Fall and Winter Jewelry Trends

Layered necklaces haven't disappeared, but styles are more compact than we've seen in recent seasons. When you surf the Internet, you'll still see pics of celebrities wearing many necklaces, and they're often super heavy, chunky designs. Most of us in the real world will opt for a more subdued look, for practical reasons (cost, uncomfortable weight) and because we aren't providing billboard space for designers. But celebrities are usually on the cutting edge of style -- jewelry they're wearing today may be on retail racks in coming seasons.

This Stacked Cube Necklace photo is courtesy of Anthropologie, and is a good representation of current trends. Click any image to zoom in.

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Bracelet, bangle and cuff styles are always varied, and that's good news for the longevity of most wrist jewelry we buy. Wooden bangles and bangles made with resins remain popular, and many are embellished with beads, metals and other components. Anthropologie's Belsay Bangle, illustrated to the left, is an example of the trend towards richly colored bracelets set with metals and faux gems in multiple shapes and sizes.

Popular necklace styles and design materials float over to bracelet trends, including the stacked look.

For fine jewelry, you can't go wrong with a tennis bracelet.

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Chandelier earrings are a good look for dressy events, and you'll find that delicate designs (like these Willowy Chandeliers from Anthropologie) boost your style without dragging your earlobes to the ground.

There probably aren't many earrings in your jewelry box that you'll feel uncomfortable wearing this year. Styles are pretty consistent, unless you're planning to slip on a pair of fuzzy-dice pendants leftover from some retro-look season (I hope you didn't really buy those).

Plain diamond studs are timeless, and an excellent choice when you're looking for fine jewelry. Princess cut diamond studs have become popular in the last several years, but choose any shape you like.

How to Avoid Drooping Earlobes

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Don't forget about hoop earrings -- they never go out of style, and are so varied that you could buy thousands of hoop earrings without repeating a look. Hammered hoops are as popular as ever, and so are super-thin hoops in all sizes (some plain metal and some set with faux or genuine gemstones).

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I love it that headbands are becoming more available -- and more creative. From wide to narrow, and in every style imaginable, you'll be able to find headbands that work for both casual and dressy occasions.

Large cocktail rings continue to be popular. You'll find the most variety among all-metal designs (with plenty of texture) and rings set with a single large stone (usually very colorful).

Brooches have been more visible the past couple of years, and can be used directly on a garment, to tie a scarf, on headbands and bracelets made from textiles and any other place you can pin them. Styles vary from vintage-ornate to whimsical, like these colorful butterflies from Anthropologie.

Related: Madeleine Albright's Brooches

Look below and on the next page for photos and shopping suggestions, and check back for trend updates as the seasons progress.

This necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane is designed with chunky, 22K gold plated beads that are made to look like polished river stones. The necklace is about 16-inches long, and has a 3.75" extender. It's held in place with an S-hook clasp.

This multiple strand necklace may be a departure from the season's more colorful jewelry, but its varied shapes and somewhat uncommon combination of pearls and chain (although that's a look we're seeing more of) make it fit the trends. Two layers of iridescent gray pearls are alternated with sterling silver chain-links, and held securely in place with a toggle closure.

Polished square and oval facets alternate around the circumference of this 18-inch long necklace. The edges of gold tone components are slightly rounded, and oval pieces are two-tone, with textured pewter at their centers. A toggle clasp secures the necklace.

Ninety-year-old jade buttons from the time of China's last emperor are the focal points of this 18 inch necklace. The buttons are bezel-set into 24K gold vermeil, spaced along a strand of cultured freshwater pearls. Handcrafted, so buttons will vary.