Tdeade The Hottest Looks In Fine Jewelry A ie i a Ay "he 2 ar : NECKLACES ‘ photo courtesy of Maya Jewels (NAPSA)—Thisyear, necklaces are collaring a lot of excitement among lovers of fine jewelry, which is not surprising. “Fine jewelry has always been an elegant way to lift your spirit and renew your appearance,” says Helena Krodel, media liaison for the Jewelry Information Center, a nonprofit trade association. This season, staples like necklaces and men’s classic jewelry are reinvented and made new, thanks to designers who are combining new technology with Old World traditions. Here are some of the hottest looks in fine jewelry: Color Coordination: The time has come yet again for turquoise. This gem has graced the necks of Egyptian Pharaohs and adorned early Native Americans in their ceremonial dress. Today, the gem is being rediscovered and incorporated into modern jewelry with fanciful designs that scream luxury. Coral, turquoise’s sister stone, and various hues of orange in general are also highly desirable for the season. Look for gemstones like citrine, mandarin garnet, pumpkin tourmaline, orange sapphire, sunstone and topaz to make their way onto the fine jewelry scene. They look especially fresh when set in warm yellow or sultry rose gold. Necks Neglected No More: The necklace is this season what the brooch was last season—the hottest trend in fine jewelry. Neck adornments worn big and bold or smaller and in multiples appeared on many fashion catwalks. A long thin platinum necklace with a matching or complementary brooch has also transitioned well into 2005. New elements, including wood, shells and oversized cabochon gemstones, are pleasant, unexpected details added to the < ARE @ ADDING SPARKLE and collaring lots of excitementthis year. necklaces of the season. Wrist WRAP-ture: Bracelets take up more real estate this season. Cuffs made from interesting materials, notably wood, ebony, leather, crocodile and stingray skin, are set with rose cut diamonds, platinum, pearls or colored gemstones. Gold bangles with engraving, smaller kick cuffs with pav gems on the clasp or cuffs with metal openwork can look casual or fancy depending on how they are paired and placed. Honorable MEN-tion: Men’s jewelry has taken the nation by storm. With gentlemen celebs and sports stars spurring the trend, desire for fashion rings, fancy bracelets and huge cufflinks is catching on by leaps and bounds. For men looking to spruce up or fill out their watch collection, there are bold oversized timepieces with colored bands, diamonds, or technical gadgets. A group with spending power and an inclination for collectables, men are choosing pendants with crowns, thorns, sword talismans, and Tahitian grey pearls to make a lasting impression.
