As most of you fashionistas already know, the look for fall -winter 2012 is opulence, luxury and high style!
With just a hint of grandeur taken from the plethora of Royal Weddings we’ve seen this year, (not to mention our own royals, the Kardashians, including daughter Kim’s upcoming nuptuals), the look to go for is “rich girl chic” !
And no where is this more true than in the world of jewelry!
Rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are the stones of the season, and of course, diamonds are the trendy girls new best friend!
But what’s that you say, the recession left you a little down on your jewelry budget? Not to worry princess! You won’t need the Crown Jewels at your disposal to get the look.
The reason? This seasons hottest fashion jewelry is dripping with crystal gemstones – the hot new inexpensive way to re-create the look of real – for a fraction of the price!
Crystal gemstones: Hot new trend
Not to be confused with synthetic stones (which actually have the optical and physical properties of the real stone and can cost almost as much!) crystal gemstones start with a glistening clear glass crystal .
The next step is to dye the glass the color of choice and then treat it with an assortment of special finishes to make them glisten, much like crystal beads Sometimes the stones are left untreated for a look that most closely resembles their “real” counterparts. Each crystal gemstone is then hand cut and polished for a look that rivals real – and sometimes looks even better!
For example, an affordably priced ruby is often opaque and dull, while an affordable emerald is usually filled with flaws. But a crystal gemstone in ruby or emerald is bright, clear and reflects the light much like the highest priced natural stones. When placed into an open back setting for maximum light exposure, the look is opulent, luxurious and very real!
Beads : No longer round!
Another hot jewelry trend for the season: Beads in all kinds of new and interesting shapes. This year look for earrings and necklaces that include asymetrically faceted “cosmic” beads, beads shaped like a “keystone”, the crystal “stairway” bead (which incorporates the graphic look of a step cut square gemstone into a bead), and the crystal “helix” bead – a sort of twisted oval with both flat and faceted surfaces like these found at FusionBeads.com
But perhaps the most important jewelry bead look this season is charmingly nicknamed the “Lotus Cut”. Wider than it is tall, the special hand facets are cut into a flower design giving the bead the look of an open lotus blossom – and that creates a vision of exotic splendor that’s sure to make that “little black dress” into something spectacular!
The statement earring makes a comeback!
So, where exactly are you going to find all these spectacular new looks in stones and beads? One place to look is to the “statement earring”. Indeed, on the horizon for this Holiday 2011-2012: Lots of huge, gemstone -style statement earrings. (See video and slideshow) These are the chandeliers that glisten with every move and bring all the attention to your beautiful face! A must have for any plus-size gal, but equally as gorgeous on petite sizes too.
And you petite gals, don’t be afraid of a big earring! As long as you keep your other accessories to a minimum, you can wear a big statement earring with style – and be right in style!
So, as the fall-winter fashion season approaches, get that rich girl opulent look of luxury – and do it without breaking the bank!
Colette Bouchez is the design director of fashion jewelry house CountryDutchess.com. She frequently writes on beauty and health and her latest book is the Country Dutchess Cheap Chic Diary: Online Fashion Organizer – filled with tips and tricks for getting the best fashion and jewelry looks online!
