Jewelry Trend Update

In one word, the trend toward all fashion is "Luxe." For jewelry this means fine jewelry is the trend: gold, pearls, and gem stones. The luxurious jewelry will be combined with luxurious fabrics. Jewelers’ Circular Keystone (JCK) magazine describes the look as "1940s war bride meets 1980s confidence and swagger." I scoured through the August, September, and October 2000 issues of JCK to compile this Jewelry Trend Update for the 21st Century. I will provide you with a series of small reports on the upcoming trends in jewelry.

Report #1 - Gold Returns

Platinum, white gold, and silver, also known as the white metals, have been growing in popularity over the past few years. In fact, platinum is so popular now for bridal related jewelry, even chain stores such as Service Merchandise now carry a line of platinum bridal sets. However, gold continues to be the bread and butter of your average fine jewelry store. So, though gold never really fell out of favor, it’s back in a big way. In fact, big and bold is the luxury look in gold jewelry. JCK refers to this look as retro since it is considered a return to the decadent 80s. (Yes, believe it or not, the 80s are now retro!)

After size, karats count as a trend in gold. JCK explains this trend is due to the affects of "multiculturalism" on jewelry designers who are being influenced by African, Indian, and Asian cultures where 22 to 24 karats are the norm. I found this particularly interesting since it seemed to take so long to see even 18 karat gold jewelry available in your average jewelry store. Can you imagine making jewelry using 22 karat gold wire? Yes, scary but so beautiful too!

Report #2 - Trends & Traditions

Trendy designs such as the Tin Cup and Y Necklace are getting dressed up. Instead of using inexpensive beads and plated chain, these designs are sporting real gold, pearls, and colored gems. New jewelry design trends include the rebirth of the Lariat Necklace, said to replace the Y Necklace, and multiple strand Station Necklaces (cousins to the Illusion Necklace). Though all these trendy designs will be filling up the small accessories boutiques in the malls, the "luxe" touch will be incorporating real gem stones into these designs.

Another interesting comment I found in the pages of this magazine was that more women are buying fine jewelry for themselves. It’s no news that women will buy impulse purchases of jewelry, but according to JCK, more women are now buying gold, pearls, and other fine jewelry pieces for themselves as long as the price point is less than a few hundred dollars. What about you? Have you ever made an upscale, luxury piece of jewelry just for you?

Report #3 - Pearls for Preppies

Fashion designers are embracing classic styles such as suits and tweeds. What looks better with a classic style than pearls? With these traditional fashions, single strand pearl necklaces and pearl posts will be used as accessories.

If you make jewelry, then you knew that pearls never go out of style. They are just growing in popularity. Some of these popular styles will now include layers and colors. Freshwater pearls are priced so we can all afford them, and they come in a rainbow of colors from bright to pastel. According to JCK Tin Cup, Y necklaces, and lariats will be designed around pearls, "Look for the lariat to replace the delicate drops of the Y Necklace."

Gold metals will be accompanied by gold pearls if you can afford them. These beautiful pearl beads come from the South Seas, which is well known as having the highest quality pearls in the world.

For more information about pearls, their history, and caring for them, browse through my Pearls Subject area.

Stay tuned for the next installment of Jewelry Trend Updates for the 21st Century.

To keep up to date with all the latest fashion trends, visit About's Style Channel. All graphics created by Tammy Powley.