I know a lot of us, much like myself, are sporting the matching sweatpants and sweatshirt look still. However 2021 is here and along with it came new jewelry trends. 

So …. 

What’s Trending?

Before sitting down to write this blog post I took a look back at the post I wrote last year and oh boy, have the trends changed. Isn’t it funny how that happens. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m always amazed how something that was so prominent last year at the same time is now irrelevant. 

Not to harbor on the past, but the 2 biggest trends of last year, pre Covid-19 if you can remember those days, were the Mamma Jamma Hoops and Coin Pendent Necklaces. While cleaning out my own jewelry cabinet, I found both of these that I purchased because I “had to have them.” Honestly I can’t even guess when I wore them last. 

Let’s roll into what’s trending in 2021 and see how we can DIY and recreate these trends!

Chain on Chain on Chain.. oh did I mention on Chain

This is probably the biggest trend for 2021 thus far. Gold, silver, rose gold you name the metal, they have it. This trend extends to all jewelry from necklaces, bracelets to even earrings! 

This jewelry set we created embodies this trend to a T. And I mean it. The mixing of the size of the chains, layering and stacking them on top of one another and the whole matching – yet not matching set. 

If you want to amp this up and add a little something extra throw on an old-rustic-almost-looking lock. Maybe not to the earrings that could start to get a bit heavy. But the necklace or bracelet for sure! 

The only rule when it comes to this trend is don’t mix your metals – stick to one and if you think its “too much,” its not .. add more. 

DIY here 

If you can’t spot me by my earrings, they aren’t glitzy enough.

Spotted: all the gorgeous girls are wearing big shiny earrings, but how many crystals are too many ladies? 

Did anyone else read that in Gossip Girl’s voice? Maybe just me, but this trend reminded me of all the insanely-beautiful-over-the-top earrings the actresses wore in the show. 

In line with the chain jewelry trend, you want these to be your biggest, baddest pair of statement earrings. There’s never enough sparkles, crystals or diamonds (if you’re lucky enough) and the bigger the better! 

Also, kind of funky. You don’t want a simple, predictable pair of crystal drop earrings. You want something that you’re almost uncomfortable with because it’s SO outside your comfort zone. When you walk by someone at a concert, or more like in the grocery stores these days, the first thing you want people to notice are your earrings. THAT is the trend!

We decided to go with gold hardware for these and our funky twist was to add long gold spikes. This was spontaneous, but it separated us from others. Although the spikes aren’t traditionally what you’d see, it worked! 

The fact that they didn’t go together made them go together.

DIY here 

Purse? Necklace? Wait .. what is that? 

This trend is magical. That’s the only way I can describe it .. magical. I don’t know about you but I hate having to carry a purse. It’s heavy, it slides off my shoulder and sometimes I’m only bringing it to hold my phone and wallet. 

In all of my years on this planet I have exhausted every feasible option as a solution to my ongoing predicament …. 

• The little card holder that attaches to the back of your phone – yeah I shoved too many cards into it. Needless to say the sticky stuff suddenly became not sticky. 
• Carrying a wristlet (remember when these were all the rage in college) although no one told you, you had to have that thing around your wrist at all times or like myself you end up leaving it places 
• The backpack. At first it was a miracle, you can be hands free and it’s not going anywhere. However I learned if you needed to get something from inside, it wasn’t that easy. There I was one hand holding the backpack while the other was trying to unzip it. Now the bag was swaying back and forth and I was trying to get something out without totally having to shove my head inside. Not to mention the process I had to go through just to be able to try and get something out from it. Not sure what I mean? Much like driving a car I had to signal to pull over and get to the side, so I wasn’t that person stopped abrupt in a crowd of people. I have one word for “backpack,” a synonym, headache. 

If you couldn’t tell from my over sharing I’ve tried everything and feel like nothing worked. However this new trend is one I can’t sweat off, over stuff, or need the use of a blinker to get access to. 

The necklace-bag. Yes, one word necklace-bag in all of its glory. 

I know what you’re thinking? Isn’t CousinDIY a DIY jewelry company? Although you are correct, we were able to recreate this trend with all our own products! We picked the size, shape and colors we wanted to use and got to work. I still can’t get over this.

We decided to make one to fit my phone and wallet and it’s been great. I wear it around my neck and it’s just like a necklace. It doesn’t get in my way and I don’t have to take it off to get something from it.

DIY here 

Oh honey, those are my pearls 

To be honest this was a trend that I wasn’t stoked about at first. I don’t know if anyone else has a specific image or memory of pearls, but I’ll share mine with you.

I imagine my sweet grandmother with short brown hair, rocking her stud pearl earrings with a matching bracelet. Let me tell you she rocked them, but this is pretty much the only thing I associate with pearl jewelry. 

