The Dark Side of Jewelry

An article profiling the current trend in jewelry of dark, brooding pieces, both romantic and rock in style. The catwalk this year has been full of a brooding darkness, inspired by rock culture, the goth movement and historical figures like Byron, Mary Shelley and Emily Bronte’s Heathcliffe. The jewelry which complements all this ranges from romantic pieces like onyx necklaces and jet rings, to full on hard core skull rings and goth chains.

Depending on how far you want to take this look there is a range of jewelry and accessories to fit. If you want to go all out then skull and cross bones can be found adorning all areas of jewelry from diamond skull rings and cufflinks to silver stud earrings. There are even some really scary pieces like a ring by Philippa Holland and Jamie Strachan which consists of a miniature bird’s skull complete with long hooked beak to peck away at your fingers!

If you aren’t that daring, but still love the look, it’s possible to find darkness in all areas of jewelry without walking too much on the wild side. Black and white diamond cuffs are both sophisticated and chic, while simple black bangles add a touch of goth to your look without going over the top.

Another area where jewelry has immersed itself in darkness is watches. Watches have now become more about style and fashion than time pieces than ever before. Black watches complete with black rubber wrist bands and entirely black faces are cool and up to the minute in style. Some of these watches feature detail like a diamond surround or a single diamond on the face, but others go completely bare and would be lost in darkness save for the simple and elegant gold hands which are a statement in themselves.

But probably the most visible and obvious place you can where this look is going to be in rings. Cocktail rings are big for any look right now and that includes both romantic and rock. Large jet rings, trimmed with diamonds are beautiful and stylish, as are any vintage cocktail rings and over-sized rings with semi precious stones. But if you want a slightly edgier look then watch out for the clunky silver or white gold rings which feature onyx and diamonds and have an almost industrial feel to them. Some of these latest rings are using a chain design and others even encompass enamel in their list of materials.
However far you want to take it, darkness is most definitely in, and whether you lean more to the side of rock or romanticism there is plenty to choose form in the world of jewelry right now.