 About Style
By Ann Turner
Jewelry outlook for 2008
  This season’s Jewelry designs represent a range of contemporary looks and creative designs from classic and vintage designs to the sculptural and bold. A key theme in all of this year’s fashions is luxury, and it is alluded to in every aspect of the upcoming season’s styles. It will come as no surprise then that Gold jewelry is continuing its comeback into the 2008 spring season. This gorgeous precious metal epitomizes luxury, radiates warmth and looks good against any skin type. Vintage Gold adds richness to any look.
Diamonds are another coveted luxury in many a jewelry collection. What could be more indulgent and contemporary than a little collection of gold and diamond brooches? For those of us who are inclined to display such a tasteful array but haven’t a pocket deep enough to procure it, there are some very fetching alternatives available, including costume jewelry and a range of less pricey substitutes.
Clearly lovely, but more budget sensitive than luxury classics like Gold and Diamonds, marcasite will also get plenty of wear this year. Sterling Silver and Cubic Zirconium, the perennial alternatives in an economical quest for elegance, can add the warm look of white gold or platinum with the luxe look of diamonds at a fraction of the price. They may never replace diamonds and gold, but as finances tighten, their cheerful charms will undoubtedly be increasingly appreciated. Also, with gold prices skyrocketing, Jewelry artists have been experimenting with non-tarnishing brass. Gold-tone Brass is a serious contender to consider when making a jewelry purchase this season. It's nice to be able to get the warm look of gold without breaking the budget
Ethnic influences will add flavor to a variety of design motifs.
Pendants are a stand out look this year. Pendants on cords, chains, or hanging on a strand of beads, will be featured in every spring collection. Motifs are as diverse as the people who wear them, and will drive interest in this simple look. Oriental inspirations, Egyptian motifs, Heraldic badges, or animal design: there’s room for everything from bold jewel colors in elaborate settings, to a simple motif, such as the classic heart motif, which is revisited as a simple pendant, and will be in evidence throughout the spring and summer seasons.
The colors in demand for spring and summer will be in the blue range, and the purple hues of, tanzanite, iolite, Amethyst and fluorite will be on the palette along with Greens ranging from watery Aquamarine and blue fluorite to the olivine tones of peridot. We’ll find colorful complements in the sunny hues of Amber, topaz, citrine and a moodier tiger’s eye.
In Gemstone jewelry, blue stones will rule this coming season. Stones such as aquamarine and blue sapphires, along with semiprecious lapis and moonstone will be featured in spring jewelry designs. Amethyst, Peridot and opal will also be strongly featured, along with the colors they embody.
Again this season, Hoop earrings are predicted to be a popular fashion statement. Sizes range from extra large single hoops to the interlocked triple hoops. We’ll see hoops studded with gemstones, dangling stones, and wrapped with them. Watch out for trendy hoops detailed with blue and green stones, such as blue topaz, aquamarine, and peridot.
Cocktail rings worn singularly or in multiples are still a hot item for spring. They draw attention to smooth, well-manicured hands. The styles range from simply elegant to wild and exotic. This is not third-rate bling! It’s all about conspicuous luxury with a jolt of color: Designs feature stones in bright, deep colors. Rings set with semiprecious stones in blues and greens such as turquoise, lapis, or jade, coordinate beautifully with the colorful fashions of spring. Try wearing one bold cocktail ring or several smaller ones to make a fashion statement this spring!
This year’s bracelets are bangles and cuffs worn at wrist or on the upper arm. The chunky carved plastic look of the 1940s will be as “at home” on your arm as silver, gold, Lucite, patent leather, and wood. Motifs like serpents, exotic animals, ethnic designs, art deco and a profusion of Native American turquoise are a suggestion of things to be seen on fashionable arms this year.
In closing, I’d like to say that I think that this year’s jewelry designs and retrospective references are fertile soil for nurturing new ideas. I have tried to select images of designs that are provocative as well as being examples of good design. I hope that your creative tendencies are tickled by something that you’ve seen here. Either way, please send us photos of your work! I also want to thank my Tech Guru Sid for all his help this evening in getting  this document and 36 high-resolution photographs to BeadBugle.Com in time for publication. You are my hero.
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