Personalized jewelry

Personalized Jewelry - The 6 Most Popular Trends

Jewelry adds a spark or that finishing touch to the wardrobe, and now personalized jewelry is beginning to stand on its own as a major trend. Actually, several trends at the same time!

So what is personalized jewelry? Personalization doesn't just mean a monogramming of a person's name anymore. Many artisans in the jewelry world are happy to make commissioned one-of-a-kind pieces for people allowing for a gift that is nothing if not personal. Also, charm bracelets, birthstone pieces, and original mommy jewelry are the most popular kinds of personalized jewelry today.

Since the niche has literally exploded in the last few years, here are the top 6 hot trends in personalized jewelry, as well each category's biggest fans.

Charm Bracelets and Necklaces


For the younger generation it is increasingly popular to create and wear charm bracelets and charm necklaces. Each charm may be added or taken away easily allowing the jewelry to change as quickly as a teenager's mind. Bead stores are a huge fad in malls and even college towns, where young adults can find thousands of unique charms and beads to create their own jewelry, update older pieces they made, or augment store-bought jewelry.

Personalized Coming-of-Age Gifts

Coming-of-age gifts are often personalized with monograms and may be engraved with a special date (debut, sweet sixteen, graduation, etc) making the jewelry a reminder of the event for years to come. Even pearls can receive the treatment of personalization with a small tag or charm attached at the clasp with room for initials or the year. These gifts offer a more "grown-up" assortment of jewelry options for those moving into adulthood.

Classic Name Bracelets and Baby Name Jewelry

For some a name necklace is a wonderful item. Popular in the 80s and re-popularized recently by Hollywood stars, these necklaces create a personal statement in a name. These names are available in tons of styles from simple gold script to snazzy rhinestones. This is the most classic kind of personalized jewelry and is most popular with young teens. However, new moms also like this style because they can monogram their baby names. This trend has become known as "baby name jewelry.""

Personalized Wedding Bracelets

Wedding party gifts engraved with the date serve to remind of the appreciation for participating during the special event. Cuff bracelets or simple pendant necklaces are a great way to incorporate a thank you with an engraved reminder, while other couples choose individual gifts for each person in the bridal party.

Baby shower gifts for both the bride-to-be and the mom-to-be can be very personalized. A charm bracelet such as the Pandora-style bracelets are a more sophisticated way to show trinkets from days past with room to add for the days to come. There are even jewelry options for the baby on the way and these beautiful pieces can usually be monogrammed too. Some showers even give out personalized bracelets to the attendees as a memento of their participation on this fun occasion.

The New Friendship Bracelet

In the past, friends wove bracelets for each other using string and plastic. Now they custom design pieces using professional techniques. This trend is spilling over into baby showers too. How it works for these showers is for each friend to bring a bead, stone or charm that is special to them and represents the guest of honor in some way. These gifts are collected to create a very personalized bracelet or necklace, sure to bring smiles every time it is worn.

Mommy Jewelry

I've discussed how moms are passionate about their baby name jewelry. Another popular kind of mommy jewelry is birthstone jewelry. These can be created as rings, bracelets, or necklaces and can be as unique as the ladies who wear them. Next to the first grader's painted macaroni necklace it is sure to be one of mom's favorites, and one that can even be worn for a fancy evening out.

( Articles By Cora Lee )