I’m not wrong very often (I hope you laughed at that one cause I sure did), but this is yet another moment where I was incorrect. This trend came in with force and proved me wrong. 

This was the most transformative trend for me. Like I said earlier, I had a strong image and idea of what pearl jewelry looked like that when I saw the modern spin on it, I was all about it. 

I love gold. I’m not a silver or rose gold gal myself, so mixing these two together was a moment for me. It’s no longer just a simple pair of stud pearl earrings with a single drop pearl necklace. The mixing of tones, shapes and textures helps to bring it alive for me. So of course I had to go shopping I mean .. could you blame me? 

Not to get on a tangent here, but what I love too about this and all these trends is that they are DIY.

In case anyone was interested, my grandmother was thrilled when I shared with her that I joined the pearl game. 

DIY here 

Have I charmed you yet? 

That’s right if you haven’t already guessed it by my incredibly unfunny joke the last trend I’m going to mention is charm bracelets! 

This just made me smile. How can you see the words charm bracelet and not? It reminds me of my childhood and those iconic silver Italian charm bracelets that everyone had! Only those were notorious for pinching your skin.

Although you don’t see as many of those bracelets today, there’s a new trend in town. 

To recreate this trend successfully, it’s important to use chain as the base. We picked silver but any metal will work. And then, add your charms! Mix them up, make it funky and more importantly keep it original! 

We paired a mixture of softer charms such as the turtle and sun with edgy ones like the spike and dome for example. This is such a great trend and doubles as a perfect gift! Super easy to personalize and make it sentimental. 

DIY here 

Is that it for 2021? 

Congrats! You’ve made it to the conclusion of my endless babble about 2021 jewelry trends! I don’t know if I’m more excited you made it or I did! 

Either way we’re here, we did it and that my friends is something to celebrate. 

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE if you recreate any of these trends share them with us. I want to see everyone rocking these 2021 jewelry trends. Upload photos of them to Instagram using #createwithcousin so we can see your creation and feature you! 

Well it’s been great, see ya next year for 2022? 

It’s the holiday season, and that means it’s time to think of sweet and thoughtful gifts for all of the people that you love.

But what are you going to give to people? Don’t you want to try your hand at making something special, personalized, and handmade? Why not try making DIY necklaces for the best friends in your life?

We have a few suggestions so that each of your friends has a DIY necklace that they’ll love. Keep reading to learn about our favorites and make them yourself!

1. Zodiac Necklaces

Do you and your friends love talking about astrology? Whether you believe it or not, it’s fun to talk about how the sun, moon, and other celestial bodies may influence you.

Why not give your friends customized necklaces that show off their signs?

You aren’t limited to sun signs. We love jewelry that features the sun sign and the moon sign together. These necklaces are super sweet, and the pendants are classy while still being personal. 

String a few zodiac charms onto your chain or string and add some of your favorite beads, and you’ll have a cute holiday gift.

2. Name Necklaces

Jewelry with names made out of beads used to be all the rage. While they may not be as in-style anymore, you can give your friend a vintage-looking gift with a woven necklace and letter beads.

These make great chokers, and you can also make a matching bracelet.

If this doesn’t feel like the right look for you, consider opting for initials instead. Larger letter charms make a great addition to the center of any necklace to give it a subtle but personal touch.

3. Birthstone Necklaces

If you know your friends’ astrological signs, do you also know their birthstones? 

Birthstones are a classy way to personalize any piece of jewelry. They add a pop of color and sparkle without being too obvious. You can add them as standalone charms to a chain, but we love pairing them with woven string in complimentary colors. 

Bonus: these work well if you want to add matching rings or bracelets. It won’t look overdone. 

4. Charm Necklaces 

Remember when charm bracelets were “in?” Where did that trend go?

You don’t need to find charm necklaces and bracelets in-store. You can make them at home and give them to your friends to remind them of the time that you’ve spent together. 

It’s a good idea to leave extra space so your friends can add their own charms in the future, but also consider adding personalized charms. These can be the ones mentioned previously or ones that remind you of events you had together. You have so many options when it comes to charms!

We Love These DIY Necklaces

Are you ready to string up some DIY necklaces for your friends this holiday season? The best gift is one that comes from the heart, so your friends are sure to appreciate these customized necklaces. 

If you’re looking for supplies for your holiday jewelry crafts, check out our shop. We have everything you need for the perfect DIY necklace.

Humans wore earrings as long ago as the Bronze Age. The ancient Egyptians used them to show their high social status.

Nowadays we wear earrings to funk up an outfit or express our personality. They’re also an easy way to get started making our own jewelry.

Keen to make your own earrings? Here are our favorite DIY earrings to try first.

1. Button Earrings

Buttons are a quick and easy way to get started making earrings. The most simple method involves buttons and glue. Choose two buttons and glue butterfly studs on the back. Your earrings are done!

