Top Jewellery Trends for Autumn/Winter 2011

Global Fashion Week events have been taking place recently and there are many exciting jewellery designs emerging for the latter half of this year. Overall, the emphasis is on bold, striking and fun designs, combining vintage with modern and natural stones with precious metals.

At the forefront of many catwalk shows were big, bold chain necklaces, created from heavy metals and very chunky. Although often in the higher price bracket, these pieces are intended to go from Winter 2011 through to Summer 2012, so are more of an investment than many other designs of jewellery, which fall out of fashion quickly.

An up and coming trend for the latter half of 2011 combines vintage designs with modern concepts. This could be anything from a vintage design created in sterling silver to a Victorian style brooch worn as a pendant. It is a perfect way to customise your jewellery to make it uniquely yours.

Jewellery created from natural elements and stones, like agates and turquoise, is set to be huge this Autumn. With current awareness of climate change and a desire to reduce waste, jewellery designers have turned to nature to produce stunning pendants, earrings and bangles. The natural patterning and markings in agates means that each piece, even if from the same design , is actually unique and this only adds to the appeal.

Fabric and textured jewellery continues to grow throughout 2011, and this can be seen in the current desire for friendship bracelets which feature silk braids adorned with silver or semi-precious stones. Girly or glamorous, there is a friendship bracelet for every woman's style, and budget. These are set to become the must-have jewellery item by the end of the year.

Pearls play a large part in this year’s jewellery must-haves, but not as a single strand worn with a twinset! Stars such as Sandra Bullock have been photographed wearing layered strands of pearls in differing colours, from the traditional ivory all the way through to black and grey pearls. Pearl strands worn with long silver chains for a textured look are also key, as are stacked pearl bracelets.

Finally, the fashion for large, chunky statement rings shows no signs of abating as the year moves forward. Large agate rings, chunky silver rings and the more showy, sparkly cocktail rings are a vital addition to any fashionista’s collection.

Cavendish French has something for everyone in the coming months which means you can be in fashion without being out of pocket with our affordable designs.