HAND

BRACELETS
by Leslie McLane, Exclusively for

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

From wrist to fingers, hands are getting a lot of attention these days from jewelry artists. Seen on
runways and in collections from renowned designers including Alexander McQueen, hand bracelets are
the "right now" fashion accessory. Also known as hand flowers, slave bracelets, ring bracelets or
cufflets; no matter what you call them, they're giving exotic, Bohemian or armor-like inspiration to
varying fashion markets.

While the exact origin isn't clear, these bracelets seem drawn from the elaborate Indian jewelry in
the Mughal period and the Panja jewelry known to be worn during weddings. With detailed
ornamentation and regal color schemes, India-inspired jewelry has continued to delight accessory
enthusiasts throughout the centuries. Textures are an important part of fashion and jewelry in the
upcoming seasons, and these cufflets provide a prime opportunity to add surface interest.

To join in this luxurious-looking trend, connect a single ring to the bracelet with a simple chain or
intricate beadwork. The great thing about cufflets is even one point of connection looks elegant and
designs can be as simple or extravagant as your preference. Popular materials to achieve different styles
include chainwith added embellishments such as more chain, spikes, charms and rhinestone links; full
chainmaille sets with jumprings for medieval flair; and detailed seed bead with crystal-encrusted
embroidery for a more lavish appearance inspired by the ornate hand flowers of India. Designs have
also continued up the forearm and incorporated one, two or all fingers as well as the thumb.

Popular motifs include the natural world such as flowers, leaves and woodland fauna or more
unconventional styles are heavy on the metals in quirky shapes including bone structures, spider
webs, metal drops forming dragon-like scales and more. Refined or alternative in style, hand bracelets
are enjoying continued limelight and have a spot of prestige on jewelry retail counters.
A Snowy
Style: Necklace Featuring
by Susanne Kathol, Exclusively for Fire Celestial Crystal Beads
Mountain Gems and Beads

Let it snow style with this week's winter wonderland-inspired dangle earrings and necklace set
that's ready to be added to jewelry lines for hot winter looks. This flattering design draws the eye
downward as the snowflakes appear to literally fall, creating a slimming effect. The double-sided
silver-finished brass and silver-plated ''pewter'' snowflake charms offer a durable quality with a brilliant
shine. These snowflake charms are simply attached using jump rings to the silver-finished brass cable
chain for an eye-catching display.

The silver-plated brass curved tube bead makes a beautiful centerpiece for a flowing and graceful
look. The crystal snow caps are cleverly created using silver-plated basket bead caps and a stunning
combination of Celestial Crystal and Preciosa Czech crystal beads for a wintery appeal. The Preciosa
Czech crystal beads add twice the iridescent flash with their AB2X effect and the Celestial Crystal
beads add a soft, understated elegance as their faceting reflects lively highlights and colors. The
stringing pattern that includes framing select crystal beads with bead cap baskets is perfectly
symmetrical, just as snowflakes are symmetrical in nature.

Silver-plated brass long and short oval chain is used to create the necklace length and add detail to
the back of the piece. The chain features open links with a shining silver plating, offering an
economical alternative to precious metals. The silver-plated brass toggle clasp is easy-to-use and is
embellished with glass rhinestones for a high-end look.

Head pins are used to create the appearance of snow falling around the snowflakes. These
ornamental head pins with a ball tip embellishment add an elegant flair to the ends of the Celestial
Crystal and Czech Preciosa crystal beads. The dangle earrings are designed for long-lasting wear with
leverback ear wires with an open loop for dangling embellishments, and a wider opening and strong
hinged closure for durability and style.
King
Rings: Back to the Fifties

Huge, eye-catching and eccentric, jewelry now comes in XXL, because XXL represents courage.
The courage to experiment, to make your own choices, to break the rules. This applies in particular to
rings, which have for years been more heavily influenced by rules than other jewelry. King rings are
more than just the successors to the cocktail rings of the 1950s; they are a symbol of emancipation and
the expression of a new self-confidence.

They are always worn on the right hand and stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Beyoncé
Knowles are leading the way. The bigger, the more sensational and the more personal the rings, the
greater their impact.

Swarovski crystal components are perfect for the creation of king rings. It's easy to create
impressive rings using sparkling crystals, including individual, large Fancy Stones with sophisticated
cuts, tiny pendants and a wide variety of Crystal Beads and Pearls, transparent, opaque or with different
effects. King rings are an experiment with shapes, colors and sizes. They are magnificent, but always
slightly tongue-in-cheek, which makes them the ideal accessory for a casual outfit.
Style
Snapshot:
Statement Earrings

The style "statement"--that jaw-dropping look or accessory that makes an indelible impression
whenever it's seen--has been capturing attention in one form or another since the dawn of fashion.

