Statement jewellery 'sign of the noughties'

Big, bold costume jewellery is set to follow bags and shoes as this decade's major fashionable item, it has been claimed.

According to Bronwyn Cosgrave, writing in the Telegraph, fashionistas the world over have shifted their fashion focus towards designer jewellery over the last eight years.

The article pointed to Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker's recent use of an ornate Erickson Beamon statement necklace fitted with Fred Leighton gold and mosaic opals worth £12,600 as an example.

Maryam D'Javadi, manager of Harrods' personal shopping service, commented that while the look is often unorthodox, an avant-garde approach will prove striking.

"Do experiment ... be fearless ... Costume jewellery is about having fun," said the expert.

Sarah Jessica Parker will be seen on cinema screens this summer when the Sex and the City movie, reuniting the cast from the hit television series, is released around the world.