Every month from now until JCK Las Vegas 2013, I’ll highlight one trend from the 12 Jewelry Trends for 2013 post on my Style 360 blog—an editorial first look at new collections worldwide and expert market analysis on jewelry trends and new products. My colleague, Brittany Siminitz, manager of JCK Marketplace, an expansive online showroom of gorgeous merchandise sold at the JCK shows, will do the same on her On Your Market blog.

Let’s face it: costume jewelry—gold-plated brass and bronze, crystals, Lucite, and even silver, according to some—is abundant in store cases nationwide. When the economy took a nosedive about five years ago, jewelers turned to less expensive but well-made costume pieces to help fuel sales. Lines like Alexis Bittar and Rebecca offered chic looks at entry-level prices that fine jewelry store shoppers ultimately snapped up in the absence of funds to buy their tonier tokens. And when you factor in this year’s loose-fitting silhouettes and denim (a poster child for informal apparel), costume creations seem all the more on trend.

Earrings in 14k gold-plated brass with cubic zirconia, $120; Melinda Maria

Cuff in leather with brass, glass beads, and quartz, $130; Presh by Nicole Apostoli

 

Rings in 18k gold-plated bronze with cubic zirconia, $148 for trio; Isharya

Cuff in 14k gold-plated brass with Swarovski crystals, $180; Susan Hanover

Bracelet from the fall-winter 2013–14 collection in 14k gold-plated brass with Swarovski crystals and pearls, $335; Rodrigo Otazu for Swarovski Gems

Necklace in 14k gold fill with natural coral, carnelian, chalcedony, peridot, aquamarine, quartz, and amethyst beads, $340; Dana Kellin at Fragments

Tulum necklace in 24k gold-plated brass with white enamel insets and Swarovski crystals, $425; PaigeNovick.com

Earrings in 14k gold fill with natural mother-of-pearl and manmade stones, $435; Miguel Ases at Fragments

Hammered necklace in 18k gold-plated brass; $550; Daniel Espinosa

Caro Dio necklace with 55 bronze spikes and rivets in the chain, a bronze cross with 74 micro spikes, flames with 24.55 cts. t.w. rubies, orange sapphires, and citrines, with a 24k gold-plated bronze pendant with green crystal, $9,995; Basile & Pape

For more costume jewelry coverage, check out:

• 12 Jewelry Trends for 2013: Brass, Bronze, and Costume Jewelry From JCK Marketplace
• Get Your Costume Jewelry Fix

Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine