A shiny, sparkly pretty piece of jewelry given as a gift can warm a woman’s heart like nothing else! And since most of us like to remain fashionable AND fabulous, we thought you’d probably like to know what’s hot in jewelry this holiday season. In case you need to find that perfect piece for a loved one, or perhaps pick out something your loved one will buy for YOU (we prefer that scenario). Finding that perfect piece can be nerve-wracking. Depending upon their style and taste, you’ll either end up with a winner or later returning a dud. How on earth do you decide? How do you know what he/she will like? This is especially difficult if you’re a man shopping for your lady!
To help you select something gorgeous they’ll adore (and avoid getting that dud), here are the top trends for the 2011 holiday season. Finding these pieces is as simple as a Google search. Some are pricey, but there are plenty of alternative sites where you can find less expensive, but no less beautiful jewelry. Use this article as your guide, and feel free to pass this on to someone you’d like to receive jewelry from this season. Giving them some direction is far better than leaving it up to chance!
Trend #1 – Collar Necklaces
You might be thinking that these have been around for ages, and you’d be right (about 40,000 years to be exact). They’re currently in high style, which means you’ll have lots to choose from. What’s a collar necklace? It looks like a collar (sorry, I know that’s the obvious answer), but many designs deviate from the traditional look to create a contemporary twist. Here are a ton of images to give you ideas on what kind of collar necklace might look right around your neck – or someone else’s. If you’re into handmade or handcrafted jewelry, then check out this site for ideas on collar necklaces. Looking for a variety? Try Amazon.com.
Trend #2 – Chains
Chains are back! Whether on your wrist, around your neck, waist or part of a handbag, chains are everywhere. Think outside the box when it comes to chains – it’s not just chain link. Here’s a great example of mixed media that incorporates a chain into the design. Here’s another example from the same retailer that could also be considered a collar necklace. Amazon.com offers some nice options for men.
Trend #3 – Opals
Opals are in style again, even if your birthday isn’t in October. Opals are prized for their fiery brilliance and natural beauty, beautiful play of color and light and iridescence and illustriousness. The best part is they’re available in a wide-range of rainbow-hues. Colorings can be black, white, milk (also known as crystal), boulder, matrix, yowah nuts, Mexican and fire opal. Want one yet?
Opals can be put into nearly any type of setting and can be worn as rings or in a necklace. You do need to take care of them, however. They aren’t hard like diamonds and can crack if hit upon something. These gems are perfect for special occasion wearing versus every day due to their delicate nature. A soft cloth and lukewarm soapy water are the best cleaning options, but don’t immerse or soak them or the adhesive holding in the gem might deteriorate. Deals on opals can be found, but decide on the type you want before looking. It’s hard to tell the real brilliance and fieriness of an opal online, so buy that way at your own risk.
Trend #4 – Rings
Cocktail
While rings almost never go out of style, the way they’re worn or the size changes with fashion trends. Current ring fashions include chunky cocktail rings that sport one large stone. The brilliantly colored gems become a focal point of an outfit and can take you from drab to fab just by slipping one on your finger! Here are other options that go from simple to stunning.
Right Hand
These rings are also oversized, but typically feature diamonds and are worn on the right hand. De Beers Diamond Cartel launched an ad campaign to promote the right hand ring: “Your left hand says ‘we’, your right hand says ‘me.'” “Your left hand likes to be held, your right hand likes to be held high.” “Your left hand is your heart, your right hand is your voice.” and “Your left hand lives for love, your right hand lives for the moment.” Here are some lovely examples of right hand rings.
See Part 2 for the next 4 hot trends!
