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?

All graphics created by Tammy Powley.