The upcoming seasons have focused a lot of attention on the use of jewel-like colors and oversized gems. While there are some who can afford double-digit carat counts, there are many more that cannot. This means that designers have had to come up with a realistic, stylish, and good-looking alternative to authentic diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. A huge number have turned to Swarovski crystals, while others have used minerals and semi-precious stones instead.

When a designer really needs the look of true “bling” that sparkles and glitters in the light, however, it is difficult to match the capabilities of the crystals. For example, designer Tom Binns has recently released his “Double Twisted” crystal bracelet that uses pink, lime, emerald green, and gray Swarovski crystals set in traditional fine jewelry mounts to create a remarkably convincing piece that could easily be worn down the red carpet or to a day at the office.

Because the season is all about big “statement” pieces and cuff bracelets, the “Garden” cuff from popular designer Kenneth Jay Lane is also a good choice too. It offers a rainbow assortment of enamel flowers that each contains a crystal or faux pearl center. This is another option that can serve from day to evening and work with a t-shirt and jeans or a full-length gown.

Naturally, the appearance of oversized rings fits easily into the old-fashioned costume jewelry designs and the many cocktail rings appearing too. Swarovski crystal also designs and creates its own rings in many different styles, and each is just as popular as the other. This season there is a lot of attention around their various “Nirvana” rings which come as a solid band of crystal in many different gemstone colors. There are very convincing amethyst, Onyx, Emerald, Sapphire, and colorless versions that can serve as major accent to an outfit or look.

The company also has a few contemporary designs that includes their “Ginseng Ebony” ring constructed of acrylic in a deep ebony hue which is then set with a glittering array of tiny pave crystals in a rainbow of colors. The entire ring is pulled together by the huge blue gem set off-center into the artsy and stylish composition.

Other designers using crystals in trendy and suitable ways this season also include Cara which offers the “Black Crystal” ring in a remarkable sunburst pattern. This is a hefty creation that utilizes the incredibly popular hematite color for the band and settings which are then filled with dark crystals to give an unusual finish.

Earring profiles for the upcoming seasons are leaning towards the chandelier and drop varieties. They are also using the same geometric, costume, and “statement” designs as the rest of the jewelry on the market too. The crystal and resin earrings offered by designer Luc Keiffer seem to really sum up the various trends as they combine small tubes of bright black resin into which small clear crystals are inlaid. They are offer a nice and lengthy drop of nearly two inches from the ear and can be worn with a wide range of styles.

When the budget limits the types of stones that can be purchased, crystals of all kinds can really be put to great and effective use instead.

Television inspires all kinds of trends. Whether it is all of the women heading out to get Kate Gosselin’s “reverse mullet” or an outfit worn by one of the girls on the “OC”, it is inevitable that many of the items, garments, and looks appearing on television will be copied by viewers.

This phenomenon includes jewelry too, and while many people used to turn to the famous “Carrie Bradshaw” character on “Sex and the City” for their all of their fashion cues (consider the surge in popularity around horseshoe necklaces after the character began to mix and match these iconic looks), today’s television viewers have a lot more options and styles from which to base their fashion choices. One of the most unusual is the inspiration of the “Joan Holloway” character from the hit show “Mad Men”.

This character seems made for any autumnal fashion trends with her flaming auburn hair and many matching ensembles, and while her jewelry is not always bold, the one thing most people remember, and want, is that fantastic pen necklace she often wears. Luckily, there is the well-known costume jewelry company known as “1928” that is now offering such a necklace.

Their line of 1950s and 60s inspired jewelry includes the pen, along with a few other variations that come with gem stones in the cap. These necklaces are strung from “Figaro” chains and use hefty lobster claw clasps to allow the wearer to frequently unscrew the pen from its lovely antiqued gold cap. The pen also comes with sapphire or amethyst accents, and retails for less than thirty dollars.

Because the fall 2009 jewelry trends include a high demand for “statement” necklaces, a fashion forward person cannot go wrong with such a choice as these pen necklaces. If they wanted to pair them with low-key coordinates, the 1928 brand also offers a lovely pair of “Antiquities Couture Love Knot” earrings in the same antiqued finish. While they are not identically matched to the pen, these would give a great finish to a vintage or retro look.

If the wearer wanted to take all of their fashion cues from the notorious character of the show, this fall’s developing jewelry trends will make it easier than ever to do so as well. The pen necklace is a frequently worn costume item by the character, and while it is most often paired with gold earrings, it is also worn with pieces that directly coordinate with the wardrobe. For instance, it was worn with a coral colored blouse, and the matching earrings and bracelet for the sequence were crafted from coral as well. This is a direct reflection of the popularity this fall for costume pieces made from inexpensive or reproduction materials and in natural hues and shades.

