There's nothing that can dress up an understated outfit faster than a beaded necklace. Beads are an inexpensive, versatile way to add style to almost anything you wear. Whether you make your own beaded necklaces or buy them ready made, beads can be a timely addition to your fall and winter wardrobe. Although they never go out of style, bead trends come and go. Here's a peek at what's hot in the world of beads for fall 2008 and winter 2009:
Colors for Fall and Winter
Expect to see lots of black beads and crystals showing up on necklaces, earrings, and even attached to clothing. Black is always a strong color going into the winter months and it appears to be even stronger this season. Another bead color to watch are fiery carnelian beads and stones which will make a dramatic statement around the holiday season. Expect red to have a strong presence this fall and winter both in fashion and in the world of jewelry. With the emphasis on purple in the world of fashion, amethyst will make a strong showing along with labradorite, a multicolored stone with purple and blue undertones. Blue is also an emerging color trend which will bring lapis into the forefront along with sodalite. You'll see these colors emphasized not only in semiprecious beads and stones but in glass and crystal beads as well.
The Return of Gold
Although silver beads and pendants are still strong, gold and gold toned beads and jewelry is making a strong comeback overseas. Gold provides a beautiful contrast to the fiery carnelian and red shades that will be so popular this fall and winter. You'll also see a renewed interest in copper beads and pendants in keeping with the focus on red tones. Silver beads will continue to be important as they bring out the beauty of purple and blue stones and provide a contrasting background for black. Choose the metal that flatters your hair and face and you can't go wrong.
Long or Layered Beaded Necklaces
When it comes to beads this winter you can't go wrong with long. Long beaded necklaces will coordinate beautifully with longer length winter sweaters and sweater dresses. Colorful crystals in brilliant red or shades of majestic purple contrasted with metal beads and pearls in various shades of gray will give a boost to cold weather fashions of all types. Expect to see necklaces layered in groups, making an even more dramatic statement. Beads are big and bold and strung in unique combinations to give rise to one of this year's biggest jewelry trends, the statement necklace.
Pendants
This fall and winter pendants take on new prominence and they'll be larger and bolder than ever, in keeping with the trend towards large, statement making pieces. Almost anything goes when it comes to pendants for fall and winter 2009. Pendants will range from abstract, bold, and geometric to motifs in the shape of key to words printed boldly on metal. The pendant provides a way to turn an ordinary necklace into a power piece. They're a great way to express yourself.
This winter's bead trends will surely inspire you to make a trip to your local bead store to create your own unique necklaces and jewelry to wear with warm winter sweaters. Enjoy!
