Ethnic jewelry is hot right now with bold styles, dramatic colors and handmade designs. It is versatile enough to wear with anything from jeans to evening wear. Choose gypsy style earrings and Bohemian type necklaces for looks that are unique. Tribal jewelry offers the ultimate form of self expression. There is something for everyone from polished gemstone necklaces to Tibetan silver and gemstone bracelets to brass drop earrings. Each piece is more unique and interesting than the next.

Try brass drop heart earrings that feature little brass butterflies dangling in the center. Each butterfly is adorned with tiny orange glass beads and a green crystal. The hearts hang from an orange glass heart which in hanging from brass ear wires. These Indian inspired earring are very complimentary to just about any style you can imagine.

Tibetan silver, turquoise chips and leather come together to create this unique choker that could actually be two bracelets. Tibetan silver accents the rugged beauty of this leather bracelet. It is almost primal in its construction, but its rustic beauty is unmatched. It is paired with the Tibetan silver and turquoise chip bracelet which brings some refinement to the piece. Wear them together as a choker or individually for beautiful bracelets, this could be striking every day wear.

This simpler style of ethnic jewelry may be less ornate but that does not detract from its beauty. Polished green stones dangle from antique gold chain in the necklace and the matching earrings feature antique gold rings and the polished green stones. This is a simple, ethnic treasure.

Try ethnic jewelry for yourself. If you are shy, start simple before you go all out. Try a pair of earrings or a more simple style of necklace then graduate up. You might be surprised at how drawn you are to the style. There is a certain feeling of freedom and creativity when you venture into the more natural, rustic styles of handmade jewelry that celebrates customs and people and regions.

The tiara is slowly emerging from a long hibernation and making a huge comeback, particularly in Asia. But the western world is discovering the tiara as well. Though we all can’t afford the super dazzling, diamond encrusted tiaras that the stars are wearing, we can find some very pretty, less expensive alternatives made from rhinestones and crystals.

Traditionally, tiaras were only associated with brides and beauty pageant winners, but that is changing. Stars are dusting off their tiaras and wearing them on the red carpet. Fashion conscious “common folk” are wearing them to dinner and out on the town. You don’t have to be royalty to enjoy wearing a tiara and you don’t have to be a celebrity. You just have to have a sense of style that is fun, sophisticated and unique.

Mini tiaras are also a huge smash. Use this unique and classy hair jewelry to accent an updo. Taking a top knot from ho hum to how do you do? This is the ultimate hair accessory. It can go with evening styles, jeans, even suits and dresses. Pair a pretty tiara with some pearls and a little black dress. Think Audrey Hepburn and you have a classic look that is truly timeless.

For an elegant look, pull up hair into an upsweep. Leave lots of loose tendrils to cascade around your face. You may even want to add some hair extensions in the back to give the look an even more romantic feel.

Tiara styles can range from a look resembling a crown to a small, simple band of silver and crystals. Some tiaras feature pearl, sapphires and other gems in addition to the crystals. It is just a matter of taste and your own personal style. Some tiaras can be very simple while other can be quite intricate with tiny etchings, crystal flowers and complex designs.

Wood lends a certain natural beauty to items. As the trend moves more towards organic and natural materials, carved wood jewelry and hair accessories become more popular. Many hair sticks feature intricate hand carved designs of leaves and flowers while others are more abstract in their design. The wood is just as important as the design as certain types of wood have different hues and unique characteristics. The effects, though, are nothing short of gorgeous.

Boxwood. This small tree bears a wood that has a fine even texture which is perfect for carving. Its natural finish is a warm yellow-brown. The texture of the wood is very smooth and fine thus lending a silky sheen when polished or worked.

Peachwood. The peach is very symbolic in many cultures. It represents luck, abundance, protection and a long life. The wood is slightly coarse, but easily polished to a lustrous sheen. The rich colors of peachwood may vary from green to brown to amber and the grain is very easily seen.

Lignum-Vitae. This ultra dense, easily carved wood comes in colors ranging from black greens to velvety browns. Known as the “tree of life,” its fine grain turns out beautiful carvings. It is easily manipulated and the rich grain polishes to a radiant gloss.

Hand carved wood hair sticks or hair accessories are elegant compliments to a wardrobe. The add class, color, uniqueness and an air of sophistication that conventional hair jewelry simply can not touch. To hold these hair sticks in your hand, to feel the smoothness of the finely polished surface and to be able to see the intricate detail in the carvings is truly an experience. There is something about handmade jewelry that makes it personal and special and hair jewelry is no different. When you pair natural wood with intricate hand carvings you do indeed get something personal and very special.