Fine jewelry is the perfect way to update and accessorize this season's fashions. "Eyelet dresses, Edwardian-inspired blouses and white clothing, all hot trends this season, provide the perfect backdrop for fine jewelry," says Helena Krodel, spokesperson for Jewelry Information Center. Regardless of your style or budget, there is a piece of innovative or soul-proclaiming fine jewelry to perfectly suit you.
Marvelous Medallions
Medallions will be on the top of shoppers' lists. Look for versions with floral motifs, intricate carvings, filigree work or personal engravings. Grand-scale medallions pair well with long thick chain-link necklaces in gold, platinum or sterling silver. More petite medallions look fresh suspended from brightly colored gemstone necklaces, chains set with diamonds, "diamonds by the yard" or a strand of pearls à la Chanel.
One, Two, Three's a Charm
Charms are back. Women may choose sweet subtle trinkets in lieu of bracelets chock-full of hearts and stars. New styles include tiny treasures hung from hoop earrings; charms clustered on top of rings; stationed charm necklaces with unmatched charms; and very long chain-link necklaces with one, two or three charms that fall far into the décolletage.
Earring Extravaganza
A sprawling array of important earrings graced the red carpet this season. For spring, the earring evolution has come full circle featuring chandeliers, long linears, drops, "threaders" and ear-hugging versions. Although all of these variations will have a place amidst the fashions this season, the newest style on the ear frontier is the embellished hoop with charms.
Grab for the Ring
The fascination with cocktail rings continues, focusing on cabochon-cut or seemingly uncut gemstones. Designers are using antique-looking or organic gemstones, rose-cut diamonds (or gemstones) and crystallike formations. More traditional styles still look fabulous when they feature richly saturated gemstones and special metalsmithing techniques. Also look for colored gemstones in pink and green including pink sapphire, pink and green tourmaline, peridot and tsavorite (green garnet).
Off the Cuff
In warmer weather, sleeves get cropped and skin is exposed, leaving room for cuffs to be stacked up the arm. Some standout styles include bracelets that expose some skin; use organic materials like wood, mother-of-pearl, shell and moonstone; have strong details like grommets in gold; feature feminine flower carvings; or use special materials like platinum and diamonds, which are ideal for glitzy occasions.
Allyre Jewelry's 18-karat yellow- gold triple medallion necklace set with diamonds.