Earrings -- Trends and Traditions

Earrings are some of the most popular types of jewelry worn today. You'll find that lots of women and men alike sport ear piercings. Some people even have more than one hole in each ear, a trend that took off in the late eighties and remains to this day. For those who don't have pierced ears but want to wear earrings, there are handy clip on styles. Here are some different trends and types of earrings that are popular these days:

Stud Earrings: Stud earrings are one of the most classic and traditional types of ear ornamentation available. A stud earring is simply one that is a small, simple stone, metal or jewel. This could mean diamond solitaires, birthstones, or delicate gold or silver studs in various shapes. Many parents choose to have their daughters' ears pierced with hypo-allergenic studs at a young age. Whether or not you do is a matter of personal preference. Stud earrings are first choices for young girls and adults alike.

Hoop Earrings: Hoop earrings are another traditional style that is as popular today as they were ages ago. Hoops can come in a variety of different materials, such as gold, silver or even hard plastic. There are small, delicate hoops and big, bold hoops. Some hoops are thin, others are thicker. There are hoop earrings that are perfect circles, and ones that are more oval shaped. There are even square are rectangular choices that are similar to circle hoops in style.

Chandelier Earrings: This is a vintage inspired trend that's hot today. Chandelier earrings look very similar to an actual chandelier, featuring tiers of sparkling ornamentation. There are chandelier earrings that are costume jewelry, and those that are fine jewelry. If you don't feel comfortable with such a strong style but want something substantial, try dangling styles made from soft silver or gold for a modern and stylish look.

Pearl Earrings: Pearls add classic sophistication to any look. There are pearl studs, as well as dangling styles that invoke an antique feel. Pearl earrings come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. There are white pearls, cream colored pearls, pink pearls, peach pearls, and even lustrous and rare black pearls. If you're looking for a conservative style that fits any ensemble, pearl earrings fit the bill!

For individuals with sensitive ears, stainless steel earrings are popular choices. Always keep earrings clean and if irritation develops, cease wearing them and treat the ear holes with peroxide or rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or swab.

Why Choose Estate Jewelry?
Estate jewelry is jewelry that is purchased (or sometimes inherited) from the collection of another person, whether departed or living. Basically, estate jewelry is used jewelry that has had a previous owner. This type of jewelry may or may not be vintage or antique. There are many reasons why people choose estate jewelry.

One reason is its value. Often, estate sales feature incredible prices on the items. This is why so many online auction sellers frequent estate sales -- to find valuable items at good prices. Another reason is for personal use. If you're looking for that one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, you just might find it at an estate sale. The type of jewelry you'll discover can vary widely and simply depends on the preferences of the previous owner. Some estate sales have incredible fine jewelry, while others feature inexpensive vintage costume jewelry.

By definition, antique jewelry is anything created before 1930. Everything after 1930 is usually called vintage jewelry. After the 1930's, women were more likely to desire more inexpensive pieces to match their various outfits, which led to the birth of costume jewelry. Costume jewelry can range from colorful plastic beads to rhinestone encrusted hair combs and everything in between. At many estate sales, you'll find colorful vintage pieces that may hold value, or at the very least, personal interest.

Often, you can find gorgeous heirloom pieces at estate sales as well. Lockets, cameos, cocktail rings and bejeweled brooches are just a few potential treasures you might come across on your search. It helps to have an idea of what you are looking for before heading to an estate sale. If not, then you may end up spending more money than you can afford or spending money on pieces that are different than what you wanted.

You may also want to read up on different kinds of collectible estate jewelry as well. There are guidebooks available that feature black and white as well as color pictures of various pieces. These books also list the maker of the jewelry, various details about the jewelry, and the current market value. Being informed and prepared is one of the smartest things you can do, especially if you're estate shopping for resale items. After your first estate sale, it's likely you'll get hooked and want to go again and again!

Fashion Jewelry Trends
Fashion jewelry is popular in today's fashion conscious society. Women, and sometimes even men, use fashion jewelry to accent their outfits. The difference between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry is that fashion jewelry is affordable and crafted from less valuable materials than fine jewelry. It's easy to have a jewelry collection that features something to match every ensemble.

Trends come and go. For example, the love beads and mood rings of the sixties and seventies aren't as popular today as they used to be. Sometimes, however, trends from bygone eras make a resurgence and become new again. One of the biggest trends that is taken from a previous decade is that of colorful eighties style jewelry. That means jelly bracelets, giant earrings, and even wrist cuffs in a variety of vibrant shades and patterns.

Another big trend is that of chandelier earrings. These are earrings that are long, ornate and feature rows of sparkling beads, just as a chandelier does. When it comes to earrings, simple dangling styles are also popular. Think long, liquid-like strands of shimmering silver and gold. Hoops are another classic earring choice that have been popular for decades and continue to be popular today. The size hoop that you can pull off will depend on your facial structure and hairstyle. Hoop earrings of today range from delicate and small to big and bold.

Bracelets are hot as well. Along with eighties inspired bracelets, bunches of silver or gold bangles are also popular choices. Stack them on one arm, or both -- the more, the better. Arm cuffs are a fairly new yet ancient-inspired bracelet trend that's catching on as well. When wearing an arm cuff, it's of paramount importance that you wear a sleeveless top and have well-toned, slender arms.

Necklaces are following the earring trend in that they're dangling and long. Women are sporting necklaces in multi-strand styles that hang almost to belly-button level. Charm necklaces are gaining popularity again, also. A charm necklace features a chain and hoop onto which charms are attached. The great thing about charm necklaces (and bracelets as well) is that one can wear multiple pendants or charms that have special significance while still remaining fashionable.

Big rings are another fashion jewelry trend that's popular these days. Big rings feature real or faux gemstones and bold styles. As a basic rule, only one large ring should be worn per hand. Women are pairing the big ring trend with deep, dark shades of nail enamel like red, purple and even black. No matter what's trendy at the time, the most important thing is that you have fun with your fashion jewelry choices and wear what makes you feel confident and attractive.

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