Spring and summer are especially fun jewelry seasons for their bright, lightweight and casual designs. Here's a look at some anticipated trends you can consider exploring for your spring and summer 2007 collections.

Style Trends

Beads will remain popular this year, and we'll continue to see lots of ethnic and Bohemian strung-bead styles. Focus on energetic color combinations (see below) and don't be afraid to use textured stringing materials and knotwork. Necklace and bracelet clasps can be simple and casual; consider using loop, knot, button and bead closures.

Circular-frame and beaded-wirework pendants remain a safe fashion bet, but consider adding drops to them for more drama. Cut-out and filigree pendants and charms are another option, and they will likely remain popular well into the fall.

Long necklaces are still in, but they're becoming thinner and simpler. The same goes for earrings; avoid wide, busy chandeliers and focus on long, slender drops. Hoop earrings are also being worn by some young celebrities, but with smaller proportions than we saw in past seasons.

Although gold and bronze colored metals remain important, bold geometric silver designs are gaining in popularity, too. Whichever metals you decide to go with, consider giving them extra texture by hammering or decorative wire-wrapping. Figural charms, especially insects, flowers and leaves, can add fun and interest. Skulls and pirate-themed figures and symbols are still popular too, especially with the younger set.

Bracelets and watches are expected to be essential fashion accessories this season. We'll continue to see stacked bangles in interesting designs. Try wrapping them with wire, ribbon or cord, or adorning them with charms. Non-bangle bracelets and watch bands will be wide and cuff-like.

For your more formal or evening-wear designs, try taking inspiration from the sparkly gemstone clusters and paves worn by so many celebrities at recent awards galas. You can glue or cement crystal components onto metal bases for a vintage-inspired look, or try over-wrapping or weaving lots of small gauge wire with tiny, faceted crystal beads.

Color Trends

According to the color-trend forecaster Pantone, the most popular new colors for spring and summer will be muted pastels of pink, green, yellow and blue, accented by neutrals of light gray and light coffee. Pantone also notes two brighter colors in its list of favorites: a jewel-tone violet and a mod-ish green-yellow. This palette seems to be a milder, more natural-hued version of the Moroccan-theme colors we've seen so much of in past years.

The easiest way to incorporate these colors into your designs is with beads and eclectic stringing materials. Look for new colors in crystal and glass beads, and consider colorful gemstones like these:

Accessories Magazine further predicts that designs dominated by clear components will be especially popular in summer. Consider experimenting with clear crystal, glass, and rock crystal (clear quartz) beads in an assortment of sizes and shapes to create extra texture in these ice-like designs.