Retro Fashion Jewelry: 40s,50s,60s,70s,80s Jewelry

Fashion trends seem to have a way of repeating themselves every few years, so it's no surprise that retro fashion jewelry is making a comeback this season. 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s inspired designs and colors are reminiscent of times past. Let's take look at what each era is bringing to the table today:

40s fashion jewelry: Plastic beads, whimsical designs and florals were all popular jewelry choices back then, and we're seeing a lot of them today in the form of broaches, oversized bangles and giant cuffs.

50s fashion jewelry: Victorian designs, bows, Lucite and art deco dominated the scene back then. Today, we see Carrie Bradshaw wearing a dainty bow necklace in Sex and the City. We also notice Lucite bracelets a fashionable favorite.

60s fashion jewelry: Modern styles of black and white, ethnic pieces, hippie jewelry, giant pendants and multi-strand necklaces were all the rage. Today, these jewelry looks continue to rock the catwalk and have inspired the likes of beaded necklaces, leather bracelets and rhinestone butterflies, to name a few.

70s fashion jewelry: Enamel, flowers, modern shapes and a little bit of edge gave this generation a new twist on old bejeweled favorites. Now retro inspired watches, funky rings and over the top earrings give ode to this free flowing decade and its cool designs.

80s fashion Jewelry: Chains, punk rock style and neon colors defined the jewelry trends of this era. Presently, movie stars such as Madonna and Rhianna are taking a blast from the past and sporting piles of gold and silver chained necklaces to give their look some edge. And shockingly yellow acrylic necklaces are at the top of the "must have" list for this spring.

It's a good rule of thumb to hang onto whatever costume jewelry you own, as the fashion trends will surely repeat themselves again.

Bold Jewelry: Fashion 2009

Bold Jewelry: Fashion 2009

From oversized bangles to huge hoop earrings to a mountain of gold chains, we've certainly seen it all when it comes to large over-the-top jewelry. Designers send costume-y pieces down the runway, but in reality, we see a lot of these trends carry over to the street scene. Celebrities such as Beyonce, Rhianna and Gwen Stefani are often seeing rocking huge earrings while out and about. Upscale retailers such as Nordstroms and Bloooming dales stock a wide variety of this type of jewelry. Even Target is in on the trend, offering statement rings and oversized bangles to the masses for a fraction of the cost. So what's all the fuss about?

It's about getting noticed. It's about making a statement. It's about defying the previous rules of fashion and pushing the envelope in terms of how much is too much. Bold jewelry was very popular in 2008, with everything from neon geometric shapes to layer-upon-layer of chains. Today, we continue to see everyone from pop icons to movie stars to college kids wearing this fashionable trend.

The great thing about bold jewelry is that it's meant to be exaggerated. It's meant to have a sort of costume appeal to it. Therefore, many of the pieces available are inexpensive, simply a replica of the real thing. Since all it takes is one bold piece to make your outfit stand out, most anyone can afford to get in on this fun trend.

If you're a little wary about wearing statement jewelry, start with something low-key like a giant cocktail ring, which can add a whole lot of pizzazz to a basic outfit. Work your way up to Cleopatra style bracelets or arm cuffs, if you're daring. Bold jewelry is meant to grab attention, so just be confident, and let your jewelry sets do the rest.

Color Symbolism in Jewelry

The next time you decide to deck yourself out in a piece of statement jewelry, think about what type of mood you want to achieve. Here, we examine some of the symbolism behind the color of gemstones.

White – This color represents purity, youth, innocence and hope. It's no wonder that pearls, mother of pearl stones and opal necklaces and jewelry sets are the accessories of choice for brides-to-be, as the color connotation goes hand-in-hand with the new life represented by marriage.

Red – The color of red is striking, bold and energetic. Said to represent love and passion, red stones such as rubies add a burst of excitement to an outfit, when worn as a large pendant necklace or statement cocktail ring.

Purple – This color symbolizes royalty, flamboyance and creativity. For example, the use of a large amethyst stone set in a heavy gold necklace ups the style ante, resulting in a rich and exaggerated burst of color.

Yellow – Thought to be happy and fun, yellow gold bangle and over sized hoop earrings can be used to boost the mood of any outfit, day or night.

Pink – Candy colored playful pink is flirty and reminiscent of spring flowers. Worn in floral designs, hot pink earrings and cuffs can be feminine, joyful and interesting.

Green – A color that symbolizes nature, spring and the environment, green stones are calming and some would say, considered to be lucky. Beautiful emerald earrings can be striking when paired with basic black, whereas natural cut green beaded necklaces can give off a vacation vibe.

Blue – Considered professional, confident, cool and tranquil, blue gems remind us of the earthly elements of air and water. Blue topaz makes a beautiful necklace when set in sterling silver or platinum.

Brown – Rustic and organic, browns and neutrals can be used to achieve a bohemian vibe when incorporated into wooden bangle bracelets and earrings.