We start with Pantone and their newly released colour of the year for 2017. Greenery 15-0343. This lends itself well to a mixture of gemstones. There is the obvious Peridot, but its earthy natural tones blend well with jasper and lots of different agate colours too. Why not try to incorporate it in your next jewellery collection?

Pearls a modern day girl’s best friend (who can afford diamonds anyway) they offer such versatility in jewellery making. Drilled in all manner of different ways, they can be used alongside any beads and the colour variations are endless. Long gone are the twin set and pearls look of the fifties now we are seeing black pearls, massive chunky pearls, layered pearls and pearl chokers. Believe me pearls are not just for bridal wear. Any updated and funky way to wear pearls with an edge works. Price and quality of fresh water pearls can vary so look out for glass pearls too. Check out our pearl selection for Jewellery Making here

Brooches and sweater clips are making a comeback too. Retro in style these cute accessories are a great addition to any outfit. Perfect for beginners, it is easy to make brooches by simply gluing a cabochon into a metal stamping. Then with more experience move on to mixed media bezels and adding a brooch bar to make personalised brooches. Sweater clips can utilise any unused ear clips you may have lying around but you need to use your imagination here, have a play and see what you can make. Pictured is our BH stamping Bow with Hanging Oval Brooch 18x13mm cup finding it here

Tassels. As seen in 2016, these continue to be all over the catwalk. Suede, metal, leather and pretty much any other material can be made into a tassel. We have a tassel tutorial on the website and its worth having a go if you want to make fashion jewellery. Not just suitable for jewellery, tassels make great key rings, bag clips and phone charms too.

Raw Gemstones. A new phenomenon to many jewellery makers, we are loving gemstones in their most natural form. No shaping or polishing here just unadulterated beautiful natural gemstones mainly worn wire wrapped and made into rings and pendants. The delicate and unique formulation making them a hit with those who perhaps don’t usually wear much jewellery. A special piece can last a lifetime and many believe gemstones to have various holistic qualities.

Finally we look at knots and feature pendants/necklaces. Both a reoccurring hit, these usually crop up on the catwalk for the Spring/Summer shows of major fashion houses. The iconic brand Moschino love to use oversized feature pendants and literally the bigger the better.

 

And Kate Spade loves to feature a variety of knot designs throughout their jewellery collections.