| It's a new year and it's time to start looking at | | | | colors from the 1980's are out. Think more along |
| the upcoming 2008 Spring and Summer Jewelry | | | | the lines of the brightest colors you might see in |
| trends! The ever changing business of bead | | | | a sunset or seascape. The color yellow is still |
| jewelry and fashion trends isn't always easy to | | | | popular, but I've seen it used more as an accent |
| predict, but I've been reading a lot of fashion | | | | color in a lot of jewelry pieces and beads rather |
| magazines, listening to my customers keeping an | | | | than the main event. These bright colors are being |
| eye out for what sort of jewelry has been selling | | | | seen in bead jewelry and clothing fashions |
| and what hasn't been. | | | | together. Many of these bright colors are |
| Based on these observations and my own inner | | | | "warmer" to go along with the natural feel! |
| fashion diva, here's what will be hot in beads and | | | | Metals |
| jewelry in 2008: | | | | Yes, natural and chunky are in, but there is still |
| Natural Colors | | | | room for metals in beaded jewelry, especially |
| There is lots of emphasis on "natural" colors and | | | | when it is sleek and modern looking or even |
| materials such as wood or stone beads use in | | | | mixed with natural materials like wood and stone |
| jewelry. Along with this natural feel are a lot of | | | | beads. There are always people who like the |
| organic and botanical looking beads and pendants | | | | more "modern" beads and jewelry as opposed to |
| as well. If it is even slightly reminiscent of nature it | | | | the more traditional bead jewelry designs. You can |
| seems to be popular in most jewelry and bead | | | | buy modern beads for jewelry making or you can |
| circles right now. | | | | go for a more unique look and actually make bead |
| Bold and Big | | | | jewelry out of hardware washers! |
| Large stones, gemstones and beads are still in, | | | | Shiny Stuff: Silver and Gold |
| though they're becoming a little less "over the | | | | Silver is still hot, but gold is making a comeback. |
| top" and little more natural in size and pleasing to | | | | The two metals are being seen mixed together in |
| the eye. In 2008 bead jewelry pieces will still be | | | | more and more pieces and more and more |
| expected to make a bold statement and not just | | | | unique ways. I've seen a lot of charms, pendants |
| lie on the neck or wrist. The "chunky" jewelry is | | | | and larger jewelry beads designed with a |
| still popular and I'm noticing that a lot of people | | | | gemstone, gold and silver all in one piece. |
| like the rough cut or asymmetrical stones and | | | | I would describe the perfect bead jewelry |
| beads. | | | | necklace for 2008 to be comprised of bright, |
| Pendants, Charms and Single Stones | | | | colorful oversized beads that invoked nature in |
| Single large stones that hang in a pendant | | | | either their shape or color and the whole piece |
| configuration are popular. Lots of celebrities and | | | | would be be brought together with a tasteful |
| media women are wearing bright and somewhat | | | | silver and gold gemstone pendant hanging off the |
| larger charm bracelets and even necklaces than | | | | neck to bring it all together. |
| they were in the past. | | | | I hope you have a great 2008 and you're able to |
| Colors! | | | | find or make some wonderfully fashionable and |
| Yes, I'm talking about color again! Natural is good, | | | | trend-setting bead jewelry for yourself! |
| but also remember to be bright and bold! Bright | | | | |