The Gold Rush: Gold Jewelry Trend
Have you noticed that yellow gold is pervading our runways, boutiques, department stores and really, is everywhere? It’s the finding of choice, it’s worn in long layers of chain, and it’s showing itself in the form of lockets, pendants, beads & baubles. Back when I started out in this costume jewelry racket, gold was referred to by the infamous Carrie Bradshaw as ‘ghetto gold’ when presented with an (ack!) yellow gold engagement ring. I couldn’t believe she could be so heartless to poor Aidan, but she was right! Ew! Sterling silver, white gold and platinum were the only way to go. We had a trunk show a few weeks back with Stephanie Sersich and Amy Johnson (two super-cool bead artists) and we were all talking about this very subject. Steph said her Mom told her a few years back that “when you’re older, you’ll appreciate yellow gold.” and she said she rolled her eyes. But we both admitted that here we were 10 years later and both converts of ‘real gold.’ Whether it’s a taste that’s acquired with age like fine wine, or if it’s just that we’re all inundated with it lately because it’s so trendy, gold is making a comeback.

Gold Inspired
I don’t get to actually bead very often anymore (an occupational hazard of opening a bead store… and having young children), but I had a few kid-free hours down at the island (see Beach-Combing with Max) toward the end of the summer. And guess what I made? A whole 'gold collection' addition to my jewelry cache'! With all of our recently acquired vintage chain, we have yellow gold in many golden hues: aged brass, shiny Russian rose-gold plating, raw copper and more. Being that it’s vintage, it’s limited. So I definitely raided the vintage chain stash for myself. Most of the chain was manufactured here in the US, in Rhode Island specifically, in the 1970’s-1980’s. It was overstock that we came across that was originally manufactured for companies such as Avon, Coro, Trifari and Chanel. We may have to have some of it plated ourselves when we only have the ‘raw brass’ left. However right now we have some styles that came to us with fabulous vintage platings that came to us already finished. In fact, we’re told that there were certain platings (the Russian rose gold I referred to earlier) that for one reason or another they are not able to reproduce today.

We also have some great metal findings in gold and silver right now. Manufacturers are rising to meet the demands of the current trend evidently because never before has there been such an availability of findings and funky components to make our lowly ‘beadwork’ take on the air of fine jewelry.

1980's Ghetto Gold!
So if you’ve been reluctant to break out your 1980’s ‘ghetto gold’, fear not. Update it! Re-design it. Tweak old chains that you have by adding in some Swarovski crystal, some gemstones, some new clasps, chains and components. Platinum and silver are so last week.