
While there’s less in the showcase, as jewelers pull back on inventory, it still doesn’t mean you can’t find a few pieces that embrace who you are. In fact, as this recession ends and more people get a second wind, creativity is in the air, and that also goes for your choices in style. It’s okay to be original, and what better way than through your own unique style? Do it with fashion and alternative jewelry choices that are all your own.
Take a Cue from the Harajuku Girls
If you’ve never heard of Harajuku in Tokyo, Japan, the creativity and style will amaze you. Teenage girls there are not afraid to express their individuality, with some borrowing ideas from the popular anime culture and others from gothic culture. The styles are colorful and as with the decora style, can rely on layering of both clothing and jewelry. While a decora girl will rely on plastic jewelry, the layered look is something that is very hot, even for those that want to have a little fun being original without the plastic. In addition, the decora style rely on charms that might have a child-like quality like Hello Kitty to complete the look.
Layered Necklaces and Bracelets
Why not reach into your jewelry box and see which necklaces and bracelets can be layered to form a whole new look? It’s not about what works well together, but what expresses a certain mood or look when layered. It’s about creating an entire new theme by adding disparate elements that when brought together evoke something completely new and fascinating.
Recycle and Recombine Jewelry
You can pull apart jewelry elements and add them to others. You can even hire a jeweler who will take a few separate pieces and make an entirely new one from it. There’s no set rule that just because your pearl strands always hung around your neck, that they now can’t be used as multi-layered bracelet. It’s up to you to decide how you want the final look to come about. You can pull stones out of old rings and put them into bracelets, pins, or pendants. You can even sell the gold in the fixture to finance any new designs you want to create with your jeweler.
Charms
Charms are a real good way to add individuality to your look. You can buy charms that means something special to you, identify you in some way, or just plain add to the over all picture. For instance, if you are a loving person, there’s no reason you can’t layer heart necklaces and add multiple different heart charms to your bracelets. The look says something about who you are, but also can be stylish and layered. In fact, if you get tired of layering charms, you can always go back to a single charm on a pendant or bracelet. However, the more you pull things out of your treasure box and combine them together, the more you will start to visualize and enact your own personal style that’s as familiar to you as a warm hug.


Alexander the Great is known for solving the riddle of the Gordian knot by taking his sword and boldly cutting it in two to loosen it, thus fulfilling prophecy to be the king of Asia. Knots throughout history have represented a thorny problem, but they also represent unions, and destiny. Some knots are symbolic of a heritage, like the Celtic knot, or the symbol criss cross knot that sometimes refers to Christ. Either way, knots have always stymied and delighted people who want something unusual, and this year, you’ll get to see a whole lot more of them in 2010.
No matter how much you love that vintage jewelry, diamond-encrusted though it may be, there will come a time when it may seem outdated or you just get tired of wearing it. Let’s face it, human beings are fickle creatures who want something new in their lives to generate excitement and fun. There’s no reason you have to go out and buy all kinds of new, expensive, pieces of jewelry to just get a new look, however, when you can learn how to create new designs using what you already have in your jewelry box.
The recent popular growth of handmade jewelry and fine jewelry designs implementing rough diamonds and other unrefined looks has led to a trend of crafting alternative jewelry to be a form of fine art. These pieces are typically one-of-a-kind, but use fine metals and gemstones such as diamonds and pearls instead of glass beads.
We’re in the midst of the holiday season, and it’s time to add a little drama to your days and your nights. As the days get shorter, the sunlight may be lessening outside, but inside you can add a little spark of light and color with festive holiday jewelry designs that perk up the spirit. Add a few themed pieces to your collection that can give you a reason to celebrate the winter months.
Spring and Summer 2009 looks were very
Everyone has been tempted to buy the hula girl lamp or some other quirky souvenir when they’re on vacation. Let’s face it, when we get back home, you’ll soon wonder what possessed you to buy it and stick it in a closet or drawer. The same isn’t true for jewelry, which can help remind us of special vacations and brings back some of the atmosphere of that locale back to your home town. As the perfect alternative, jewelry is both functional and aesthetic. It can be themed and even retain value, unlike a hula girl lamp.