Expand Your Jewelry Collection with Elegant, Affordable Bead Jewelry
Jewelry is a crucial element in every woman’s fashion arsenal. Expensive stones, diamonds, gold, platinum and pearl jewelry are something most women strive for, but not all can afford. If you are on a limited budget, you can still enhance your style with stunning pieces. Bead jewelry is a fun and exciting alternative to pricey baubles. Necklaces, bracelets, and even earrings made with simple, inexpensive materials can be just as fashion forward as expensive jewelry.
Jewelry can be made of beads of any number of materials strung on wire or string, or woven into shapes. Beads come in a myriad of shapes, styles, colors and sizes. The most common and simplest beads are made of acrylic, a type of plastic. Acrylic beads have a few advantages: They can be found in just about any color, shape and size, they are inexpensive and plentiful, and they are extremely durable. Acrylic beads are best for creating playful, fun and exuberant looks and best complement casual and laid-back outfits. In clear plastic, they can also mimic pricier stones.
Another popular choice for bead material is glass. Glass beads have been made for hundreds of years in different cultures and prized by many for their beauty. Venetian glass in particular is known for intricate, colorful patterns. Glass beads can be very small and simple in solid colors or larger and more elaborate. Like acrylic beads, they really enhance casual and fun styles. Unlike acrylic, glass beads are delicate and easy to break and also cost significantly more. Crystal beads are a subtype of glass beads and are made from cut glass. Crystal beads can be quite expensive, but create a high-end look.
Natural materials are more popular than ever these days and, if that look is for you, try wood or metal bead jewelry. Different types of wood with different polished finishes make beautiful, organic-looking beads to complement a simple and elegant outfit. Wooden beads can be found in a range of prices, depending on the type of wood. Simple, hammered metal beads are another great choice when creating an organic look. Wooden and metal beads together in one piece really complement each other and create more visual interest than either alone.
Beads made from stones of different colors make beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Stones carved, cut and polished into different shapes can be made from turquoise, jade, amber, quartz, jasper, agate and many other natural stones. Stone bead jewelry can use a single type or incorporate several different stones for a more varied look. Either way, stones make stunning pieces.
Bead jewelry can be incorporated into your wardrobe in many different interesting ways. Long beaded necklaces are hot right now. Try layering several together over a blouse for work or to dress up a t-shirt on the weekend. Just be sure to keep the necklaces within the same color or material to avoid a cluttered look. Small, simple acrylic beads woven into intricate patterns make gorgeous earrings, which can make a casual weekend or after work look more special. Beaded bracelets are also all the rage these days, especially those with beads that can be collected as mementos of important events. These charm-like bracelets are a great gift that can be added to year after year.
If you are looking to make a modern fashion statement, look no further than bead jewelry. Beaded pieces are inexpensive, but can look like they cost just as much as your pricier necklaces and earrings. Whether acrylic, glass, crystal, wood or stone, beads can create a variety of looks to go with any outfit.