Fashion Trends Year in Review

Looking back on 2009, the trend in jewelry was toward a few well picked statement pieces and color was certainly in the mix. While the trends were bold, the jewelry in 2009 was still refined and feminine. The First Lady Michelle Obama began our year with her Inaugural Ball outfit finished with long, elegant dangle earrings and a wrist of diamond-set bangles. Many of the pieces we saw this year will be added to your timeless collection because many of the trends were recollections of the best of past fashions.

Cuff Bracelets: My favorite trend from 2009 are the bracelets. Cuffs and bangles have their place in jewelry history; we recall the style and designs of Queen Victoria, Coco Chanel and Elsa Peretti. To expand this style to every budget I will add Tory Burch and Kate Spade to this list.

Dangle/Drop Earrings: From chandeliers to hoops this fashion is very feminine and festive. In-and-out diamond hoops, which I once considered a fleeting trend, have secured a spot in jewelry must-haves and I am actually hoping to find a pair in my own Christmas stocking!

Cocktail Rings: A great way to incorporate color into your jewelry wardrobe. This fashion recalls the over sized colored stone rings of the 1940s. There is no better way to accessorize your martini.

Statement Necklaces: Whether heading to the office or the opera the perfect necklace is what you need.

Off the Cuff

 

Bold yet easy to wear, cuff bracelets are our new (old) favorite. The statement making bracelets can be found in every material; and they look just as great with a sweater and jeans as they do with a little black dress.

The best classic cuff design is the Maltese Cross by Verdura. Originally designed in 1936 by Duke Fulco di Verdura for Coco Chanel, the bracelet is still produced by Verdura today. Each bracelet is fitted to the customer’s wrist and some of the bracelets have a detachable cross that can be interchanged with cuffs of various materials. Elsa Peretti’s Bone Cuff for Tiffany & Co. is quite possibly the sexiest piece of jewelry around. The classic organic design is available in 18kt yellow gold, silver, or ruthenium over copper for the budget conscious.

Bakelite, which is a dense synthetic resin, is a colorful option for cuffs. Invented in 1907, it was popular in kitchen items and jewelry through the 1940s because of the ease with which it could be molded and carved. It can be found in modern and vintage jewelry; although some of the very colorful, unusual period pieces can be as expensive as their precious metal counter parts.

If you dare follow in the path of the great style icon Coco Chanel you may want to stack your cuffs or wear a pair, one on each wrist.