Photo courtesy Fern Freeman (Click to view larger image)



Photo courtesy Aronstam (Click to view larger image)

     written by K. Aleisha Fetters

     All that glitters is all about inspiration - be it your Prince playlist or your favorite painting. So while there are some dos and don'ts when it comes to jewelry, it's mostly about finding your inner muse, according to Helena Krodel, media spokesperson for the Jewelry Information Center in New York. "Jewelry doesn't have an age type, but a personality type," she says.

     Whether you are an outdoor or indoor woman, this season, you can embrace the autumn beauty with earth-toned gems.

     "Brown is the new black," says Lori Roberts, director of marketing for Reis-Nichols. But brown is not alone; at its side are gray, moss green and purple. These earthy hues will top the fall's trends in sweaters, pashminas and scarves. To match their understated simplicity, cleanly set, oversized gemstones will be a perfect addition for everyday wear, according to Roberts. And best of all, they leave enough wiggle room that you can pick the perfect one for your individual style.

     If monotone isn't loud enough to voice your personality, Mary Kuramoto, marketing director for Rogers Ltd., which owns Andrew's Jewelers, suggests looking into stamped or hammered pieces. "While it's fine jewelry, it's a lot more organic," Kuramoto says. "We are seeing a lot of open-link, leaf patterns, and topaz and citrine are huge." Organic items can be coins, wood, artifacts, or aged and blackened precious metals. "Sunshine and dusk," Krodel calls it. The light of the metal mixed with the darker shades of the faux tarnish provides a perfect piece to highlight any outfit, be it day, night, work or play.

     Also perfect for any time of day are large cuff bracelets. Most fashionistas expected them to come and go with the short sleeves of summer, but they are sticking around for fall. They are perfect for layering over sweaters and can add some extra punch to any outfit. But steer clear of thin, stacking bracelets. "Diamond tennis bracelets died about five years ago," Kuramoto says. For fall bracelets, bigger is definitely better.

     In the spirit of adding some attitude to your ensemble, men and women alike are wearing large, plain precious metal rings. "An overall theme and feeling is sort of a rock 'n' roll vibe," Krodel says. "That's a carryover from the 1980s influence." These edgy editions can be anything you want them to be. They can come in gold, silver or platinum, and can take a less-is-more attitude with no embellishments or can feature punk-rock pictures. Krodel says the most popular symbols are those of hope, including wings, hearts and keys.

     With so many options, how are you to decide? Krodel says you don't have to. Jewelry is making a versatile transition this season with what this fashion guru lovingly calls "the next step in the earring revolution." It's the convertible earring and it can change just as quickly as you change your mind. It starts as a simple stud or hoop, and can be embellished with various drops and chandeliers that slide onto the post. They are also perfect for women on the go. Don your studs in the morning for a day of office duties and then slip on some saucy chandeliers as you slip out the door for a date.

     Finally, jewelry is taking cues from you: your life, your way.

Article appears as published in the IW issue.