Statement jewelry was the largest jewelry trend in 2009 and it looks like this trend will continue to dominate in 2010.  Think layered, chunky, bold, textural, colorful and sparkly.  In this economy, accessorizing with jewelry is one of the best ways to stay trendy on a budget. According to Tim Gunn, in his Marie Claire article, “Tim Gunn’s Jewelry Tips,” when choosing statement jewelry look for “. . . beautiful, affordable items that enhance your look and supply you with an oomph of glitz and glamour.”  While these pieces should be affordable, they should also make a big impact.  The key to making this trend work for you is to keep your statement down to one area per outfit.  So pile on 10 bangles, but omit the statement necklace; or wear a bold beautiful necklace, but pair it with an understated pair of earrings instead of your biggest chandeliers.

Necklaces: This season statement necklaces are all the rage. Unlike bold rings or bangles, statement necklaces can be worn by everyone. While wearing a bold ring might require long fingers or a bangle might need a certain wrist size, a bold neckpiece will look fab regardless of your body type. A statement necklace can be a super heavy, chunky design or a layering of smaller, intricate link chains.

Not sure which necklaces go with which necklines?  Tim Gunn says, “Necklace style selections should be based entirely upon the neckline of your garment.”  He suggests, “Higher necklines — crew, turtleneck — work best with an opera length (26 to 36 inches), which offers versatility as a single strand, a double, or knotted. Plunging necklines are best served by a princess length (17 to 19 inches).  Strapless calls for a choker or princess style.  And halters or one-shoulders call for nothing. In the case of the latter, let your earrings provide the bling.”

Earrings: This season chandeliers are the perfect statement earring.  Denise Sanger, author of “2010 Fashion Jewelry Trends,” says “They bring with them an instantly feminine and glamorous look to any outfit that you add them to.”  In the past chandeliers were worn with evening looks only, but today its trendy to wear them casually with jeans and a tee.

Bracelets: Whether a bangle, cuff or regular bracelet, this season is all about layering.  What’s even more fun is that bracelets are being made in a variety of sizes, metals and textiles and many are embellished with beads, gems and other decorative elements.  Tim Gunn suggests that this season every woman must have a fabulous cuff and an array of bangles. He says, “[A cuff is] a bold, graphic statement and one that I find rapturous.” Additionally, Gunn says that “Second on my must-have list are classic bangles.”  Whatever you choose, don’t be afraid to stack and stack and stack.

Rings: Today large cocktail rings continue to be popular.  Tim Gunn recommends that “Like the cuff, a fashion ring should be bold and make a statement,”  Made in assortment of metals and textiles, statement rings are embellished with a variety decorative textures and elements.

Luckily, SYMS is not just a clothing store. We have an assortment of affordable, big impact, statement pieces.  If it’s a necklace your after, SYMS has a chunky Ralph Lauren piece— retail price $68.00, SYMS price $19.99; or a multi-strand necklace by Essentials — retail price $80.00, SYMS price $19.99. What about chandelier earrings? We have a pair from Nine West — retail price $26.00, SYMS price $12.99; or a pair from Monet — retail price $19.99, SYMS price $9.99.  For those of you interested in bracelet trends, SYMS has Eitenne Aigner bangles — retail price $25.00, SYMS price $9.99; or an Anne Klein cuff — retail price $32.00, SYMS price $17.00. Finally come in and get a statement ring by Ralph Lauren— retail price $22.00, SYMS price $12.99.

We’d love to hear what you think about this trend and if you found a great deal on statement jewelry at SYMS; so please tell us about it.