The appearance of jewelry has changed dramatically over the centuries, but the fact that men and women have sought beautiful things to adorn themselves hasn’t.Expanding technology over the past couple of centuries has wrought some important changes. Most notably, korean jewelry has become more intricate and elaborate.
Materials have also changed. Instead of pure gold which is not always durable, chains and other jewelry are often made of tougher materials and plated with gold. New materials have also emerged, including titanium silver 925 - one of the hottest new jewelry trends on the market.
Fashion trends are the most important thing to shape the jewelry industry. From one decade to another, the trends have changed. Often, jewelry trends reflect the ideas, passions and goals of the times. Who can forget the terrific jewelry of the 1960s and 1970s? The “peace sign,” “flower power” and other symbols of the “hippie era” were all the rage. And many of those designs are seeing a return to popularity, along with some of the clothing fashions of the day.
The stones of jade jewelry have also changed over the decades though some classics remain constant. Pearls, diamonds, emeralds and rubies have remained important. A half century ago, no self-respecting socialite had a jewelry box without a string of pearls – though some were faux pearls.
The costume handmade jewelry of that period, along with jewelry fashions distinctive to other times, have become collectors’ items. Entire businesses are built around the ability to provide those pieces to the movie industry.
What will be next year’s fashion statement? You may think we’ve seen it all with multiple ear piercings, belly button rings, nose rings and tongue rings. But it’s pretty much guaranteed that those trendsetters who start the fashion rages already have something new in mind.