It kind of surprised me that when people are looking to treat themselves to a new piece of jewelry, they seem limited to looking at only gold or silver items. Don’t get me wrong. These are, of course, two of the most beautiful and popular precious metals out there, and there is a certain versatility that comes with choosing a simpler piece of jewelry, but there is so much more that is out there. As beautiful as a gold bracelet or silver necklace may be, don’t you think it might look better with a ruby or an emerald? Gemstone jewelry isn’t just for birthstones anymore.

Sterling Silver and Amethyst Ring

If you buy something that you plan on wearing every day, it is going to quickly lose any special meaning for you. If that wasn’t the case, you’d have five of exact same outfits to go to work in and one outfit that you wore for your nights on the town. Jewelry is designed to not only accent your clothing, but to make you feel special when you put it on, and gemstone jewelry is the perfect solution to help rescue you from a boring outfit. Maybe you have a beautiful blue dress that you know you look stunning in. A gold necklace might look great with it, but that same necklace featuring rubies would make it look even better. That suit you always wear, complete with the same tie, to start your workweek with, is going to look even more impressive with a sapphire or garnet tie tack.

Finding the right piece of gemstone jewelry is going to be even easier than you think. Take the time to visit your favorite jeweler and they will work with you to not only select the style of jewelry that you are most comfortable wearing, but also in choosing the right color of stone that works best for you. Whether it’s choosing something that matches your eyes perfectly or partners up with the tone of your skin, they will help you make the right choice. Gemstone jewelry is not for everyday use, but it is going to make every day you wear it feel like the best day of your life.

With Labor Day just a week away, what better time to consider the fall jewelry trends we have to look forward to? Of course, September  is the month of the sapphire – the exquisite blue gem that is the symbol of loyalty, love and longing. Perhaps for this reason more and more brides are incorporating sapphires into their diamond engagement and wedding rings; or maybe it’s because they’re just so beautiful.

Sapphires come in a range of colors besides the traditional blue, but it is the blue sapphire that most people connect with. In ancient times, it was believed that the earth was contained within a massive blue sapphire dome; today, it represents beauty and luxury in fine jewelry, making it a perfect gift for the September birthday girl.

With the sapphire’s earthly connection in mind, fall jewelry trends include colors associated in nature, including citrine and emerald greens, silvery-blue topaz, the deep purple of amethyst and fiery reds of rubies.

This fall, romantic jewelry designs will take center stage, and that includes intricate gold and diamond accents that bring an unexpected thrill to new jewelry designs. Soft, muted designs in gold and silver have never been more prominent, with designers incorporating a fall color palette of traditional browns, oranges and yellows into textured jewelry including rings and bracelets.

Look for jewelry designs with brown diamonds, garnets, topaz and blends of gold and silver this fall, as some of the world’s most talented jewelry designers take their craft to new levels with color and texture, pushing the envelope to create visually impactful, wearable art with unexpected details. Small and delicate as well as big and bold designs are on call for fall, and layering is encouraged.

Crosses are back, and this fall we see crosses in all sizes and precious metals. Big, bold silver and white gold, with or without chunky gemstones make for great layering or solo accent looks.

Designer Lois Hill reaches back through time to create these sterling silver cross pendants that combine  her trademark granulation and filigree, inspired by wire work from contemporary Scandinavian filigree. She adds tiny granules of sterling silver, incorporating her own unique interpretation of granulation, which dates back to 3000 BC.  Hand weaving of sterling, combined with other unique techniques in non-traditional ways, Hill creates signature collections rich in texture and detail.

Fall is a spectacular time for fashion accessorizing. This year’s fall jewelry trends are more exciting than ever, with bold looks combined with vibrant colors borrowed from nature, and plenty of unexpected details to keep us happy as the days get shorter and the temperatures begin to dip.

###