In/Out Report: Spring Jewelry

By Suzanne Singer
March 12, 2010

Heirloom pieces like diamond studs and tennis bracelets stand the test of time, but that's not to say that jewelry isn't as susceptible to the shifting trend landscape as fashion and accessories. Case in point: brooches, charm necklaces, and bib necklaces have each had their recent moments in the style sun, only to be relegated to shadier parts of our closets. Now that spring is finally in the air, we called on jewelry authorities to fill us in on what to pair with our tribal prints and All-American dungarees, and what to put away for the season.

Plus, check out our In/Out Reports on spring fashion and accessories.

Kathy Rose,

jewelry designer, Kathy Rose for Roseark and owner,
L.A. jewelry boutique Roseark

Stacking and Layering Bracelets

“I have been doing these bracelets and cuffs for over 15 years!”

Kathy Rose for Roseark Bracelets, Enamel Leaf Bangle (buy it now price, $8.99)

Small, Tiny Pendants, Single Pendants and Traditional, Boring and Plain Pieces

“The things that are out are the trendy, small single pendants... mass produced pieces that are traditional and boring.”

Lizzie Fortunato designer, Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, and business partner, sister Kathryn

Rope and Knotted Neckpieces

“We love the short, knotted silhouette of our 'Spirits for Sale' rope necklaces for spring. They are fresh and wearable. They can be worn with a t-shirt or dressed-up for night. It’s the perfect accessory for spring. You don't have to take it off!”

Top row and bottom left, Lizzie Fortunato necklaces; bottom right, Multi-colored Knotted Rope Necklace (buy it now price, $49)

Studs

“We're tired of seeing winter's tough studded look. We want fresh and clean and an injection of youth for spring!”

Sarah Easley

co-owner, Kirna Zabete

Cocktail Rings

Mesi Jilly Turquoise and Mother of Pearl Shell Ring ($1,395), Tre Anita Bubble Ring ($85), Tiger Shell and Wood Ring (but it now price, $8.99)

There Is None

“Actually, I feel that jewelry is sort of a rule-free zone where you can express yourself without limitations. Certainly, there are jewelry trends where styles come into popularity, but that does not make other pieces wrong if you are still in the mood to wear them. Please note, this does not apply to shoes, bags or ready-to-wear!”

Sam Wilson eBay seller,

Laurelle Antique Jewellery

Good Quality Antique Jewelry

“The good quality antique jewelry will always sell. Nice old cut diamonds that are good clarity and color are big hits this year, and they last. Pearls and diamonds, aquamarines and emeralds [are also in]. The old transitional cut diamonds sell [too]—the bigger the better.”

Victorian Emerald and Old Cut Diamond Ring (buy it now price, $3,476.03)

Mourning Jewelry

“Mourning jewelry [jewelry worn to commemorate the death of a loved one] is not really a good seller this season. [It was a trend that has] phased out some. Only the collectors really enjoy it. We had a ring linked to Lord Nelson last year and that sold back into the family.”

Meredith Kahn jewelry designer, Made Her Think

Steampunk

“A big trend that I am seeing is a lot of steampunk. Steampunk uses hardware, electronic or clock elements all wrapped up in a pseudo-Victorian mechanical vibe. This was introduced in the 1980s and '90s but is making a come back, specifically in jewelry.”

Check these Steampunk necklaces from Made Her Think.

Made Her Think Sizer Hands Necklace ($805), Spine Rings Chain ($357), Made Her Think Tangled Machine ($472), Steampunk Necklace (buy it now price, $24.95)

Everything Having to be Real

“In today’s economy, diamonds don’t all have to be real. You can feel free to rock out your CZ's or oversized topaz stones to give the same effect. Even at formal events, its ok to break out the Swarovski. If you are doing it right, most people don’t even care anymore. If it looks good, it looks good.”

Georgia Mack and Melissa Leung founders, Rio PR

Friendship Bracelets

“We love that you can create your own personal story by mixing and matching colors for a nostalgic feel. One of the jewelry lines we rep, Shashi works perfectly for this and adds a touch of glam.”

Shashi bracelet, Friendship Bracelet (buy it now price, $2.99), Shashi bracelet

Tough Leather Cuffs

“Tough leather cuffs are too aggressive for spring and can't be layered easily, which is our favorite way to wear bracelets.”

Carolyn Rafaelian designer, Alex and Ani

Personal Pendant Necklaces

“I think we’ll see a breakaway from the large statement necklaces and an increase in smaller, more personal necklaces that look great layered. Our Spiritual Armor Halo Collection is filled with pendant necklaces that can be layered, or worn alone for a sweet and subtle statement. Each of these necklaces are adorned with a charm that holds special meaning. Whether you need a guardian angel watching over you or desire the inner peace radiated from the Om charm, you will find your special symbol at Alex and Ani.”

Alex and Ani Halo Cherub Nacklace ($108), Silver Coin Necklace (buy it now price, $69.65), Alex and Halo Om Necklace ($98)

Jewelry that Shows Off Brand Names

“I think that it’s always been 'out' to wear jewelry that displays a certain brand name and is in your face…so you’re basically a walking advertisement. To me, that jewelry holds no meaning. I appreciate and am inspired by pieces that are significant to the human spirit and wearing pieces that reflect your personality.”

Corri McFadden eBay seller, Edrop-off Express

Lucite Jewelry

She founded Chicago eBay drop-off store Edrop-off Express in 2004. Today, the company sells designer clothing and accessories, collectibles, and everything in between through eBay. But McFadden, who majored in fashion design at college, is particularly attuned to what's new and in-demand withtop labels. Lucite jewelry is "both durable and versatile," says McFadden.

Deco Lucite Necklace (starting bid, $39.99) Clear Lucite Gem Silvertone Bracelet (starting bid, $5.99), Three Vintage Lucite Bangle Bracelets (buy it now price, $18.99)

Bling

"Overdoing it isn't so chic anymore."

Suzanne Singer served as the Accessories Editor at ElleGirl and most recently, as the Associate Accessories Editor at Lucky. She can usually be found wearing at least eight rings and five necklaces.

Lauren Sherman also contributed to this article. Lauren is fashion and culture writer based in Brooklyn. She currently works as an editor at Fashionista.com.

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