Even though I'm slow to follow trends in my own look, I do find them fascinating. Anyone who's gone shopping with me knows that I have to stop at the jewelry section whether it's at Target or Macy's not to buy, but to see the latest styles. I don't look for designs to copy bead for bead, but to get an idea of small, trendy elements such as the use of gold instead of silver that I can incorporate into my own work.
This summer I had fun making several tutorials using new Bead Gallery beads that are now available at Michaels. The tutorials include all the materials and instructions to make these exact projects or you can use the photos to jump start your own ideas.
Here are four necklace projects that showcase this fall's jewelry trends:
1. Sassy Tassel Necklace
This romantic, dramatic necklace features a braid of gold seed beads, hamsa hand links, black tassels, and a double strand of chain. This is a date night necklace, perhaps worn with a silk dress and leather jacket. Several fall jewelry trends are at play here: metallics (especially gold), the hamsa symbol, and tassels. See step-by-step instructions.
2. Turquoise Tree Necklace
This long necklace includes skinny silver tube beads, tiny turquoise rondelles, and a wire wrapped Tree of Life pendant. Gemstones always seem to pop up as a fall trend since they pair so nicely with fall fashions. This look is organic and natural, perfect for those crisp fall days with jeans, sweaters, and boots. See step-by-step instructions.
3. Charming Choker Layered Necklace Set
This layered necklace set features 14K gold-plated charms. What's different about this necklace set is the asymmetrical look and the use of a velvet choker in combination with the chain necklaces. See step-by-step instructions with photos.
Not only is gold a big trend for metals, but so is the trend towards custom and personalized jewelry. Happily, the charm selection is becoming more diverse so you're more likely to find charms that speak to you and your interests. (If you want more information on some of the new charms, see my blog post "The Meaning Behind Popular Jewelry Charms.")
4. Rock Hound Layered Necklace Set
The layered necklace trend is still going strong for fall. This set has an organic, natural look with stone and crystal pendants simply wire wrapped. It also hints at the geometric trend of having straight lines and square, rectangular, and triangular shapes, rather than circles and ovals. The fun part with layered necklaces is that you can wear them alone or in any combination. If you sell your work, layered necklaces would be a great way to encourage repeat business and boost your sales. See step-by-step instructions with photos.
Do you have a favorite trend for fall jewelry?