Top Celebrity Jewelry Trends for 2011

If you want to know what the next big trend in jewelry is going to be, it’s always a safe bet to take a cue from the most fashionable, well-dressed celebrities. Whether these actresses or pop stars are strutting the red carpet, grabbing groceries, or just showing off a new diamond engagement ring, they often dress to impress with clothing and jewelry choices that set fashion trends around the world.

In 2011, judicious use of certified loose diamonds in more subtle, but higher quality, jewelry is becoming more popular than the bedazzled costume jewelry of years past. At this year’s award shows, shoulder-grazing earrings were still in attendance on some celebrities, but many more opted for sparkling, embellished dresses, and simple, but beautiful jewelry. Many stars were careful to match the tone and style of their dresses with coordinating jewelry choices, like the classic pairing of red dress and diamond jewelry worn by Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lawrence to the Oscars. Other celebrities, like Gwyneth Paltrow, Amy Adams, and Helen Mirren, opted for over-the-top glamour and sensational statement jewelry pieces, while Natalie Portman chose perhaps the most wearable look of all—simple tassel earrings and her brand-new engagement ring (more on that later.)

But not every occasion calls for certified loose diamonds, so another huge trend this year is pearls. Moving beyond the standard single strand necklace, pearls are showing up in drop earring styles, lariat necklaces, and chunky cocktail rings. Why pearls? The celebrity seen in pearls more than any other is none other than First Lady Michelle Obama, who uses Jackie O style pearls to add some presidential class to her casual but sophisticated ensembles.

Pantone, the color authority, has declared 2011 the year of honeysuckle pink. That’s good news for jewelry lovers, because pink diamonds and pink sapphires make beautiful necklaces, earrings and rings. Pink gemstones are modern yet romantic, fashion-forward but traditional. Everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Tara Reid has been spotted with this unique jewelry trend. Another colored gemstone trend that has surged to popularity is green emeralds, especially when used in dramatic drop earrings. Angelina Jolie is credited with sparking this trend way back in 2009, when she showed up at the Oscars in 2009 with jaw-dropping emerald drop earrings. Since then, the wearable and ultra-flattering look has been spotted on Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon, Annette Bening and Blake Lively.

Although statement earrings and necklaces are still popular, another celebrity jewelry trend emerging at recent awards shows is the use of traditional jewelry in untraditional ways. At the Oscars, Nicole Kidman wore a lariat diamond necklace backwards, so the diamond strand dangled down her back, while Gwyneth Paltrow attached a brooch to the waist of her shimmering dress. Necklaces were even layered over high necklines, like Amy Adams did at the Oscars and Nicole Kidman did at the SAG Awards.

Of course, no celebrity jewelry trend roundup would be complete without a peek at the fabulous diamond engagement rings sported by the Hollywood glitterati. So many celebrities have gotten engaged recently, and every one embodies a different interesting trend in diamond engagement rings. First up is Natalie Portman. 2011 is the Year of Natalie, what with her Best Actress Oscar, five movie roles, baby on the way, and now an engagement to a ballet dancer. All of that buzz is expressed simply in her classic but perfect diamond engagement ring—a round diamond surrounded by a halo of pavé stones. Like Natalie herself, the ring is delicate, beautiful and elegant, without being overpoweringly flashy. It’s the perfect choice for someone looking for a traditional style icon in a diamond engagement ring.

Fancy cut diamonds have been gaining in popularity in recent years, although the classic round stone is still the most popular certified loose diamond. Rectangular shapes, with their angular facets and subtle luster, have a vintage-style appeal and Old World elegance that makes them a popular choice for many celebrities. Reese Witherspoon sports a simple diamond engagement ring with a single Ashoka diamond—a rare and unusual cut that has a truly distinctive look.

Finally, the third celebrity diamond engagement ring is not about diamonds at all. We’re talking of course about the massive surge of interest in blue sapphires and other engagement ring worthy gemstones sparked by future princess Kate Middleton’s blue sapphire and diamond ring. You may have seen it before—it used to belong to Prince William’s mother, Diana. Now that a future princess has opted out of the diamond ring look, choosing a certified loose diamond is no longer the only choice for a fashionable bride. Diamonds can make terrific side stones in a gem-set three stone ring, as Jessica Simpson has proven with her classic ruby and diamond engagement ring.

Guest article by Whiteflash.com – online jewelry store from Houston.

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