Toronto Sun

October 9, 2011

Reaching into your jewelry box this season may feel more like reaching into a glittering toolbox. This fall, jewelry merges gleaming metal, stones, chains and other dressed up industrial findings with more delicate elements such as coloured beads, pearls and botanical elements.

"I was inspired by industrial hardware for several of my fall designs and have included mixed metals, rivets, safety pins, fuse bits and nuts and bolts in my "Nuts and Bolts" collection," explains Toronto-based jewelry designer Kristen Laborde.

Although these elements sound hard-edged, many pieces are softened with the addition of semi-precious stones such as agate, turquoise, jasper and mother of pearl, as well as romantic elements like flowers, tassels and charms.

The gold standard glows as gold-toned jewelry continues to grow in popularity, but truly any metal is in style, with necklaces, bracelets, and dangling chain earrings crafted from brass, rose gold, pewter, copper and blackened gunmetal abound.

"Don't be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone. Wear mixed metals and layer on multiple bracelets, necklaces and other pieces of jewelry to make your own personal style statements," suggests Montreal-based Caroline Neron, a television and film actress, singer, and for the past several years, designer of the Bijoux Caroline Neron jewelry line.

Neron will soon be showing her wares on the runway at LG Fashion Week in Toronto and has plans to roll out a chain of jewelry boutiques across the country.

Statement-making jewelry also finds international favour, with designers such as Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent showcasing bold metal neck collars, chain link necklaces and stacked and cuff bracelets that reverberate with modern style.

There's also room for feminine touches, as rings, necklaces and earrings feature metal roses, pearls and beads of varied colours and shapes held together by delicate filigree work, wire and other combinations of modern and old world elements.

"Many of our handcrafted jewelry designs feature vintage, heirloom details, such as filigree work, scalloped edges and nature-inspired details such as flowers and freshwater pearls, which come together to create a timeless, feminine look," says Kelsey Perry, a brand merchandising manager for Silpada Designs.

The boho beat that's been the rage for some time also continues forward with wooden beads, braided leather bracelets, dangling earrings, earthy stones and minerals fashioned with feathers or metal formed to look like feathers, leaves and other botanical bits.

View this article on TorontoSun.com.

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