Hand Made Designer Jewellery

Express Your Individualism with Contemporary Jewellery

In our age of mass media, mass consumption and mass consciousness being different is not an easy task. Contemporary jewellery has been for a while predominately minimalist, using smooth, curved lines to create a polished look that embodies the form of industrial mass consumerism. But this is changing; when this year is remembered it will be for change, development and progression. Not many months have passed and yet many events have taken place that have changed the course of history, stimulating global awareness in a way that is itself a cause for hope. Jewellery trends for 2009 are riding the wave of this change, fashion has always demonstrated dominant ideology and this year is no different, except that the ideology has changed. We are arriving at a mind set that has natural beauty and self worth at its heart; this is the phoenix that has arisen from the flames of global discord.

Catwalk Styles

Look no further than the catwalk and you can see the importance that is being given to symbolic adornments that glamorise and accentuate the strength and uniqueness of us as individuals. The bottom line in these uncertain times is that we must empower ourselves. Statement necklaces, long earrings and multiple bangles can be used to achieve this; they get us noticed as creative individuals and dramatically show that we have something to say. Not many of us can afford or would wish to wear the spectacular but impractical styles flaunted on the catwalk in our everyday lives. But we can bring the vibe of haute couture and the realism that characterises 2009 to our wardrobes with key statement pieces, so that we can visually demonstrate that we are moving with the times, that we are the embodiment of contemporary thinking.

Black Jewellery

There are a number of trends that are emerging; the first involves black and silver jewellery. This trend is a good one to develop because black jewellery can be worn on all occasions, you can dress it up or dress it down. Buying striking black jewellery allows you to draw together many different outfits and you can keep the key vibe, big impressions, without making a huge impression on your wallet. An extra bonus is that black jewellery is not going to go out of fashion, invest in a quality piece and you will be wearing it for many years to come.

Quality Over Quantity

Quality is another thing to come back into mainstream fashion, the throw away culture of the 90’s is being outmoded by products that last far longer than a season. It is no longer stylish to have many disposable pieces of jewellery, the focus on being green has now extended to our jewellery boxes. Mother nature is once again being recognised as the greatest designer of all. Natural, floral and leaf form jewellery are now considered highly desirable as they are a symbolic indication that you are ethically inspired. Similarly the focus is on natural stones such as onyx, agate and mother of pearl. All of which are relatively inexpensive, but tick the contemporary ethical and natural boxes.

So get ready for a new beginning, individualism is back. Express yours!

The leaves on the trees are changing and as ever we must change our style to survive the winter months. Looking glamorous takes more effort in the winter especially if you want to keep updating your style but cannot afford to constantly buy more statement boots and coats. You need a new way to keep your style fresh. Big chunky jewellery is one of this seasons key trends, you can wear it over the top of jumpers to create a bright colourful look perfect for jazzing up dreary grey days. Check out Jackie Brazil’s collection of designer jewellery, inspired by the vibrant colours of tropical Brazil, it is perfect to cheer you up in the winter month, and bright statement jewellery instantly and easily transforms your look.

One of the other key trends that has emerged this season is the use of silver charms to customise clothes and accessories. All the major designers have charms in their fall collection. Everyone from Tiffany & Co. to Kate Moss and Juicy Couture are into this trend at the moment. They used to only be put onto charm bracelets, they would be soldered on and left on the charm bracelet permanently. Now designers have created innovative silver charms that have easy attachable clasps. Having a trigger clasp, (which are often used as fastenings on necklaces), means that you can easily clip on the charms that you want to wear that day and take off others that don’t match. You don’t have to stick with a cluttered charm bracelet which always looks the same, you can switch them around, choosing whatever styles and colours you want. It makes accessorising an outfit a whole lot easier! Lots of designers are also using charms on handbags, necklaces and key rings which means that you can buy one charm and use it in lots of different ways.

The other good thing about charms is that there are so many available. You are not restricted to boring traditional charms, but can get lots of cool ones. Lots are coated in enamel so they can be colourful and individual, there are stylish diamond set charms and ones touched with gold plating which makes them luxurious but still affordable, you can get these high quality silver charms for between £10 and £35. So silver charms can make great gifts for others (as well as for yourself!). If you buy charms made of silver you can be sure that they will last a long time, that is why they are often given as presents to mark special occasions.

I would definitely recommend getting the charms with trigger clasps they will cost slightly more when you first purchase them, but there will be no need for additional work afterwards to get them attached to your jewellery. It will probably cost about £10 to get a charm soldered onto a bracelet which is about the same as a good quality and secure silver trigger clasp, the difference is that you can move around the ones with the the clasp whereas any soldered charm will have to stay where it is first put.

Silver charms are definitely a fashionable accessory this season, make yourself standout with the wide variety of silver charms that are available.