There’s nothing like a tough economy to get the creative juices flowing. And nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of fine and fashion jewelry.

Taking the pulse of their clientele, designers have devised ways to reduce their dependence on gold and diamonds while maintaining the integrity of their styles. Retailers have stepped up efforts to market jewelry as art, pieces that will “last a lifetime and be passed down” just like fine paintings or sculpture. And customers are embracing alternative materials like palladium and Bioblu 27 that offer price breaks without reducing the quality or originality of master jewelers’ creations.

How the jewelry market evolves over the coming decade is anybody’s guess, but from what we’ve gleaned in interviews with artists, retailers and industry insiders in compiling our 2010 Jewelry Forecast, optimism runs high. Click the links below and prepare to be inspired.

Lighter, Brighter, Bolder
Take a look at the future of art jewelry, and the designers who have already brought it to life.

Jewelry Marketing 101
Learn how other retailers are refreshing their approaches and building lifelong customers.

Wedding Bells & Hard-Earned Sells
Understanding today’s bride is the key to cashing in on a multi-billion dollar market.

Silver, Black & Gold
We’ve gathered a dazzling selection of bold yet eminently wearable pieces of fine and fashion jewelry.