Beads

Fashion jewelry draws inspiration from many places, be it nature or history, art or architecture. Each season we wear jewelry inspired by the elements that surround us.

This season, we see a surge in the trend of art deco jewelry. Whereas when art deco first came on the scene, it was more focused on bracelets, today, the trend is present in everything from necklaces to emerald cut rings.  Black Onyx and platinum are a popular choice, and a striking combination when paired together.  It’s all about the lines, the cut and the shape. Instead of wearing a “look-at-me” piece like a statement necklace, art deco is about being noticed for the details and the intricacies of the work. The style is precise, geometric and wearable by many.  It is less of a trend and more of a staple in the fashion and jewelry industry.

Another noticeable jewelry trend inspired by the world of art is that of geometric shapes. Oversize stackable bracelets in different colors dominated the runway shows in Paris, Milan and NYC this year. Color contrast was key, with designers showing an eclectic mix-and-match mentality from head to toe. Edgy geometric jewelry played right into the theme with chunky shapes adding eye-catching pop to already busy outfits.

Nature too played a big role in what we’ve recently seen, in terms of jewelry trends. Necklaces with sterling silver wishbones, rings adorned with ornate butterflies, and earrings of delicate water droplet shapes all made their way onto the pages of the top fashion magazines “must have” lists for the season.

It’s not to say that we haven’t seen or worn some of these trends in the past, but they seem to have a way of reinventing themselves every couple of years. Designers come out with new updates to old favorites, drawing inspiration from everyday life.

(BHW05 flower alloy bag hanger hook with rhinestone)
 

Fashion jewelry draws inspiration from many places, be it nature or history, art or architecture. Each season we wear jewelry inspired by the elements that surround us.

This season, we see a surge in the trend of art deco jewelry. Whereas when art deco first came on the scene, it was more focused on bracelets, today, the trend is present in everything from necklaces to emerald cut rings.  Black Onyx and platinum are a popular choice, and a striking combination when paired together.  It’s all about the lines, the cut and the shape. Instead of wearing a “look-at-me” piece like a statement necklace, art deco is about being noticed for the details and the intricacies of the work. The style is precise, geometric and wearable by many.  It is less of a trend and more of a staple in the fashion and jewelry industry.

Another noticeable jewelry trend inspired by the world of art is that of geometric shapes. Oversize stackable bracelets in different colors dominated the runway shows in Paris, Milan and NYC this year. Color contrast was key, with designers showing an eclectic mix-and-match mentality from head to toe. Edgy geometric jewelry played right into the theme with chunky shapes adding eye-catching pop to already busy outfits.

Nature too played a big role in what we’ve recently seen, in terms of jewelry trends. Necklaces with sterling silver wishbones, rings adorned with ornate butterflies, and earrings of delicate water droplet shapes all made their way onto the pages of the top fashion magazines “must have” lists for the season.

It's not to say that we haven’t seen or worn some of these trends in the past, but they seem to have a way of reinventing themselves every couple of years. Designers come out with new updates to old favorites, drawing inspiration from everyday life.

If you are a creative type and have ever submitted your work to a contest or a juried show or event, you probably have experienced rejection at some point or another. It is part of the game, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. And if you have never experienced rejection as an artist, well, you are probably the exception to the rule…

 Needless to say, rejection can be painful, but it shouldn’t crush you enough to make you quit your chosen form of expression. You may fall, but you have to get up and keep playing the game, especially if you want to achieve some recognition. Yes, the creative process should be rewarding enough in and of itself, and it sure is, but if you want to put your

art/craft out there for other people to appreciate and enjoy (that is, beyond your family and friends), then you have to learn and accept the game as it is, and play it as best as you can.

As they say, you win some and you lose some. But you shouldn’t lose yourself in the process, nor the joy of doing what you love to do. After all, jurors are human beings, with a particular taste, and color their judgments with their own perception of the world. What if they had a fight with their spouse and see everything with suppressed anger on the day they are looking at your photos, slides, or artwork? I’m just saying… And of course, your particular style may not fit in all the art and/or craft shows out there, but that is probably too obvious to discuss here. 

I was told once that my jewelry “wasn’t creative enough.” Ouch. I somehow think that the person talking to me on the phone didn’t quite realize that there was a real person on the other side, not just a ”voice.“ Not that she needed to baby my feelings, but obviously that comment was insensitive and, quite frankly, a bit arrogant. This was not a contest submission, but just an application for a local studio stroll, so I wonder why wouldn’t they simply let the public choose which studio to visit and decide for themselves…