What's your jewelry style? The answer to this question will probably be a sizable factor in determining the type of jewelry purchase you're likely to make. Some people prefer vintage jewelry, while others enjoy tribal jewelry or artisan jewelry. Those who are fashion-conscious or like to shop in more expensive stores might prefer designer jewelry instead. Learn more about these styles and the latest trends in jewelry today.
As a result of the Internet and Fair Trade efforts, handcrafted, artisan, and ethnic jewelry is becoming increasingly popular and much more available. Look for handmade and artisan jewelry from amateur jewelry designers at many online or local stores. Alternatively, shoppers can search for websites or specialty stores that advertise ethnic and tribal jewelry instead. Amateur designers can get started with their own projects by purchasing loose beads or other jewelry-making supplies.
For a more traditional or classic design, look for fine vintage jewelry from the Victorian or other historical eras. Other vintage, antique jewelry can also be purchased online or in local antique shops. For traditional pieces that look antique but are less expensive, consider choosing vintage repro ductions instead. Good examples of this type of jewelry include cameo necklaces or pins.
Some shoppers prefer more expensive precious metal for their jewelry, such as platinum, gold or silver. These metals are designed to last for generations, and feature an almost endless variety of jewelry settings as well. Learn about the characteristics of these different metals, as well as how to distinguish the quality of the jewelry, before buying. Wristwatches and pocket watches, as well as most other types of jewelry, are manufactured using these metals.
Jewelry settings include many different gemstones, and each of these adds unique color, qualities, and character to the piece. Red-colored stones include rubies and garnets, while sapphire, topaz, aquamarine, and turquoise stones are varying shades of blue. Citrine, emerald, and peridot stones are blue, but amethysts are purple. For a unique, fiery stone of variant coloring, consider an opal setting instead.
Of course, diamond jewelry is widely available in varying levels of quality. Remember to evaluate cut, clarity, color, and carat (the four Cs) when purchasing diamonds. For a classy alternative that's slightly less expensive, consider pearls instead. Choose from Tahitian pearls, South Sea pearls, freshwater pearls, or Akoya pearls.
Not surprisingly, the jewelry industry caters to men as well as to women. Many men enjoy wearing masculine rings, chains, or bracelets. More traditional men's jewelry, such as cufflink s and tie tacks, are also widely sold. And body jewelry for both women and men is becoming quite popular, including toe rings, ankle bracelets, and belly or nose jewelry.
Choosing the Right Piece
Find rings, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets to match almost any outfit or to suit nearly any occasion. Whether the goal is elegance or flair, most jewelry wearers prefer to choose a type and style that reflects their personal tastes and personality. For example, some people enjoy wearing pins or brooches to accent a solidly colored sweater or jacket, while others prefer fashion necklaces to drape in long strands or lariats. Chokers or other chains of varying lengths of chains are also popular types of necklaces.
Many women and some men enjoy wearing earrings in one or both ears. Dangle earrings, hoop earrings, and even simple stud earrings are widely sold. Other people prefer to wear one or more rings on their fingers. Fashion rings, gemstone rings, engagement rings, or wedding bands are a few of the many types of finger rings available for purchase.
Some people enjoy wearing bracelets or charm bracelets instead. These may be manufactured as stylishly inexpensive bangle bracelets or beaded bracelets. More expensive tennis bracelets or Italian charm bracelets, as well as traditional charm bracelets, are sometimes preferred instead.
Choosing the perfect engagement ring or wedding jewelry is a big event; this jewelry is meant to last a lifetime. Celebrate an engagement ring that features a diamond as a central stone, or opt for a more contemporary setting that features a number of other gemstones, such as sapphires or rubies, instead. The perfect wedding band is almost as important as the diamond engagement ring, so buyers should shop around and find the one that's exactly right.
Specialty jewelry is also available for the big day. On their wedding day, most brides choose jewelry that will accentuate their gowns while complementing their own personal tastes and styles. Choose from wedding day bridal jewelry pieces such as tiaras, bracelets, necklaces, or earrings designed to achieve exactly that effect.
Some brides also like to purchase jewelry gifts for the wedding party as well. These gifts are designed to thank wedding participants and remind them forever of the special occasion on which they were received. Popular jewelry gifts for men include money clips, cufflinks, and watches. Female participants often receive diamond earrings, tennis bracelets or diamond solitaire pendants as thank-you gifts. Children's jewelry is also available for flower girl or ring bearer participants.
Search through a trove of antique treasures, or accumulate your own, and store them in a long-lasting jewelry box. Every time you open the lid, you can go treasure hunting once more to wear that perfect piece on the perfect occasion. And remember, you can never go wrong with diamonds!