First up, METAL! Not your mama's 14K yellow gold stuff... We are talking copper, gun metal, brass and stainless steel. Gorgeous new styles with big chunky chains coupled with stones and sparkly crystal balls. Or sleek industrial looking pieces with crystal embellished bolts and gears. The steampunk movement hasn't faltered either. Those great looking mixed media pieces that look like they were pulled together out of a time machine are still very popular. If you purchased any of these pieces, either from myself or other jewelry designers last year, you can couple them with strands of pearls or layer several necklaces together for a trendy put-together look!
Next up are NATURAL STONES. Big, Chunky natural cut stones are back on top of the fashion list for this fall/winter line-up. The beauty of natural stones is that they come is such a wide array of colors and shapes, that no two will ever be alike! To get good quality pieces is the most important thing. You don't want to head to a big box store to get these treasured finds. You want pieces that you can connect with on a personal level. Whether you choose the stone because it's your favorite color, or because it's your birthstone, make sure that you aren't buying cheap glass or plastic imitations. This means that you will more than likely pay a bit more for a quality stone piece, but you know you will have something that will last a lifetime. For example, one very popular stone is the Drusy or Druzy. Regardless of how you spell it, it's still the most fascinating stone you will ever come across. The sparkly crystal element inside the quartz geode is where it comes from. And the larger the piece, the more rare and beautiful it will be. They typically come in white or black from the clear quartz and black onyx stones. But other variations (more rare of course) can be found. One of my personal favorites is the Titanium Druzy which comes from the peacock quartz crystal. This very rare and unique stone has gradient colors of the rainbow in a metallic look! Whether it's partially polished with small sparkle in the middle, or large cubic chucks, this is certainly one stone to behold! Be mindful of those ebay deals coming out of the orient though. Druzy can be dyed different colors, just like any quartz crystal can, and those are typically available for a fraction of what you would pay for REAL druzy. Look for local artisans and jewelry designers that work with druzy if you want to get something really special! Enjoying natural stones in several fashions is also fun! You can find them in big cocktail rings, to free standing pendants wrapped in metal wire or set in sterling. Even tiny quality cuts can be found on traditional dangle earrings. The possibilities are endless!
LEATHER is also one of those elements which as stood the test of time in fashion accessories. Although todays looks are nothing but unique! Sure you can sport that black leather strap necklace with a cheap metal pendant hanging from it, (if you are 16). But for the more discerning fashionista, leather brings in a whole NEW look! Using good quality leather in jewelry is becoming more and more popular. You can find leather and suede cut into flowers fashioned along a pearl necklace, or several thin leather cords in a variety of colors, all coupled as a multi layered necklace with brass and copper beads peppered along it's strands. Thick braided leather bracelets are also very popular for both men and women. You can find them as simple multi-wrap bracelets with stainless steel chunky hook clasps, or thicker single strands coupled with metal badges or flat polished stones. I have also come up with some unique leather ensembles that have wowed art festival judges all over the U.S. by coupling braided leather and weaving crystals and pearls on a single strap! (see below for a photo) Thick leather cuffs are also extremely popular and can be branded with different designs or embellished with rhinestones and studs. Wear them by themselves, or couple them with several thinner leather wrap style bracelets for the latest trend!
And finally, HEARTS! Personally, I have always been fond of hearts in my jewelry. Whether it was a tiny addition to a chain full of charms, or a huge pendant made out of dichroic glass with rhinestone, Hearts have been a popular addition to any jewelry collection throughout time. But after a while, you see the same exact designs over and over again. If you love hearts as much as I do, looking into hand crafted pieces that are unique and colorful is the key to the newest fashion trend. Big, bold pendants are the cream of the crop for this seasons styles. Choose contrasting pieces to compliment an outfit, like the hand molded polymer hand painted pieces that I make, to the more traditional metal hearts in subtle dangles on earrings. With hearts, you can never go wrong!
For more fashion trending news or to get some of the latest styles of season, you can visit my website at www.TrendyTrinkets.net or my Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/trendytrinketsbymely
You can also contact me for some unique pieces designed just for you! Stay Happy and Get Trendy~!
