I am often asked what kind of jewelry is worn by women in the United States? With all the variety of metals, materials, stones, designs and large variation in prices, it is still possible to identify the most popular trends. So, here we go – meet a review of American favorites!
Recently, online trading giant eBay named top five jewelry trends revealed in the summer of 2014. They appeal more to young people aged 16 to 32 years. Among the biggest hits, eBay identified hand chains challenging classic bracelets, knuckle rings and all sorts of ear cuffs - an upgraded version of clips that can be worn as many as ten at a time.
Young people generally prefer white! This conclusion was made in a research conducted by the Silver Promotion Service and Rapaport Group. White stones and metals, including silver, white gold and platinum, were chosen by students and young professionals. If so far they cannot afford natural diamonds, their choice is cubic zirconia or Swarovski crystals.
"Last year the fashion industry said white was the new color of the season," Michael Barlerin, Head of SPS told Rough&Polished. White color jewelry represents a more modern and progressive image, rather than yellow gold, which is more popular among the older generations.
Classic and elegant jewelry pieces set the pace in the diamond department. They are bought for a long time, and most people prefer to choose time-honored designs skipping those inspired by yet another fashion whim.
Diamond-graced hoop earrings ranging from tiny sizes of 20 mm in diameter to impressive “congos” covered with a diamond pavé over the entire circumference invariably turn out to be pace setters in jewelry sales.
Photo courtesy of Little Sparkles (www.mylittlesparkles.com)
Also, the collection of any American woman is likely to feature stud earrings made of white gold or platinum with diamonds ranging in size from 0.5 carat or more, depending on the taste and purse of the owner.
An analysis of online sales by Tiffany, Blue Nile and Ross Simons proves that such earrings are most popular among buyers.
Special mention deserve the symbols of infinity and eternity made play in their collections perhaps by the majority of famous designers. These symbols are often seen in rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. A very successful collection married to infinity came from David Yurman.
Photo courtesy of David Yurman (www.davidyurman.com)
One of the most popular trends that came to stay for a long time is personalized jewelry. This is particularly true of chains with pendants and charm bracelets.
Jewelry pieces bearing the names of their owners were enthusiastically acclaimed by Americans. All kinds of pendants and chains with initials, monograms or full names of those wearing them are in great demand.
In addition, it is popular to wear jewelry that emphasizes individuality and represents the most significant events or principles for the owner. Thus, necklaces, rings or bracelets embellished by stylishly embossed words like "Faith", "Hope", "Love," etc., can often be seen at fashion shows and also in street fashion.
In modern America, the vast majority of the population is Christian and adornment with religious symbols occupy their niche in the market. Elegant cross-shaped pendants inlaid with diamonds are all-time favorites in sales, both in white or yellow gold with diamonds worth from $ 800 to $ 6,000, as well as in silver graced with cubic zirconia at $ 50 only. Also popular are rings and necklaces in the shape of a simple cross made of metal and bearing no stones.
Photo courtesy of Little Sparkles (www.mylittlesparkles.com)
In 2008, the United States entered a period of instability starting to search for a way out of the economic impasse. Perhaps, there is a psychological connection between the faltering consumer confidence and wonton popularity of all kinds of jewelry charms. Pendants and bracelets bearing the Hamsa sign (the protecting hand) or the evil eye or the wing of a guardian angel enjoy great success as talismans to protect against trouble. 
Photo courtesy of Little Sparkles (www.mylittlesparkles.com)
Perhaps for this reason, jewelry items symbolizing good luck and prosperity are on the charts. These are pendants and charms shaped as horseshoes or wishbones: in the American tradition, the V-shaped bone between the neck and breast of a cooked turkey broken on the Thanksgiving Day makes one’s wishes come true.
Thanks to good graces of Van Cleef & Arpels, jewelry pieces in the shape of four-leaved clover, the famous talisman of good luck, became a hit in the American fashion jewelry. Now, this motif is used by many other jewelry manufacturers. 
Photo courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels (vancleefarpels.com)
Long chains and beads in a variety of materials, stones and colors turned to be indispensable attributes of American fashionmongers. The length of such accessories is usually not less than 60 cm. These can be a costume option from Forever21 for $ 20 or a chain of rose gold studded with round diamonds worth $ 3,900 from Tiffany.
Tri-color jewelry pieces are once again back into fashion in the United States! Usually, this is a combination of white, pink and yellow gold or gilt in pendants and rings. 
Photo courtesy of Little Sparkles (www.mylittlesparkles.com)
Finally, there are stacking rings which are a permanent hit, still of high priority. These may be rings with or without gems or thin delicate rings graced with diamond pavés or thicker rings made of different metals.
All this reflects a general trend to stress one’s individuality through unique jewelry and accessories. Incidentally, it is worth to note the new collection of rings offered by Pandora promoting this trend in a good way by saying, “Express your unique style by mixing and matching PANDORA rings in endless ways to fit any mood or occasion.”
Olga Patseva, Editor in Chief of the American Bureau, Rough&Polished
