Top jewellery trends for 2011

2011 is going to be all about subtle consumption mixed with obvious quality. It's fair to say that we'll all probably be buying less but this doesn't mean spending less, says Caroline Kindy of Element Jewellery.

Fewer indulgences, but better statement pieces is the perfect line of attack for your jewellery shopping sprees.

A new decade is upon us, so banish your old costume jewellery and out-dated treasures. Think durable precious metals and gemstones of the moment, and you'll be able to reach into your jewellery box and chose a piece to complement every predicted 2011 fashion trend going.

COLOUR - Introduce colour to neutral outfits, and shape to asymmetric cuts with bold resin bangles. For those of you who yearn for simple colour palettes, in charcoals, ivories, creams and cloud greys, adding colour doesn't have to mean luminous and loud. Resin is a durable versatile material that can be dyed with any hand-mixed colour, and Element has chosen moody blues and chilled greys as well as scolding hot pinks and cherry reds. Soften your arm candy with silver bangles, and voila your outfit is complete.

LAYERING & STACKING - Layer and stack your jewellery will continue to be all the rage, so start buying early in the year and build throughout 2011. An excuse to buy more jewellery is officially here! By wearing several slender bangles, rings and necklaces you can achieve a bold look and keep a feminine appeal. Go for simple detail on each piece of jewellery so the overall look has a considered "thrown together" look.

ETHICAL JEWELLERY - Ease your conscience with Ethical gold jewellery that hits the 70s revival. Love it or hate it, the updated 70s look is with us for 2011. So don your best maxi, make your hair look sleek and sexy, and adorn with Gold. The trick is to keep it contemporary, and avoid falling into the garish spectrum. Buying gold jewellery should be considered as an investment and an ethical purchase, so choose jewellery that has a place here and now, and as a future heirloom.

SOPHISTICATED GLAMOUR - Get the sophisticated glamour look with fabulous contemporary cocktail rings. Go for elegant forms with semi-precious gemstones that dazzle day or night. A cocktail ring should be the centre-piece of your outfit, so make sure you buy the most beautiful one you can afford. Choose colours that flatter your skintone, and match your makeup with hints of amethyst, presiolite, blue topaz, and cognac quartz. Look out for settings in silver or for a really special purchase, go for gold.

LACE - Harness the look with textured silver jewellery. Clothes designers are using lace in some truly stunning creations for 2011. Meanwhile jewellery designers are enjoying adding texture to silver to emulate this. This jewellery may be delicate, so take care of it as you would a lace garment, and you'll have years of enjoyment. Buying jewellery is addictive, but you should learn to look for pieces that marry beautiful shapes with exquisite and creative finishes.

5 January 2010