It’s a new year and it’s time to start looking at the upcoming 2008 Spring and Summer Jewelry trends! The ever changing business of bead jewelry and fashion trends isn’t always easy to predict, but I’ve been reading a lot of fashion magazines, listening to my customers keeping an eye out for what sort of jewelry has been selling and what hasn’t been.

Based on these observations and my own inner fashion diva, here’s what will be hot in beads and jewelry in 2008:

Natural Colors

There is lots of emphasis on “natural” colors and materials such as wood or stone beads use in jewelry. Along with this natural feel are a lot of organic and botanical looking beads and pendants as well. If it is even slightly reminiscent of nature it seems to be popular in most jewelry and bead circles right now.

Bold and Big

Large stones, gemstones and beads are still in, though they’re becoming a little less “over the top” and little more natural in size and pleasing to the eye. In 2008 bead jewelry pieces will still be expected to make a bold statement and not just lie on the neck or wrist. The “chunky” jewelry is still popular and I’m noticing that a lot of people like the rough cut or asymmetrical stones and beads.

Pendants, Charms and Single Stones

Single large stones that hang in a pendant configuration are popular. Lots of celebrities and media women are wearing bright and somewhat larger charm bracelets and even necklaces than they were in the past.

Colors!

Yes, I’m talking about color again! Natural is good, but also remember to be bright and bold! Bright colors from the 1980′s are out. Think more along the lines of the brightest colors you might see in a sunset or seascape. The color yellow is still popular, but I’ve seen it used more as an accent color in a lot of jewelry pieces and beads rather than the main event. These bright colors are being seen in bead jewelry and clothing fashions together. Many of these bright colors are “warmer” to go along with the natural feel!

Metals

Yes, natural and chunky are in, but there is still room for metals in beaded jewelry, especially when it is sleek and modern looking or even mixed with natural materials like wood and stone beads. There are always people who like the more “modern” beads and jewelry as opposed to the more traditional bead jewelry designs. You can buy modern beads for jewelry making or you can go for a more unique look and actually make bead jewelry out of hardware washers!

Shiny Stuff: Silver and Gold

Silver is still hot, but gold is making a comeback. The two metals are being seen mixed together in more and more pieces and more and more unique ways. I’ve seen a lot of charms, pendants and larger jewelry beads designed with a gemstone, gold and silver all in one piece.

I would describe the perfect bead jewelry necklace for 2008 to be comprised of bright, colorful oversized beads that invoked nature in either their shape or color and the whole piece would be be brought together with a tasteful silver and gold gemstone pendant hanging off the neck to bring it all together.

I hope you have a great 2008 and you’re able to find or make some wonderfully fashionable and trend-setting bead jewelry for yourself!

As the year of 2011 has come to an end, a lot of people begin to seek and follow the fashion trend of 2012 in order to keep up with the step of fashion tide.

Of course, no one can really know what’s going on in the accessory world this coming year. Recently, a great many celebrities of fashion designers speculate what will be popular in 2012.

Now, let’s have a look.

Theme

Among all the suppositions, plants and animals will be the main theme in appearance designing. They can call people’s minds to our intimate relationships with nature. Environment protection has been the hot topic these years. People all over the world are talking about it. In the meanwhile, since the plant and animal accessories come out, they are continuously favored by people. It is considered that this favor will continue in 2012.

Material

Although the price of gold and silver is growing dramatically all the time, they are still the first choice of people. The gold and silver is not only beautiful, but also have the function of appreciation.

On the other hand, for the people who don’t have sufficient funds, they can wear the inexpensive accessories but dazzling as the gold and silver instead, such as Titanium jewelry, Stainless steel jewelry, which may be a better choice especially for the young group. The young group is the main consumer of the Titanium jewelry and Stainless steel jewelry.

Style

The accessories which have the mysterious color and distinctive enchantment will still be in fashion. The fashionable accessories in 2011 (like Pandora jewelry) and religious jewelry may be sustained in 2012. This kind of accessories can manifest the unique glamour of the owner, that’s why they have been popular for a long time. Nowadays, people are more likely to pursue the uniqueness of their accessories, so the mysterious color and distinctive enchantment accessories will last its glory.

Color

According to the forecast of numerous fashion designers, blue, pink, and purple may be the vogue colors in the year 2012. The pink can bring you a feeling of romantic, and ease your intense nerve. The color of blue makes you calm. The purple can be mysterious and profound, and also can take you good luck.

In my point of view, since China holds the 2008 Olympic Games, the Chinese traditional culture is aware of by the people all around the world, so the traditional Chinese elements will also a fashion bright spot.

For one week during early spring, college and university students in many countries including the United States, Canada, and China leave their classrooms and take a much-needed respite from hitting the books. Spring break is a time to let one’s hair down and to just take it easy. Many students take the opportunity to travel during this week-long recess; others turn to arts and crafts. For either of these spring break activities, jewelry can play an important role.

A survey shows that the most popular spring break travel destinations are South Padre Island, Lake Havasu, Panama City, with the Mexican city of Cancun as the international location of choice for many students. What do all these locations have in common? Water and parties — and a host of opportunities for young students on spring break to show off body jewelry of different designs. Also, the type of swimsuit she is wearing would enhance the visual impact her jewelry would make. For instance, a belly ring would really look **** with those barely-there bikinis, as would belly chains, which come in pierced or unpierced versions.

Belly rings and belly chains are available in many designs, but perhaps one of the most best-selling designs for college students on spring break is one that features Greek society symbols. Wearing a sterling silver or gold wrist or ankle bracelet (anklet), a necklace, toe rings, belly rings and belly chains that spell out a sorority’s letters is an excellent way to show school spirit even during spring break.

There are many kinds of beach jewelry suitable for just basking on the sand or bathing in the ocean — and both guys and girls can wear them. Shell jewelry is especially versatile; necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other items made from puka shells, white clam, tiger and white shells come in different colors and designs. And they won’t become discolored if you wear them to swim either.

After the sun sets, vacationers start to get ready for another spring break staple: the spring break parties! Chandelier earrings at various price points and made with materials ranging from Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones, and silver or gold are excellent party accessories. So are hoop earrings, briolette necklaces, and charm bracelets; all of which could be as flashy or as understated as one would like. The men have a wide selection from which to choose as well: from soft leather necklaces embellished with beads to titanium bracelets to diamond stud earrings.

Many of today’s youth enjoy making their own jewelry and spring break provides the perfect opportunity for them to showcase their work. Hemp jewelry is always an eye-catcher, whether it is decorated with beads or crystals or not, with the creator opting to let the weave pattern or coloring be the only embellishments. Some students like making jewelry so much that they spend part of their spring break taking up handicraft classes so that they’ll have something new to show when they go back to school.

Spring break is a time when those in their late teens and early twenties are able to think of nothing but to have fun. The jewelry they wear is an expression of their free spirit and is an important indication of the youth culture of today.