When was the last time you stacked up metal bangles of varying shapes and different hues of copper and grey, that you had picked up from the street? Or that large butterfly you wound around your neck…College, maybe? The same time in your life when you could walk around in gay abandon with a pair of tees and denims, hair piled up in a rebellious bun and the metal clang and pink winged beauties reinforcing your personal style statement.

The good news is…the college days are back. The chunky casual banter you had with yourself has officially become a style statement even in the world of high-end jewellery. The who’s who maybe all puckered up in harem pants, corset tops and bouffant hair, but adorning their necks and wrists are 2011’s most looked forward to jewellery trends – chunky metal, large motifs, layered neckpieces and animal themes.

Cool n’chunky

Not entirely the grunge and punk look, but a classier version of the same, metals are going to make a huge comeback this year. Whether it is gold in all its yellow, white and pink hues, blackened silver, stainless steel or copper, metals are hogging the limelight in the latest jewellery collections.

Metal neckpieces can be just a single thick chain in different patterns or be teamed with large stones for a statement piece look. Knuckle rings have been doing the rounds for sometime and will continue to find takers this year too. Metal cuffs are the most popular and can be teamed with a casual as well as a sophisticated look.

What takes the metal look to another level is its unlikely blend with pearls, diamonds, crystals and other precious stones that lends it its unique style statement. You can pick up blackened metal jewellery to ring in the New Year and you won’t regret it one bit. The jewellery industry has predicted it to be a huge hit.

Some interesting pieces to look forward to are from the UK brand MAWI’s collections, which came into India this year. They rule the metal look and feature stunning jewellery as part of its SS11 range. Some striking pieces are Tutti Fruitti single claw-set pearl necklace and Deco Rocks stacked tube ring. Sometimes just a pendant can do the loud metal trick like its Dynamite pendant with spikes that can be teamed with a LBD for a wild after-party or a smock top, denim pencil skirt and gladiators. Other collections to look at are de Grisogono’s Allegra and Matassa gold and diamond jewellery.

Large motifs

Going with the ‘big is in’ trend, large motifs are going to be in vogue too. They can either be in the form of a large leaf brooch studded with diamonds, a metal medallion strung on to a colourful cord or a ruby paisley carving on a gold cuff. The idea is to pick on your favourite motif and play it up. One collection that catches our eye and can come out again this year is de Grisogono’s Fruits collection. Your favourite apples, grapes, aubergines, oranges and melons are all there for you to choose from, and if you don’t find the motif big enough, the dazzling colours will fill in, to good measure.

If you are looking for a striking pendant motif, Rose’s Murano glass pendant with a lovely diamond motif might be of interest to you. Mirari takes a large matted gold cuff and tones down its powerful look with a dainty yet prominent peacock motif.

In layers

While one massive metal bib necklace is a great piece to own, the layered chain look is a must-have too. It pairs great with different outfits, depending on the material you have chosen. Huge and luscious pearl strands in layers is an evening gown’s winner accessory, coloured beads coming right up to your belly button is the perfect team-up with a summery dress and metal chains layered with little pendants play casual to the T.

Two pieces we love include MAWI’s Gypsy Rani pearl strand necklace with diamante fringing and Gypsy Rani multi-layer tusk and cameo charm necklace.

The wild and the tame

The fluttering butterflies, the pretty little bugs and even the ferocious tigers come crawling to 2011’s trend list. Depending on what you wear and the look you want to portray, you can choose your animal. If you are going in for the fierce look with power boots and a structured dress, pick on snarling tiger motifs, or maybe even an ominous owl. It’s best to sport them as a large pendant, a knuckle ring or a cuff. For floral dresses and breezy gowns, butterfly brooches or beetle rings add the ideal touch.

Cartier’s tiger motifs in the Inde Mysteriuse collection and panthers in the Panthere De Cartier, Rose’s bumble bee brooch in diamond, emerald and pearls, Saffronart’s stylised ruby and diamond beetle brooch are few of the many collections you can come across.

Fringes, tribal and more

The decorative threads that adorned the hem of your dress are now an edgy jewel to sport. Fashion ramps last year witnessed fringe being used as elaborate neck pieces and bracelets and the trend is only going to get hotter this year. The material can vary from leather, cords, silk, beads or crystals, depending on what you are teaming it up with.

Futuristic designs and new-age materials will get off the ramp and be more commonplace. So save up the wackiest of pieces for this year. An exclusive designer jewellery store with a penchant for the above two styles is an ideal place to shop; the big brands won’t give you too many options.

Techno colours like pink, orange and green will be high up the list for a kitschy look.

Tribal jewellery continues its popularity into 2011 with its traditional tusks, horns and skull patterns.

Here’s hoping 2011 is a trendsetter of sorts!

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