Jewelry Design Ideas for Spring 2011

Every season some things change and some things stay the same. Defining what aspects of your collection to continue and which to renew and refresh is the daily challenge of professional jewelry designers. Below you will find key inside tips for success in creating a fabulous jewelry collection for spring 2011.

Let's look at the top fashion jewelry trends for Spring 2011 and break it down. The subtle differences in color are important to capture for your designs to look and feel updated. Color palettes that will be strong for spring are Black/white, blue/green, brown/coral, white on white. So not earth shattering news here. However, by using indigo blue and Kelly green, adding bright orange to coral, and mixing white with burnished metals, and black with artisan textures, you will find these basic color palettes to look brand new. Tip: Best selling color fashion jewelry is usually a rich mix of tones, finishes, and textures. Vary your hues, and mix transparent, opaque, metallic, and matte beads into your Designs.

Don't underestimate the beauty of brown this season. I believe the strongest way to include a brown story into spring 2011 jewelry is to maximize the 'animal' patterns trend. Use faux tortoise shell, printed animal patterns under clear or transparent colored epoxy, animal printed ribbons, or metal pierced with crocodile and zebra open work. Tip: When working with animal print patterns use soft geometric shapes to display them.Simple discs and orbital earrings are always very strong selling silhouettes to include in your selection.

Slick and bright color is hot for spring 20111 fashion jewelry. Use epoxy and enameling to achieve a high gloss finish on metals. Use hombre colors across a surface for a very chic 'butterfly wing' look. Epoxy is a great way to add a lot of bold color without a lot of expense. While cuffs are a hot look, and multiple bangles look great on the runway, it is comfort and style that wins at the register. If you are targeting a higher end consumer, then be sure to maximize the boldness at the wrist. However, for mid-tier to missy customers I suggest creating a wonderful collection of color, metal, charms, pearls, and textures that create a layered wrist that is comfortable as well as dramatic. Earrings for Spring will have movement, lightness, and color. Multiple parts linking together to make larger looks without a lot of extra weight. Tip: Earrings are business drivers, so identify your best sellers and update them in very subtle ways. This way you have a few 'sure things' mixed with your new ideas.

Silver tone fashion jewelry looks to be a very strong selling category for spring, summer, and even on into fall. The rising cost of sterling silver will most likely influence consumers to purchase the 'look' of silver at more affordable retail prices. Historically the best all metal fashion jewelry is polished and very simple. What I am seeing for this season is a subtle hint of interesting details. Fine beading, engraved pattern, woven wire, and imagery are very good ways to define this category. In general 'critters' are popping up everywhere. Bees, birds, snakes, and butterflies are the most predominant images to emerge for spring.

The last important detail is to make sure that everything you design is authentic. Your designs should reflect your personal style, and stay true to the vision you have in your mind. Your passion for a particular look will be evident and that is what makes your collection unique. The way you speak about your jewelry, present your jewelry, and wear your jewelry, are the best way to sell your jewelry. In an industry with so much available authenticity is the key to success.