Jewelry Design Ideas for Fall 2009-2010

The first look at fashion for Fall has begun in the ready-to-wear designer runway shows.

There are three central colors for Fall 2009: royal purple, majolica blue and rose rhapsody.

These upbeat and bright colors are a great backdrop to gold and silver fashion jewelry.

I think one of the best collections to take a look at this season is Louis Vuitton. The designer has pieces that integrate all of these colors with touches of black, which defines the beauty of the rich colors while contrasting with the soft colors. You can view his Fall collection on Vogue's Web site, Style.com.

Interpreting color from fashion into jewelry design is a challenging project, but it is also quite fun. Brainstorm your material options and choose the best ones to interpret current trends from fashion apparel, join them to current trends in jewelry design and fashion your own unique creations.

What are the trending jewelry design materials to use for color?

Here are a few suggestions: glossy epoxy in tonal and contrasting patterns, opaque shiny beads, recycled color glass beads, spray painted metal filigree parts, totally transparent geometric cabochons and beads, fabric and ribbon, chiffon flowers, foil backed large faceted stones, painted chain, and chunky plastic links.

Black backdrops can add drama.

If you were to offset these colors with black then some material options could be: pot black plating, hematite plating, black plastics with color stone inlay, black spray painted brass parts, black epoxy, black satin ribbon or cord, black felt with stitched on stones, black onyx or glass beads, black sequins, and jet faceted pave stones.

The combination of soft and hard materials for Fall 2009 fashion jewelry is a continuing trend.

Many designers are creating soft bib necklaces using fabric, braided cords or linked soft flowers. The collage look is back with bow tied closures and jewels of all kinds linked, dangling, woven and stitched onto soft materials.

Mixing expensive, inexpensive and found objects into jewelry is also a key trend. Try browsing Shopstyle.com in the jewelry section to see the most relevant styles from the major providers of fashion jewelry.