Jewelry may be the smallest part of your outfit, but it has a huge impact on how the world sees you.
Having worked as an editor at Vogue, where I was jewelry director for 25 years, seeking out the latest jewels to spread across the pages of the magazine, I know that each trend has a long history, but also offers an extremely personal form of self-expression.
And while you can spend thousands of dollars on the best jewelry, you can make an equally striking statement by shopping off the high street. You just have to figure out what your piece of jewelry really says about you.
I’ve decoded the six key jewelry trends for fall and selected pieces that sparkle with hope, possibility and novelty to see you through the winter season ahead…
Jewelry may be the smallest part of your outfit, but it has a huge impact on how the world sees you.
REALLY WILD RINGS
From left to right: Snake ring, £180, thomassabo.com; Sacred scarab, £80, mariejune.com
Leopard ring, £14, riverisland.com
This season, the world of jewelry is returning to the Victorian era, with symbols of nature such as flowers, insects, swallows and snakes everywhere, especially in patterned rings.
JW Anderson’s autumn/winter show featured tiny doves painted on signet rings, and snake motifs shone at Chloe.
The current trend of using animals in jewelry is based on identity: choose an animal whose characteristics you admire or with which you aspire to identify.
Thomas Sabo has a gold-plated snake ring for £180, and River Island’s leopard ring costs £14.
THE RETURN OF THE CHOKER
One fashion season covers many looks, so while I recommend long necklaces with pendants, I’m also pointing out a trend for short, tight chokers.
From left to right: heirloom necklace, £450, monicavinader.com; sailor crystal link, £110, sandralexandra.com
Chokers have often been described as colliers de chien, a fashion that began in the mid-19th century when Hermes created a studded leather collar for a customer’s bulldog.
On the catwalks, Gucci presented dog collars with metal circles; Chanel presented strings of pearls interspersed with thick chains and heart-shaped pendants.
Marla Aaron’s necklaces have a series of twist clasps that link the chains together. Sandralexandra has the perfect choker for those who like the chain style, with crystals handmade in Spain (£110), and you can get matching earrings for £43.
SUMPTUOUS CHANDELIERS
From left to right: Elena earrings, £285, sorujewellery.com; diamond drop earrings, £19, karenmillen.com
Mesmera chandelier, £350, swarovski.com
Chandelier earrings are back, which is great news because they cast a flattering light on the face as the dark days of winter approach, making them a much better investment than Botox in my opinion.
The original pendant lights were designed to mimic Georgian chandeliers, reflecting light as a woman danced in a candlelit room. Ballrooms are few and far between these days, but the importance of light never diminishes.
Dolce & Gabbana’s diamond chandeliers are stunning, but a cascade of crystals or semi-precious stones also works well, such as Swarovski’s mixed crystal (£350). A more affordable option is lab-grown crystals, such as Lovisa’s earrings (£18, seen on model).
There’s no need to go to the extreme of wearing off-the-shoulder dresses like those shown on the runways, and if chandeliers seem too flashy for daytime, then slip them into your bag and take them out to shine after dark, just like they do in Bridgerton.
SUPERHERO FISTS
During the 1970s, every stylish wrist sported a sculptural bracelet after Tiffany & Co launched its successful Bone Cuff, designed by former Italian model Elsa Peretti.
Now, decorated wrists are in fashion, but this time, you need something on each arm. Goossens’ costume pieces are a classic: the founder of the brand, Parisian jeweller Robert Goossens, designed models for Coco Chanel’s shows.
To keep things more affordable, look for pieces crafted from shiny non-precious metals, resin, wood or leather, like this wide, wavy bracelet from Anthropologie at £48.
ROMANTIC PENDANTS
Necklaces with teardrop pendants were the stars of the autumn/winter catwalks at Tom Ford, Bottega Veneta and Gabriela Hearst. Long, loose and flowing, they came with polished stones, abstract metal shapes and charms, and some with leather cords.
From left to right: Malachite necklace, £105, missoma.com; Amalfi turquoise pendant, £49, ottoman hands.com
Choose a pendant that has meaning for you or add your own special coin or amulet and the necklace becomes a personal talisman.
Or try beads, because 70s style is back. Bohemian poster girl Sienna Miller wore a green malachite pendant on a Missoma chain (£105). A more affordable option is Ottoman Hands – its gold-plated turquoise pendant is £49.
PERFECT HOOPS
This season, oversized hoops are back, whether in solid gold or silver – look for volume that’s also lightweight.
However, I’m not a fan of the new asymmetrical hoop look.
From left to right: Chubby hoops, £16, bettyandbiddy.com; Waterfall pearl hoops, £295, dowerandhall.com
If you wear one huge earring and one small one on the opposite ear, it will look like you chose the wrong pair.
Jennifer Fisher is the queen of Manhattan hoops, making every size and variety you could wish for, starting at £93 for her flat hoops (jenniferfisher.com), while Dower & Hall offers beautifully embellished pearl hoops (£295). If you’re looking for affordable and stylish, check out Betty & Biddy – their eye-catching Chubby hoops are just £16.
- If Jewels Could Talk: Seven Secret Histories by Carol Woolton is out September 26 (Simon & Schuster UK, £18.99)