Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

| July 22, 2012 | 1 Comment

As you may have already noticed, jewelry this season is all about making a statement. From loud, oversized necklaces to sharp-edged earrings, the trend toward tribal inspiration, with designs influenced by Native American, South American, and African aesthetics, is taking the accessory world by storm. These big, bold pieces fall into a variety of styles, from bohemian to punk, and are a great way to turn a plain outfit into a chic ensemble. Here’s a breakdown of some of the different elements of the tribal statement jewelry trend:

Gold

From collar necklaces to chain fringe earrings, the abundance of gold jewelry pieces is fit for an Aztec emperor. Many designs combine the metallic color with neon.

gold neon 199x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Neon Aztec Earrings, $12, available at nastygal.com

 

Breyten Metal Mirror Collar Necklace 201x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Breyten Metal Mirror Collar Necklace, $34, available at Urban Outfitters

Angular Shapes

With simple triangles, squares, diamonds, and even unique cut-out patterns, geometric shapes with sharp corners add a polished sense of sleekness to any outfit. Perfect for a nighttime look.

Flat Geo Triangle Necklace 200x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Flat Geo Triangle Necklace, $28, available at Topshop

 

Box Triangle Pendant 200x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Box Triangle Pendant, $25, available at Topshop

Tiers

Dangling crescent pendants and layers of triangles are popular examples of the tiered trend. These patterns are simple but bold.

Tiered Arrow Earrings 246x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Tiered Arrow Earrings, $4.80, available at Forever 21

 

Tangled Crescent Necklace 200x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Tangled Crescent Necklace, $48, available at Urban Outfitters

Warrior Chic

Inspired by ancient armor and weaponry, many current jewelry motifs include spikes and shields. Evident in bib necklaces to oversized earrings, these sharp designs are especially edgy…literally.

warrior 200x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Warrior Chain Collar, $60, available at Topshop

 

shield 235x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Power Shield Necklace, $29.83, available at ASOS.com

 

Spiked Hoop Earrings 235x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Spiked Hoop Earrings, $9.94, available at ASOS.com

Feathers

The feather jewelry trend has been very popular in recent years, but it’s undergoing a bit of a transformation this season. Instead of traditional soft feathers, casted feather earrings in bronze, silver, and gold are all the rage. 

Bing Bang Feather Post Earrings 200x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Bing Bang Feather Post Earrings, $30, available at Urban Outfitters

 

feathers 256x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Feather-Shaped Earrings, $4.95, available at H&M

 

Yuma Feather Ear Cuff 200x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Yuma Feather Ear Cuff, $18, available at Urban Outfitters

Native Prints

Tribal-inspired pieces are a great way to add a little bit of color to an outfit. Prints echoing traditional Aztec and Mayan patterns have vibrant and intricate designs.

image1xxl1 235x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Aztec Triangle Drop Earrings, $13.26, available at ASOS.com

 

61J15CMUL large 200x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Aztec Print Ring, $18, available at Topshop

Body Chains

For the more daring fashionistas, body chain necklaces are revolutionizing the jewelry world. These pieces include neck to waist, neck to shoulder, and arm chains. 

body chain 200x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Scandi Body Chain, $60, available at Topshop

 

00047697 02 246x300 Tribal Inspiration: Jewelry that Makes a Statement

Two-Tone Body Chain Necklace, $10.40, available at Forever 21

Caution: When wearing these statement pieces, try to make sure the rest of your jewelry is simple and understated, or you may end up looking like a Christmas tree. 

Featured Image From: nastygal.com

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Category: DIY / Inspiration

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I’m a New Orleans native studying Comparative Literature at Brown University. Passionate about foreign languages, I love traveling and studying abroad. In my free time, I also enjoy reading, watching movies, hosting a radio show, food gawking, and listening to and performing music.

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