Neat TREND: Jewelry classic still key for Spring 2010

By Erin Flesch, NEAT contributor

If trends were a disease (and basically they are, although we like to think of them in a more positive sense), then this week’s Neat TREND has officially become a full blown epidemic. Key necklaces, while classic, have suddenly staged a coup on the jewelry scene. We can’t turn our heads without catching a glimpse of a skeleton key dangling coolly from someone’s neck, inciting our instinctual jewelry envy.

It started innocuously enough at first. Those Tiffany keys (right) have been popular for a while now, and we’d always fawn over their many style options while secretly plotting our plan of purchase. Then said keys started popping up in magazines and on celebs like Anne Hathaway and Jessica Biel. Soon enough, everyone was coming out with their own take on the trend. Last week’s Neat STREET style walker Erin Lyons rocked a sweet homemade version, made from an antique key salvaged from a local hardware store. The final nail in the trend coffin was when we spotted a billboard prominently featuring diamond encrusted key necklaces from none other than Fred Meyer Jewelers.

Although key necklaces are officially everywhere, that somehow doesn’t lessen our adoration for them. We crave them. Nicole Whitesell, whose boutique Shop Adorn currently carries key-themed pieces, believes there might be something deeper going on. “There is something magical and mystical about old fashioned keys,” said Whitesell. “I think they are nostalgic, and I love when antique keys are incorporated into necklaces.” She also mentions another reason for this trend’s rapid rise in popularity. “Alice in Wonderland I’m sure has helped the cause, but keys have been making a comeback for the past year.”

Whitesell predicts this trend is going nowhere fast and will continue to stick around for many seasons. “I have seen a lot of key themed jewelry at recent trade and fashion shows. I suspect to see more of them come fall.”

Now that we’ve unlocked some secrets of this trend, here are some key pieces (har har) you can find for yourself in the heart of Portland. Access granted.

Flutter is an amazing place to find one-of-a-kind jewelry, and we love their Swallow Key Necklace by local jewelry designer Brehan Todd ($42, pictured top). Made from a discarded vintage key and a hand-painted glass stone from the 1940’s, and featuring a swallow and a horseshoe, this is definitely a unique piece. 3948 N. Mississippi Ave.; 503-288-1649. www.flutterclutter.com

Verabel Jewelry on Alberta Street has some edgier options for those who prefer to wear their heart around their neck as opposed to their sleeve. Their “Key to my Anatomically Correct Heart” set of two necklaces ($36) is incredibly detailed and very, very cool. 3012 N.E. Alberta St. www.verabeljewelry.com

Hippo Hardware on East Burnside is a must stop shop for key-crazed DIY’ers looking to score an awesome deal. They have tons of antique gold skeleton keys to choose from, starting at only eight bucks. 1040 E. Burnside St.; 503-231-1444. www.hippohardware.com

Tiffany is an obvious choice for those who want a classic, timeless look to their jewelry. Done in an impressive array of styles and materials, these keys are swoon-worthy for sure, and perfect for the romantic at heart. Shop in town, or buy online today and get FREE shipping on orders of more than $175. 330 S.W. Yamhill St.; 503-221-5565. www.tiffany.com

Shop Adorn, which is having a grand opening party in its new space on Fremont Street Friday, has a cute pair of Kenda Kist gold lock and key earrings ($40) and necklace ($32), as well as several other selections of key and lock jewelry. Opening 5 p.m. Friday at 4759 N.E. Fremont St.; 1-888-654-0570. www.shopadornonline.com

Fred Meyer Jewelers – Some folks may have a problem shopping for jewelry in the same place they buy tuna and toilet paper, but we are not those folks. Especially when they have in stock an entire Tiffany-esque collection of key pendants, including a classic genuine Diamond Key Necklace marked down to just $49.99 from $95. It doesn’t come with the little blue Tiffany box, but close enough. Fred Meyer Jewelers, 3030 N.E. Weidler St.; 503-280-1315. www.fredmeyerjewelers.com

Coach got in to the key game as well, tapping Buffy’s little sis Michelle Trachtenberg to design her own version (right). If you like sparkly or if your tastes run a bit teeny-boppery, this Crystal Key Pendant Necklace ($178) is the one for you. If you want to shop in town instead of online, hurry – Coach in downtown Portland’s has just one of these beauties in stock. Coach at Pioneer Place, 700 S.W. Fifth Ave.; 503-294-0772. www.coach.com

Betsey Johnson – Ever-eccentric designer Betsey Johnson was clearly keyed up for spring, because the fashion house turned out a jewelry collection filled with key necklaces on long chains, mismatched lock-and-key earrings, charm bracelets and even headbands dangling keys. Our favorites are the Mini Circles in Hoops earrings, in which the lock and key are under lock and key insidie  pretty golden hoops. Betsey Johnson, Pioneer Place, 700 S.W. Fifth Ave.; 503-241-7807. www.betseyjohnson.com

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