disclosed.

Celebrities Wearing Turquoise Bracelets
• Sarah Jessica Parker

This assortment of turquoise necklaces covers several different styles.

Multiple chain necklaces are often strung with charms and beads, and they're usually made with components of varying shapes, sizes and colors. The necklaces in this collection are ready-made for layering, but don't hesitate to mix and match your own jewelry. Raid your jewelry box and wrap on a few necklaces.

More Necklaces
• Abalone and Silver Pendant with Strands of Pearls
  
• Manika Necklace
  
• Beaded Necklaces

Celebrities Wearing Layered Necklaces
• Sarah Jessica Parker
  
• Natalie Portman

Anything goes when it comes to earrings. Some components are easier to find because they flow along with the trends of other jewelry, but most earrings will work for you now or next year or ten years from now. And if they don't work as well this year, hang on to them for a little while and they'll be trendy again. Isn't that the way it is for all jewelry and fashions?

Animal prints are popular this year and you'll find bracelets and bangles that mimic a range of looks (on a variety of materials). Painted and embossed wood are usually very affordable, and resin-based bracelets are lightweight and inexpensive. Enamel animal print bracelets, often combined with gold, are higher-end examples.

You might also like: Wooden Bangles and Cuffs & Bangles sorted by price

Celebrities Wearing Animal Print Bangles

• Lauren Conrad