Get creative by painting the buttons, or cover them in glue and dip them in glitter. Fabric-covered buttons are a great choice if you want to work with texture.

This same technique works with other items. Try gluing zippers or even bottle caps to earring backs.

2. Clay Earrings

Polymer clay is a fantastic option for the more adventurous jewelry-maker. Buy candy molds or those used for baking. Press your clay into the different hollows to create shapes.

Bake the clay in the oven according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Drill holes if you want to hang them from hoops. Or glue earring posts to the back for simple DIY clay earrings.

More creative makers can mold shapes freehand. Or use mini pastry cutters for festive options!

3. Tassel Earrings

Tassel earrings never go out of fashion. DIY tassel earrings are a great way to bring some glam to your outfit.

All you need is a pair of bead caps, embroidery thread, eye pins, and earring hooks. Cut lengths of the thread that are twice the length you want the tassels to be.

Fold them in half and tie a length of thread around the midpoint. Push the eye pin through one of the bead caps. Glue the tassel into the cap.

Attach the eye pin to the earring hook to create your first tassel earring. Repeat for the matching earring.

4. Beaded Earrings

Beads come in a range of types and sizes, from tiny seed beads to large gemstone beads. This means you have plenty of options for your DIY beaded earrings, all tailored to your taste.

Try hanging a single large gemstone bead from a length of chain. This gives an elegant, minimal look.

Or create a dreamcatcher effect using seed beads. String them onto varying lengths of jewelry wire. Hang the longest from a hoop. Then add the rest of the beaded lengths in size order, from longest to shortest. Repeat on either side.

Our zodiac charms make a great addition to any beaded earrings.

5. Leather Earrings

Leather is a flexible choice for earrings. Try cutting interesting shapes out of thick, colored leather. Punch a hole so you can attach them to jump rings. Use these to hang them from earring hoops.

Or cut long strips of leather. Tie them through a large jump ring or hoop using a lark’s head knot (also called a cow hitch). Hang the hoop from earring loops to create DIY leather earrings.

You can boost their glam credentials by adding a Swarovski birthstone charm.

Which DIY Earrings Will You Make First?

These are just five easy ideas for your own DIY earrings. Choose your first pair by matching them with existing outfits. Or make a pair as a gift for a friend or loved one.

They’re endlessly customizable so you can make jewelry to suit your taste and style.

Keen to get started? Pick up our jewelry-making bundle for all the supplies you need to make your own amazing creations.

Your wedding day is coming up, and there’s a lot to plan. Every aspect of this special day should be beautiful and memorable. 

As one of the most photographed days of your life, you want to be looking your absolute best. So while you’re finding the perfect dress, and scouring Pinterest for ideas, don’t forget about the final details to make your wedding day look complete. 

Wedding hair jewelry can elevate your hairstyle and make you feel like royalty while you’re walking down the aisle. 

So if you want to add that extra sparkle to reflect the magic of your wedding day (and look great in pictures), here are some ideas to get you planning. 

The Classic Up-Do

For a stunning and timeless look, many brides go for an up-do. This look can work for any hair length, and it keeps your hair off your neck as you’re dancing the night away. 

From twists to buns to pinned up curls, any variation of this classic look can pair beautifully with hair jewelry. Swarovski charms are the perfect sophisticated element to add. 

Decorate your hairpins for a simple pop of shine, or string them delicately over your up-do. 

Whether it’s classic pearls or colorful beads, find the combination that best fits your personal style.

The Boho Bride

For a bohemian aesthetic, opt for loose curls or a half-up, half-down look for the best of both worlds. 

Keep the boho look effortless and natural. Spend less time perfectly placing every curl and more time on the details that showcase your personality. Add a unique twist with zodiac charms to decorate an intricate braid.

Personalize Your Wedding Hair Jewelry 

Your wedding day should be about you and your partner if you’re looking for something extra special to add to your wedding hairstyle that still looks classic, add you or your partner’s birthstone on a string of beads to incorporate into any hairstyle.  

This subtle yet distinctive element can add the perfect finishing touch to your hairstyle and can be kept as a souvenir from your special day. 

Accent a Simple Hairstyle

If you want to showcase your hair jewelry in a simplistic way, keep it minimal. Go for a hairstyle that you know looks good on you, and add one beautiful clip to put on display. 

A popular bridal hairstyle is to pin back one side. Keep your hair down and add a larger, decorated clip as your main accessory. 

Complete Your Look

Your wedding day is your chance to take extra time for yourself. Complete your look with wedding hair jewelry that will make you feel radiant from head to toe. With something to compliment any style or personality, find the look that suits you best.

Visit our website for everything you need to make wedding jewelry just for you, and check out our blog for more DIY ideas.