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Bracelet Trends
We can't ignore bracelets in the fall fashion trends. Bracelets hold a prominent position in accessories, which began several years ago with the introduction of monofilament stretch bracelets. That novel invention not only put bracelets on the map, but was also instrumental in initiating the current costume jewelry boom. Bracelets have enjoyed immense popularity ever since and this fall bracelets play a big part in fashion.
Cuff Bracelets
Leading designers have already unveiled their fall lines and the heavy emphasis is on wide cuff bracelets. The new designs are mainly in gold. Costume jewelry will reflect this. Wide cuff bracelets are definitely "in" and the return to gold by designers results in more costume jewelry using gold plating. While cuff bracelets will make an immediate impact, the return to gold will be more gradual, just as the change to silver was nearly 20 years ago.
Bangle Bracelets
When the wide bracelets that leading designers are emphasizing are not cuffs, they are bangles. But bangles can create many different looks. Multiple narrow bangles have been seen in the fashion magazines for the last year and they are still big in the trends. Bangles worn together with mixed plating is also fashionable. Even bangles worn together in different designs are making a statement. While these trends look good in fashion magazines and on the runway, bangles always have a problem on main street because not everybody's hand can fit through them. So the safe bet in bangles is hinged bracelets that open.
Chunky Bracelets
Costume jewelry is hot because bold designs and color are in. Chunky bracelets provide the look. Better yet, most designs in chunky bracelets are stretch bracelets that are easy to put on and have no problem with size. Glass, ceramic, dyed wood, and gemstone provide wonderful color in chunky bracelets. Look for this to be a big trend for the fall.
Classic Bracelets
The strongest thread running through the fall trends is the unique and classic look. Whether design, components, or both, the classic look has something to appeals to the eye and is universally appreciated. Much of it comes from nature. We admire the beauty in the grain of wood, collect seashells on the beach, and pick up stones polished by a stream. Now they are components in classic bracelets. Man-made art that we hardly knew before like millefiori, Murano glass, goldstone, and opalite are the elements composing classic bracelets. Beauty that we forgot about like ceramics, lampwork beads, and crystals are providing breath-taking bracelets. Not to mention the elegant designs in vintage style bracelets with filigree, antique plating, and crystals. The beauty can flow from the design alone that is so pleasing that it has to be called classic. Many of the fall designs in metals offer this beauty of design. It's no wonder that the classic look is taking the day.
Bracelets Immune from the Fashion Trends
The very words "fashion" and "trends" imply change. But some categories of bracelets march on unaffected by change. We would certainly have to say rhinestone and bridal bracelets in faux pearl are hardly moved by fashion trends. Gemstone bracelets continue even when they are not in the fashion current and hematite also. The attraction of theme bracelets, like charm bracelets, is an emotional connection to the theme. That doesn't change when the fashion trends do. So they also have a life of their own. These can be classified "steady items" and are a great relief for retailers when the fashion boom slows down.
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