Tracy Matthews Jewelry:

Jewelry designer Tracy Matthews created a fabulous collection of jewelry which is sold in boutiques and specialty stores worldwide.

The Tracy Matthews Designs collection has been recently featured in InStyle, Lucky and Self Magazine and has been worn by several of the most recent American Idols, including David Cooke, Carley Smithson and Kristi Lee Cooke. Celebrity fans of the line include Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Vanessa Manillo and many others.

Tracy Matthews Designs:

The collection consists of bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces and more. Pieces start at around $50. Her fashion jewelry line uses sterling silver, as well as 18k pink and yellow gold, combined with beautiful gemstones.

Her eco-friendly line of fine jewelry uses "renewed" gold with colored stones and rose-cut diamonds. The pieces feature unique shapes and designs that you don't see elsewhere.

Shop Tracy Matthews Jewelry:

You can purchase jewelry from the collection at a variety of shops around the country, or online (Visit Their Site).

Tracy Matthews Designs (TMD) donates a percentage of sales to various environmental and social causes that are important to Tracy, such as the Red Cross, Pachamama Alliance, Youth AIDS/PSI.org and Mercy House transitional living centers in California.

Tracy Matthews Interview:

Tracy was kind enough to talk with us about her collection and share tips about jewelry trends.

What jewelry trends do you see staying popular this year?

For the ladies, statement necklaces - layered necklaces, pendants with stones and long chains.

Bold colors and cabochon stones. Cocktail rings with large stones. And the classics, such as gold hoops and stud earrings.

For men, interesting cufflinks and a cool necklace like the ones that David Cooke from American Idol has been wearing from my line. He loves the rosewood rings and sword pendant and I do too! My friend re-coined the male necklace as the man-lace. Not all men can pull it off but I think the ones who try are often surprised when they do (pull it off)!

What statement piece of jewelry do you think every woman should have?

It’s hard to pick one piece, so I will list a few:

1. Long chain necklace. You can wear it with everything - long or wrapped short.
2. Hoop earrings - a staple for every woman!
3. A fantastic cocktail ring.
4. A fabulous vintage necklace that makes a statement when you wear it ... I have one that people stop me on the street!
5. Something special from your mother or grandmother’s jewelry box.

What's your personal favorite piece of jewelry?

If I had to pick one thing ... oh this is tough. I would say hoop earrings. I literally wear them everyday. I have about 30 pairs - I am always wearing hoops. I can’t pick just one pair! And I have a great coral ring that I bought while I was traveling through India.

Thanks very much for your time.

Thank you, my pleasure!