This season, fashionistas of all ages are going nuts for modern takes on plastic jewelry in striking colors and bold designs. Lucite, which is a lightweight clear resin, is popping up everywhere in a rainbow of bright spring and summer shades. This type of jewelry is not only fun and fashionable, it’s also affordable, so it’s easy to add a few pieces to freshen up your look.

Plastic geometric jewelry was big in the 70s, with a retro feel and an artistic edge that added expression to any outfit. Today, Lucite, Bakelite and acrylic pieces with funky angles are being worked into bangle bracelets and multi-layered chain necklaces. Pastels and opaques are very popular, and make great vacation jewelry. Prints with stripes and animal spots are a few other hot styles of plastic jewelry this season, and do a great job of adding character to everyday pieces.

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Ever wondered which items you should wear right now, which ones you should store in your jewelry box, and which ones you should part with? Well, we’re here to help with some expert advice on what’s hot in the world of fashion jewelry.

Necklaces
You should wear big, bold, chunky designs with handcrafted stones or geometric shapes. Long strands of pearls, delicate beads or multi-strand gold and sterling silver chains are also a big hit right now. For a personalized look, nameplate necklaces are still popular.

You should store vintage and hand-me-down birthstone necklaces and keepsake lockets, as these favorites never really go out of style. That’s the difference between a trend and a piece with true staying power. Also keep classic short strands of pearls and beaded chokers.

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Many shops dabble in bridal accessories, but what really builds a business into the “go-to” place. To answer the question, we first have to look at the bride’s needs.

Almost every young girl has looked through family wedding albums and realizes the look on that special day will last for generations in treasured family pictures. They think out every detail of their own wedding and want it flawless. But filling every bride’s image of the perfect wedding day takes options.

Options are how you build your business into the “go-to” bridal accessory shop-but options in what? First comes the gown, veil, and shoes, but after that all the bridal accessories that build the ideal wedding. The key bridal accessories here are wedding day jewelry, bridesmaid jewelry, tiaras, bridal gloves, and evening bags.

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