Jewelry trends 2011: the big and the bold give way to the simple

Coming out of the recession that made us all a bit nervous and adjusting our pockets, we have come down to a simple way of looking at things. Big and bold gives us two distinct feelings when it comes to our jewelry: extravagant and confident. These are the feelings that surfaced during these difficult economic times and now we have a different feeling ahead…a sense of relief.

Whenever, as consumers, we feel the time is right to cut back, we focus on simple designs and warm, understated colours. Smooth metals and eco-friendly materials: wood, bone, simple and soft semi-precious stones with earthy colors and a simple palette will prevail for 2011. This is our respite. This is our nervousness fading away. Gone are the statement necklaces of the last two years and now there are the thinner, yet charming and elegant strands. Creativity will trump our need for security, and smooth combinations of blackened metals and all natural materials: pearls, bamboo, and recycled media will tone things down considerably.

Pearls will be the big player, as we see them with different eyes than ever. They will convey a sense of hope and simplicity with shades that will match any item in your wardrobe. If the recession prevents us, as consumers, from buying everything we want and making smarter decisions, we will have to choose what we can get the most return from. I know one very positive thing: we needed this recession. We needed to correct the hype and crowded, hyped market with designers who were
taking your business seriously. I welcome the very simple but creative work that will be here for us this year.