So 2008 is here. A new year with new hopes, new beginnings, and of course new trends. Although, fashions change at the blink of an eye but every year brings with it a trend that influences the fashion moods for the entire year. Read on if you are not only conscious but also subconscious about fashion and there is no chance that you want to be left behind walking the ramp after the red carpet is rolled off. Let’s talk about the upcoming trends in the jewelry industry.  

Jewelry Trends for 2008:

So as they say it, old is gold. Classic designs in gemstone jewelry will be the hot trend for spring and summer of 2008. And the hot favorite color will be blue. Blue gemstones like sapphire, tanzanite, aquamarine and blue sapphire will be very popular for jewelry. And followed by blue, purple and green will be in demand. And the gemstones that will be popular are amethyst, peridot, green garnet and of course, the gem of gems – emerald. Gemstones like blue jade, moonstones, sapphires, lapis lazuli, blue opals etc. will also be in vogue. If you talk of gemstones, bead strands and bead necklaces will the charm of the season. And if you are looking at complementing your gemstone pendant or gemstone earrings with other gems for added color, you can choose from citrine, yellow topaz, amber, and color diamonds.

If you want something less expensive, look for sterling silver jewelry. Sterling silver is an alluring substitute to white gold. The cool hues of sterling silver when combined with the warmth of colorful gems, an enchanting look is created. You can combine the icy brilliance of white sapphire or white topaz for a diamond like feel. You can create the rich and elegant look of diamonds for a fraction of the amount spend.

Come fall, black will return with its mystery and magic. Black onyx, black diamonds, and classic black pearls will be the look of the season. As for the designs, necklaces, bracelets and earrings in layers will dominate the ramp. And the common trend of the season, the antique look will be the poplar trend. Pear shaped gemstones in all sizes and colors will be in craze.

Brides Jewelry: Traditional heart pendant with the platinum and diamond heart necklaces will be in vogue. Despite the fact that metal colors are always a popular fashion for brides, cool tones of platinum would also make a charming appearance.

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 This holiday originally originated in ancient Rome. Romans of the ancient times celebrated a fertility festival of Lupercalis on February 15th. The priests who conducted this ritual were known as Luperci. The ritual began with a sacrifice of goats and a dog done by Lupercis. This was followed by two of the Lupercis were led to the alter where their foreheads were touched with the bloody knife that was used for the sacrifices. And then, the blood was wiped off with a piece of wool dipped in milk. This ritual was marked with a sacrificial feast. Following that, a sacrificial feast took place. And at the end of the festival thongs were cut from the skin of the sacrificed animals which were held by noble youths who ran up and down through the city naked, for sport and laughter striking those they meet with shaggy thongs. Women and children purposely got in the way to shake hands, believing that the pregnant will be bestowed by good luck, and the barren will be bestowed with good luck. A blow from the thong was believed to cure sterility in women. Later, Pope Gelasius I (492-496) abolished Lupercalia. 

There is many a folklore of how Valentine’s Day came to be a celebration of love. Some stories talk of St. Valentine helping prisoners of harsh Roman prisons escape. He was imprisoned for the deed.  According to a legend, while in prison, St. Valentine fell in love with his jailor’s daughter and began to send her written love letters signed “From your valentine.” And thus the saint’s birthday is said to be celebrated as Valentine’s Day, the day of celebration of love.

According to another legend, St. Valentine, a Roman priest who began to secretly marry couples against the direct orders of Emperor Claudius II. Emperor Claudius was facing difficulties recruiting soldiers for his military because the young men didn’t want to leave their wives at home. To overcome this problem, he declared that both engagements and marriages were illegal. St. Valentine eventually was executed for his violation of Claudius’ orders, and thus the holiday of Lupercalia came to be acclaimed as a celebration of love and the celebration of St. Valentine. By the 15th Century, St. Valentines Day was celebrated with lovers singing their romantic feelings to their beloveds. People often wrote sonnets and other love poems to celebrate their love. These poems and sonnets came to be popularly known as valentine messages or valentines. The oldest surviving valentine in history was written in 1415 from the Duke of Orleans to his beloved wife. It was written while he was held prisoner in the Tower of London. The message is on display in the British Museum in London.

While the exact origin of Valentine’s Day is not known exactly, there is no doubt that it is not just a holiday from the modern times but has a history to it. It is a chance to both honor the history and modernity of love and affection.