Spring/Summer 2009 Jewelry Trends

Even with snowflakes (or raindrops) still flying through the air, when the days begin to lengthen ever so slightly, our thoughts turn to spring! We long for fresh, pretty colors and light, breezy fabrics. We dream in brighter hues that are less serious than their winter counterparts. We grow tired of our current accessories and begin to feel the “need” for some new jewelry to wear! The heartbeat of spring has begun!

Speaking of new jewelry, how’s your own wardrobe? Are you ready with the appropriate accessories to meet the coming spring and summer seasons? If not, don’t worry, because we at the Jewelry Artisans’ Marketplace have been busy scouting out the approaching trends and designing new pieces to help you get a jump on your seasonal jewelry wardrobe! So read on, style maven, read on…

Once again, jewelry is big this season – literally! Big necklaces, big rings, big collections of bangles… Read on and you’ll see what I mean.

Here’s an overview of the most important trends in jewelry for Spring/Summer 2009:

• Make a statement! – Over and over, research on this season’s trends keeps revealing that the “statement necklace” is still the defining piece to own. And it’s just the thing to help you shine amidst a sea of oversized bags and big sunglasses! Fortunately, there’s more than one way to make a statement with your neckwear. You can do it with multi-strand necklaces, bib necklaces or something long, bold and decidedly asymmetrical!

• Go green – Recycling has made its way to your jewelry box! More designers are dismantling vintage jewelry and reusing the beads in new pieces. In fact, many independent jewelry artisans will even take your old jewelry and breathe new life into it for you! Another trend called “upcycling” takes items of no value, such as magazine pages, books, old unwearable leather items and fabric scraps and repurposes them into cool, new jewelry. Paper beads, for example, are part of this emerging art form.

• Architecture to wear – Pieces of jewelry with interesting lines borrowed from architecture are popping up all over. These items are decidedly urban and modern, but no less beautiful than the curvy, softer-lined pieces we already love.

• Personalized and sentimental – In this fast-paced, often impersonal age where items are mass-produced by the thousands, personalized jewelry is becoming more and more popular. Pieces that carry names of loved ones or words of encouragement on them offer the wearer much more value than the cost of materials alone. Charms that represent special people or treasured life events are also an important trend.

• In the rough – An interesting, rustic-but-classy trend that started several seasons ago and continues to pick up speed is using rough-cut gems in place of cut and polished ones. Even fine jewelry is beginning to get into the act by offering pieces with rough-cut diamonds.

• Arm candy – Whether you prefer cuffs, bangles, charm bracelets, woven metal, beadwork, fiber or chain maille, bracelets continue to be a sweet treat, especially when stacked! Cuffs and bangles really take the cake – or rather, the sweet spot on the wrist – this year, though. Make sure you pick up at least one!

• Lay it on thick! – In addition to sporting a stack of bangles, necklace layering is still in vogue. The latest variation on this theme is the layering of chains (especially long, textured or large-link styles) with beaded necklaces. Pendant layering is still hot, as well. For the sequential folks among us, that might mean wearing several similar pieces (all hearts, for example) or complementary ones, such as a group of all silver pendants of a similar size, or even pieces on a theme, like a grouping of suns, moons and stars. For the more abstract souls, layering means anything goes! Knock yourself out!

• Knuckle busters – Big, bold rings are everywhere again this season. Reeeeeally big rings! Some sport a single giant stone and others are covered with a pavé of itty bitty gemstones or crystals. Domed rings and those with smooth cabochons are especially hot.

• Metal mania – Silver is in for spring and summer, but so are bronze, copper, gold, chocolate gold and even stainless steel! Textured metals are hot, as are those with a smooth matte finish. You’ll also find blackened metals in every hue, as well as pieces polished to a bright shine.

• One-of-a-kind keepsakes – A return to artisan-crafted jewelry has been happening for several years now and shows no signs of slowing down. Jewelry has become a mode of self-expression for many and there’s no better way to express yourself than by wearing a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted piece that no one else owns!

So follow the heartbeat of spring into the Jewelry Artisans’ Marketplace and you’ll be sure to find something new and exciting for your jewelry wardrobe!

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I'd like to thank Ellen of Limelight Designs for this wonderful contribution to our blog. Please visit her shop at http://www.1000markets.com/users/limelightdesigns