| The appearance of jewelry has changed | | | | power" and other symbols of the "hippie era" |
| dramatically over the centuries, but the fact that | | | | were all the rage. And many of those designs are |
| men and women have sought beautiful things to | | | | seeing a return to popularity, along with some of |
| adorn themselves hasn't. From centuries ago, | | | | the clothing fashions of the day. |
| master craftsmen have woven precious stones | | | | The stones of jewelry have also changed over |
| and beautiful metals into designs fit for kings and | | | | the decades though some classics remain |
| queens. | | | | constant. Pearls, diamonds, emeralds and rubies |
| Expanding technology over the past couple of | | | | have remained important. A half century ago, no |
| centuries has wrought some important changes. | | | | self-respecting socialite had a jewelry box without |
| Most notably, jewelry has become more intricate | | | | a string of pearls - though some were faux |
| and elaborate. Custom designs are highly prized as | | | | pearls. |
| more of the jewelry manufacturing is done by | | | | But pearls didn't have their first chance at |
| machine. | | | | popularity in the 1950s. Thirty years earlier, strings |
| Materials have also changed. Instead of pure gold | | | | of pearls (or beads if pearls were just out of the |
| which is not always durable, chains and other | | | | question) were a must for those enjoying the |
| jewelry are often made of tougher materials and | | | | Flapper phase. |
| plated with gold. New materials have also | | | | The costume jewelry of that period, along with |
| emerged, including titanium - one of the hottest | | | | jewelry fashions distinctive to other times, have |
| new jewelry trends on the market. | | | | become collectors' items. Entire businesses are |
| Titanium comes in several colors, is very durable | | | | built around the ability to provide those pieces to |
| and - most importantly - is considered extremely | | | | the movie industry. |
| fashionable. | | | | What will be next year's fashion statement? You |
| Fashion trends are the most important thing to | | | | may think we've seen it all with multiple ear |
| shape the jewelry industry. From one decade to | | | | piercings, belly button rings, nose rings and tongue |
| another, the trends have changed. Often, jewelry | | | | rings. But it's pretty much guaranteed that those |
| trends reflect the ideas, passions and goals of the | | | | trendsetters who start the fashion rages already |
| times. Who can forget the terrific jewelry of the | | | | have something new in mind. |
| 1960s and 1970s? The "peace sign," "flower | | | | |