For centuries, jewelry has symbolized both style and sentiment. After several seasons of big-time bling, trendsetters are seeking pieces that blend fashion with spirit. Bobbie Thomas, style expert, “Today” contributor and co-host of “Fashion Police!” presents the latest trends in meaningful jewelry.
Wear and share bracelets Pass forward kindness and good fortune with Good Charma's bracelets. Meant to be shared and doled out to your favorite friends, much like the rubber and string-tied styles we swapped as children. With themes like peace, love and luck, stars such as Meg Ryan have loaded up. Beyonce likes to mix themes and layer both silver and gold, while Material Girl turned Kabbalah Queen Madonna can't get enough and owns at least 100. The hand-beaded bracelets are available in sets of 6. $200 to 400, www.GoodCharma.com
Stars get spiritual Celebrities like Demi Moore and Molly Sims flipped for Jodi Guber's Beyond Malas collection, which is a take-off on old world traditional prayer beads. Personalize your necklace from a selection of 77 different charms which aim to attract different energies and manifest your deepest desires. Even Deepak Chopra is a fan! Charms start at $30; necklaces start at $250, www.beyondyoga.com
Treasures of fertility
Hollywood's baby boom has moms such as Heidi Klum and Britney Spears embracing jewelry from Energymuse. Moonstone beads are believed to bring forth fruitfulness and fertility, while accompanying images of divine mothers such as Quan Yin and Virgin Mary represent intuition, hope, happiness and new beginnings. The necklaces can be combined with other pieces to deepen meaning, such as love, tranquility and protection. $70 to $500, depending on style and materials, www.energymuse.com
Fierce protection
Shark teeth are a biting trend that both men and women are sporting, from Brad Pitt to Lindsay Lohan. Surf legend has it that the fangs are meant to protect the wearer and ward off evil. Don’t worry, no sharks were harmed in the name of fashion. They continually shed their teeth and grow new ones. $295 to $1,500 at Kaviar and Kind, 310-659-8857A present from the past
What’s old is hot again thanks to Only One reconstructed vintage. Rare trinkets are reworked into one-of-a-kind styles that have drawn celebrity fans including Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. The designer’s first-ever creation, the “Charming” ring, is now mass replicated due to high demand, but all other items in this collection are hand crafted. The truly original pieces are well worth the wait. Prices start at $190 and go up depending on materials and custom orders, 800-880-1611
Bejeweled banglesThe bohemian trend has taken a back seat to fall’s luxe vibe, but retiring your summer staple of wood bracelets may leave your arms feeling a bit naked in the midst. Bejeweled bangles like Intuition’s chunky crystal versions are a brilliant way to sparkle this season. $55, www.shopintuition.com
Hot hoops
Stylish women everywhere are safely storing their more ornate chandelier and door knocker earrings. Basics are back, and classic hoops have a fresh twist this fall. Halle Berry proved that simple is sexy at the Emmys. She left her diamonds behind and opted for Robert Lee Morris’ fashion-forward circles, while a slew of other celebrities can’t get enough of Gorjana’s drop-and-dangle sleek swingers. Robert Lee Morris Hoops, available in three sizes, $125, $195, and $295, www.robertleemorris.com. Gorjana’s available in both silver and gold vermeil, $45, www.gorjana.com