Statements over the last half century include beehive hairdos in the '60s, huge shoulder pads in the
'80s, oversized sunglasses in the '00s--and throughout these trends, statement EARRING styles have
remained an area of constant experimentation and expansion. Now more than ever, the widespread
appeal of bigger-bolder-better earring styles offers a fertile fashion frontier for inspired jewelry
designer-artists and fashionable wearers.

Statement earrings don't have a particular set of rules regarding color, style or materials, but what
they do have in common is that they are big and flashy. Enormous unique focals, dangling crystals and
gem drops, ear cuffs, long streams of feathers and tassels are all classy choices for making a statement.
These bold earrings, sometimes also called shoulder dusters, can reach the bottom of the chin or hang
dramatically down to the collar bone. For spring, designers are featuring natural influences including
butterflies, fruit and foliage.
Men's
Trend: Power Bracelets
by Leslie McLane, Exclusively for Fire
Mountain Gems and Beads

Men's accessories have a unique double identity lately. From the red carpet to big name luxury
brands, men are pairing expensive wrist wear, such as a Rolex watch, with simple gemstone stretch
bracelets referred to as power bracelets. These power bracelets have been spotted with formal suits,
business attire and everyday casual wear, making them a powerhouse of a men's jewelry trend.

Power bracelets are a fairly simple design of beads strung on stretchy cord such as Powercord®.
Bead types are often gemstone, though wood, lotus seed and bone are also common. Bracelets are
made with a certain amount of beads: 18, 21 or 27. Larger varieties that end up with a wrapped look
can consist of 54 or 108 beads. At the end of the strand there is a special T-drilled round bead and
ribbed cone called the focus bead or guru bead.

Power bracelets are inspired by mala bracelets or wrist malas. Originating from one of the world's
oldest religions, Hinduism, mala bracelets have been adopted and adapted to other religions, including
Buddhism and Sikhism. The bracelets have also developed a connection with yoga, inspiring wearers to
focus on health and balance in all aspects of their lives.

The beads on mala bracelets are most often used for prayer or meditation such as japa, which is
repetitive mantra chanting. Using these bracelets to meditate is said to improve patience, reduce stress
and raise the wearer's energy. The beads make it easy to focus on what you're saying without having to
keep count of how many times you've said it. Using your middle and index fingers of your right hand,
starting at the guru bead, use your thumb to automatically count each bead pulling it toward you as you
recite your mantra. Once you reach the guru bead again, you're done or you can reverse direction and
begin again. Some mala and power bracelets have a tassel attached, which represents enlightenment.
Love of
Heritage: Multi-
Strand Necklace and Bracelet Set Featuring Swarovski Crystal
White Pearls
by Susanne Kathol, Exclusively for
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Based on a timeless classic, this Swarovski crystal white pearl jewelry set is the ultimate accessory
for any outfit or event. The Swarovski crystal pearls are simply stunning, and lustrous like a true pearl,
featuring a creamy alabaster hue for unparalleled glamour. At the heart of each Swarovski crystal pearl
lies a solid core of Swarovski crystal, which is covered in layers of innovative pearlescent ''nacre'' to
create a silky-smooth surface that resists cosmetics, chemicals and perfumes. Different colors of
Swarovski crystal pearls can be substituted for endless style options.

Magnetic clasps are a dream for easily putting on and taking off jewelry, especially if you're doing
it on your own or have arthritic hands. The magnetic clasp in this design adds to the overall luxury of
the piece with its textured surface and glistening crystal accents.

The sterling silver drop accents in the necklace and bracelet steal the show with their star motif and
asymmetrical placement within the design. This project cleverly stacks metal heishi beads as spacers
and uses beads caps to add extra emphasis to the Swarovski crystal pearl beads.

Easy-to-use Accu-Guards stylishly protect the beading wire and ensure long-lasting wear. This
design is very versatile, looking great with conservative and professional attire and more boho and
casual styles as well. The coordinating necklace and bracelet set can be dressed up or down for an
endless amount of stunning statements.

This project proves you can have timeless style at any age or any day of the year. In this spirit, let's
honor all those amazing Grandmas out there by making this jewelry set today.
Style
Snapshot:
Double-Finger Rings
by Susanne Kathol, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Double the style, double the fun--double-finger rings are twice as fashionable as a single ring and
work well for both men and women. Two-finger rings have been popular throughout history, dating
back to at least the 1st century BC in Hellenistic Greece. Once again, what's old is new as we're
spotting this jewelry trend on celebrities and fashion runways.

