The Bold and the Beautiful

What to expect this year in jewelry trends...

Bold and beautiful statement pieces are among the words that describe the fashionable jewelry trends of both the 2010 and upcoming 2011 seasons. Whether it is jewel-encrusted statement necklaces, oversized bangle bracelets, sparkly cocktail rings, or ultra-feminine earrings, these looks continue to show up in countless fashion shows around the world and have no indication of going anywhere soon.  Being able to keep up with all these styles can be a daunting task, but here is a simple breakdown for you to follow:

To incorporate these pieces into your wardrobe, look to influential designers such as Chanel, Lanvin, Emporio Armani, Holly Fulton, and Christian Dior for inspiration on how to spice up a mundane outfit. The increasingly popular website, Etsy.com is also a great place to explore handmade jewelry trends with a twist. A fashionable piece of jewelry can simply dress up a black T-shirt with jeans and undoubtedly get you noticed in no time. Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, and Natalie Portman are just some of the celebrities that demonstrate how to wear layered bangles, geometric necklaces, and flirty earrings in creatively elegant ways. 

Holly Fulton geometric necklace and earrings

Fashion forecasts predict that eco-friendly materials like bamboo, in addition to semi-precious stones in muted colors will prevail throughout 2011.  For example, so far this year models on the runway are wearing giant Cabochon-style stone necklaces with simple outfits that make jewelry really stand out. Bold, embellished cuffs are also a huge hit that can easily be paired with stylish bib or choker necklaces to give your wardrobe an edgier look. Earrings are the most commonly worn accessory by women these days, so you can be sure that large, shoulder-brushing earrings will be hitting a store near you soon. So no matter your preference, 2011 will certainly provide an array of trendy looks for you to choose from.