Black Bead

Black Bead

Trends in Costume Jewellery and Beads for 2010

Trends in costume jewellery and beads can be a difficult one to call and despite many hours, even days, researching what is currently in vogue (as well as what is not in vogue!) a minor error even in something as obvious as a colour shade can prove to be a costly mistake. Taking that a step further and trying to forecast what will be the next big trend is an even more complex problem… 

What I have tried to do here is outline a few basic concepts which I look at when I am deciding what bead stock to order for the next few months. I have also let you into a few secrets as well… 

Colour Trends

Winter 2009/10: Throughout the early part of 2010 I have seen huge demand for acid greens, purples/lilac, burnt orange and teal. The interesting thing to note here is that not any old green would do – the more acid and vibrant the green the better! 

Spring 2010: As spring gets under-way I am starting to see a shift to royal blue, black, white, and red. A strong nautical theme here with anchors everywhere as well as pearl laden designs. 

Now, let me tell you into a secret of mine… If you make jewellery to sell it is imperative that you have a few items made using black and white. Black and white is classic and really does span all age ranges. I always try and stock black and white beads at all times of the year because I don't think a week goes by when someone doesn't ask for this combination… It is great for everyday, for weddings, for funerals, in fact there isn't really a time when a black and white design can't be worn. 

Summer 2010: As summer approaches I forecast pinks, oranges and light green with a return to purples and lilac. A summer feel yet with a twist of retro patterns and an underlying sense of the 60's and 70's in a faded way. 

Autumn and Winter 2010: Autumn and Winter should be easier to call as I am pretty sure a simple palette of greys, white and blacks, and warm browns (honey) will fit the bill. So for those taking my advice above you should already have a few pieces of jewellery ready for this season. One thing to watch here will be the increased use of gold or bronze-coloured findings as the overall result will be one of richness, especially when browns are used in a design. The use of silver-coloured findings may be too stark a contrast to the warmness required. 

Bead Trends

2010 has continued to see a need for large, chunky beaded designs. One of the downfalls of such designs can be the overall weight of a finished piece. There has therefore been an increase in the number of designers using large acrylic and resin beads and hollow pierced or wire metal beads. I forecast that this will continue but I also believe that this trend will reach further and the use of many other media will develop. Beads made from wood, paper, fimo clay, felt, etc. will all be popular especially during the Summer and Autumn. A feast of multi-media jewellery designs should be available. 

As Winter approaches and the party season begins a need for more sophisticated and delicate jewellery is usually the order of the day. Crystals and glass beads will take more of a front-seat ride during this time. 

The above information is provided as a guide only and we strongly recommend that jewellery designers and crafters follow high street trends closely to help them with colour matching and styles.

About the Author

Mark Vardy is the proprietor of Silvar Design, a well known jewellery making supplies business in the United Kingdom as well as being an avid beader and jewellery maker. He has been making jewellery for more than 10 years and works with precious metals & beads of all types.  Mark has worked as an instructor at colleges teaching a range of techniques from basic beading to precious metal casting.  Mark's business, Silvar Design, has a web presence at www.beads4less.co.uk

Black bead like things from my boyfriends back?

He has these little black specks all over his back and i never bothered to touch them or anything until today i was wondering what they were so i found one that was big no more than a little bead anyways i grabbed his skin with my thumb and index finger and i pinched it a bit and a little black bead like thing just popped out, and then i pulled it off and its like a little hold in his skin now, Any suggestions what it could be?
Kinda looks a bit like these little black beads

http://i52.tinypic.com/2aak1s9.jpg

Sounds like a blackhead or just a place where a hair might of been growing. Nothing unusual.

24Studio Black Bead Chandelier Choker and Earrings 2 Piece Set