There are many different interpretations on multiple-finger rings, including stacking rings, wire-
wrapped rings and rings connected with chain. Many have gemstones, crystals and other eye-catching
embellishments for unlimited design possibilities.
Add this on-point style to jewelry lines with double-stone ring findings, gemstone
cabochons and Swarovski® crystal rhinestone chatons. Depending on the setting, simply adhere stones
with a 2-part epoxyor use a bezel roller to secure in place.
Designers can use ring bases with loops to connect rings on multiple fingers with chain.
Rings can also be stacked on fingers for a fashionable effect. Double-finger rings can be also be
wire-wrapped using jewelry-making wire for creative masterpieces that can incorporate gemstone
beads, Swarovski crystal beads and cultured freshwater pearl beads for different design options.
Don't miss out on the double-ring trend--we recommend doubling up on sophisticated gemstones,
sparkling Swarovski crystal beads and fancy stones for attention-getting results.
Style
Snapshot:
Jacket Earrings
by Leslie McLane, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Here's an earring trend you can really get behind. The backs of stud earrings have typically been
viewed as a necessity, not a design opportunity. Jacket earrings are causing a little bit of a role reversal
though, bringing attention to the dangly additions on the back of earstuds.

With effortless wearability, ear jackets (also seen referred to as a fan studs) hang just behind and
below the earlobe, following the curvature of your lobe in a fan-like shape. The dangle is most often
seen bent forward slightly so the decoration seems to hug your earlobe. Usually seen with matching
pairs, jacket earrings look chic when worn on just one side as well, creating a popular single statement
earring or asymmetrical earring look.

Whether you're into alternative, traditional or modern blinged-out styles, jacket earrings are
covering the entire designing spectrum from edgy spikes and talons to glittering rhinestones or classic
pearls. Gold- and silver-colored metals are frequently seen, but other metal colors such as rose gold,
gunmetal and more are caressing fashion-forward earlobes, too.

With earrings being on the forefront of fashionista minds, it's no surprise to see changes to such
staple jewelry. Once popular in the ‘80s, throwback styles such as these jacket earrings continue to be
on the rise once again. Focusing on dual silhouettes, these front and back earrings also include
moveable or freely swinging dangles creating dramatic or eye-catching movement.

Backs of earrings do more than just hold your earrings in these days, adding new dimension.
Hang charms or drops with thin loops from long earstuds, dangle rhinestone cupchain or create metallic
jackets angled forward hugging earlobes to join in this distinctive trend.
Trend
Flash: Open-Ended Necklaces at
by Leslie McLane, Exclusively for Fire Fashion Week
Mountain Gems and Beads

It's an open-and-shut case in the style verdict of open-ended necklaces: they're in. During both
Milan and New York Fashion Weeks, top designers sent models strutting down the catwalk in open
necklaces of all materials and sizes.

You and your customers will love this intriguing slip-on necklace since it grabs attention with a
seemingly floating appearance and happens to be an easy necklace to take on and off. There's no
tangling of hair in clasps or fumbling to secure the closure behind your head. And, this trend is versatile
as far as length, color scheme and materials go.

There was however, one similarity amongst these up-to-the-minute jewelry pieces: a floral theme.
Whether they were faceted crystals close to the throat on the end of a curved metal neckwire (Angelo
Marani's pinwheel-like flowers), longer structural petals formed from black leather on a flexible base
(Osklen's architecturally inspired blooms) or any other material combination, flora was favored.
Flowers in fashion have been given generous limelight and continue to flourish in the direct attention.
See more about why these blooms are so popular in our ''Style Snapshot: Crystal Flower Power'' article.

Let open-ended necklaces grow on you while your designs featuring petals, leaves and vines take
on a life of their own. Cultivate your bottom line in color palettes open to interpretation with your
favorite materials including Swarovski crystal, Preciosa glass petals, seed beads, metal clay and more.
Cocktail
Rings
by Robyn, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Also known as dinner rings, cocktail rings surfaced between the 1920s and 1930s during the period
of time known in the United States as Prohibition. During this era, drinking alcohol was forbidden, so
men and women would secretly meet at establishments known as a "speakeasies." The rule-breaking
women who frequented speakeasies usually dressed in high-fashion gowns and completed their
wardrobes with stylish rings on their right hands. These rings soon became associated with pre-dinner
drink parties, or cocktail parties--hence the name.

During the speakeasy days, cocktail rings for women were typically oversized and flashy. Those
Prohibition-era cocktail rings, in karat gold or sterling or fine silver, were set with precious or semi-
precious stones in basic round, oval and square shapes, some surrounded by other smaller stones. Their
large stones and precious metals were inevitably expensive.

Today, a ladies' cocktail ring is the perfect fashion accessory for any budget. Modern cocktail rings
incorporate a variety of materials with settings from gemstone cabochons to Swarovski® crystals and
styles ranging from elegant to edgy. This popular fashion allows designers to create with a variety of
shapes including flowers, animals and geometric forms.

With a high-class look and eye-catching appeal, celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez
enjoy wearing cocktail rings during interviews and evening talk shows. The cocktail ring has also been
seen regularly on runways all over the world from such designers as Versace and BCBG Max Azria and
in popular fashion magazines including ELLE and Lucky.
Whether you are reaching for a celebrity look or just want a conversational right-hand ring, the
cocktail ring is a glamorous addition to every fashionista's wardrobe.