!: Artisan Jewelry and Accessory Trends For Spring & Summer 2009

It's spring/summer jewelry fashion trend time. When the snow starts to melt, green grass and spring flowers are popping up and eventually fresh spring temperatures turn into hot summer nights. We eagerly anticipate spring and summer bring out the flip flops and the bright seasonal colors after a long winter.

While it's fun to watch and be aware of the trends, it's also recommended to pick and choose which trends to incorporate into your wardrobe based on your personal style and body shape. There's no point in being a slave to fashion trends. Go with what you love and while it's great to have a few trendy pieces, the best fashions stand the test of time. Select your pieces carefully choosing ones that fit into trends but that you'll still love in years to come.

The following are the key spring and summer 2009 jewelry and accessory fashion trends:

I. It's All About The Ear-ring

II. Bangle Mania

III. Piled On The Neck-lace

IV. Eco Jewelry

V. Weaved IT Bag

VI. It's A Wrap

VII. It's A Romance

VIII. Metal It Up - Metalics

IX. All About The Color

I. It's all about the ear - Earring that is

This season it's move over statement necklace, it's all about the ear, earring that is! While the statement necklace is still in (see below) there was a lot more focus on the ear for spring/summer runway fashion. The earring is this season's must buy artisan jewelry piece.

The earring takes center stage and is set off perfectly with the beauty trend of hair swept up off the face. The earring cascading down the neck with hair swept up creates that stunning long swan like neck a perfect look for the warmer weather.

Long chandelier earrings and the bigger the better are hot this season, but that isn't for everyone. Wear what works for your proportions. There's a wide range of artisan earring choices available this season in appropriate sizes and weights for every woman. The chandelier look can be achieved with long chunky earrings or light long dangling filigree style. The trend earring effect can be achieved with either the delicate or chunky styles but with proportions appropriate for each woman's size.

II. Bangle Mania

There seems to be no end to bangle mania as it continues to play a strong role in fashion and is a great investment. For around -25 you can achieve this trend effect. This spring and summer bangles on the runway were an eclectic mix of colors and styles piled high up the arm for a dramatic look.

Stack them up the arm in a colorful mix to achieve the runway look or if this look is just a little too over the top choose one or two bangles for a more subtle but on trend look. Whether you choose bright colors, resin, tribal, stone accented, brass, copper or silver, there's no end to the choice this season and all variations fit into the trend.

III. Layered Necklaces

Many of the designers featured layers of beaded necklaces during the spring/summer fashion weeks. To achieve the runway version of the look, pile them on high. If you are seeking the layered effect without the over the top weight of multiple necklaces, seek out a more subtle artisan necklace which has multi strands to it. In this way you'll achieve the layered look without the heaviness of the piled effect.

IV. Eco Jewelry

Eco jewelry is here to stay, look for pieces which are recycled, or produced in an eco friendly way.

V. Weaved It Bag

Spring/Summer 09's hot handbag is the weaved bag. This is the IT bag for the season. While most of the ones on the runway are leather and with mighty big price tags you can also seek out eco recycled plastic weaved bags. There are weaved bags available which have been hand woven by a Fair Trade organisation in India and have the IT weaved effect without the leather. As an added bonus they are available in a bright range of colors for a burst of color. These bags are perfect for everyday wear or to take to the beach.

VI. It's A Wrap

In addition to the earring, the scarf is another must have seasonal fashion accessory. They're so hot they've been featured in all the major fashion magazines and blogs with lots of how to wear tutorials.

A scarf can add a perfect punch of color to any outfit and an elegant way to stay warm on a cool spring or summer eve. While hot for this season, scarves are a great investment as a wardrobe essential.

VII. It's A Romance

Spring and summer is the perfect time for a little romance. This spring/summer there is no shortage of romantic fashion and accessories - pretty florals, transparent fabrics, ruffles, chandelier earrings, pastel and blush colors and more. Adding romantic touches to your outfit is easy with artisan jewelry. What could be more romantic than a pair of chandelier earrings or a piece of handmade silver jewelry with intricate filigree detailing?

VIII. Metal It Up Metalics

Silver, Gold, Brass and Pewter oh my! Metallic influences abound in clothing and in accessories. Pick your favourite metal jewelry and accent that outfit with a little shine.

IX. It's All About Color

This spring and summer season there is a beautiful mix of bright, pastel colors and even black and white in fashion and artisan jewelry trends. Bright colors for this season include green, purple, red, pink and blue. Pastel and nude colors are blush pink and skin tone colors.