One final thing to consider where such a statement piece as the pen necklace is concerned is that there are bound to be actual examples available in vintage or estate jewelry shops, through online auctions, and in almost any flea market or antiques fair. In fact, the actual costume designer for the “Mad Men” show found the character’s trademark necklace in a California flea market. Many such necklaces were pencils rather than pens and it would be very easy to replace the missing lead with a modern mechanical pencil’s lead instead.

A vast majority of children will spend time looking at and trying on their mother’s jewelry. On their tiny fingers an adult-sized ring can look ridiculous, but this same look is currently flooding modern fashion. Called the “statement” ring it describes the wearing of a ring that seems to overwhelm the finger or even the hand of the wearer.

This is not a new trend, actually, and from the early 1900s to mid-century the “cocktail” ring was meant to impress everyone who saw it. This quickly spilled over into the costume jewelry industry and today both the precious stones and the costume pieces from earlier decades are highly sought after.

A massive stone in a sturdy setting has always been interesting and beautiful, but that is not the point of a true statement ring. Instead, they are intended to pull the attention to the hand and also give an outfit the perfect finishing touch. Because of this a fashion conscious person will limit the use of such rings to one on each hand, and will favor the wearing of a big ring to the right hand if they have wedding or engagement jewelry on their left.

What are some examples of good statement rings? The “Pretty Bijoux” ring by Joomi is a great way to replace a plain old diamond “stunner”; it pulls together Swarovski crystals in various shapes and cutting styles to create a cluster or gems that is over two inches wide!

If a glittering hand is not desired, Juicy Couture makes many different oversized styles, with their adjustable black and gold “Statement” ring being truly impressive. It is built from a base of gold “leaves” that has a ring of aurora borealis stones surrounding a matte black logo set in the center. It has a true costume look that can be worn in a casual or formal environment alike.

Fans of Alexander McQueen will love his “Skull Cocktail” ring with its crystal accents at the teeth and eyes. It is a hefty two inch piece that is in a brushed brass material. Those who prefer the gorgeous works of John Hardy, however, will have ample choices from him as well. His “Kali” contour ring is crafted of silver and looks as if a piece of a riverbed has been laid across the hands of the wearer.

For those in need of “everyday” wear, designer Marc Jacobs’ “Marc” line offers some great choices that include the “Heart” ring fashioned from a gold tone metal and set with a lovely enamel heart. It is a ring of impressive size and paired with something as simple as a black top and jeans it would complete a look.

Another material used for the biggest of the big rings is enamel, and everyone from Rachel Leigh and Kenneth Jay Lane, to Chanel and Juicy Couture have various styles of this variety available.

When looking for a big ring it is vitally important to keep your current wardrobe in mind and choose those pieces that can update your look or give a new charm to an outdated style.

Although every season has its trends and fashion favorites, there are always brand new fashions and styles appearing frequently too. This fall it is stretch fashion bracelets appearing in a wide array of styles and looks that are everywhere. Each offers a unique way to complete an outfit or ensemble; from ornate enamel roses and beads to delicate mother of pearl or turquoise, almost any fashion sense can be enhanced.

Additionally, these are a great choice for those working on computers or in offices during the day because they are not as restrictive or uncomfortable as a standard cuff bracelet that can irritate the wrist and constantly come into contact with keyboards and desks.

Because they lack a clasp that might press uncomfortably into the arm or wrist of the wearer, they are also great for people who find it difficult to fasten a standard piece of jewelry too. Stretch bracelets are also a true “one size fits all” option for those who are enthusiastic about accessories and jewelry, and the same can be said about their prices, which are available for almost any sized purse as well.

They can be worn singly, or in big bunches, they can be mixed and matched with complex and hefty tucked up against delicate and slim bracelets too. Their wide range of materials includes everything from shells to diamonds, and almost every well-known design house is offering their “take” on this trend.

Some good examples of this season’s stretch bracelet favorites include the 1928 brand “Bohemian Chic” stretch bracelets which come in a range of enamel colors, and give the look of solid bangles with inlaid wire designs. They are designed and intended to provide a lovely vintage look that is a bit hefty and colorful without being overbearing or too distracting.

Trust Nordstrom’s to also put forward a high-quality version of this new trend, and they offer a day to night “Glass Pearl” bracelet in varying sizes of beautiful grey and black pearls. This is definitely a piece that could easily complete a stylish work ensemble and yet also transition the wearer into an evening on the town.

If fun and funky, or sheer volume, is more to the style of the wearer the mark “Stretch and Stack” bracelets can be worn by the armful, especially because of their low cost and wide availability.

Finally, the “Bella” stretch bracelet by Lee Angel is another of the popular choices because of its deep blue, denim look. It is a bracelet that is stand-along strong, but it could also be put to work as a much more subtle accessory peeking out from the cuff of a blouse or jacket and giving a lovely finishing touch. It is comprised of deep blue crystals in a range of sizes and shapes.

The best thing about the stretch bracelet trend is that it can be as flexible as the bracelets themselves. Pair them with a t-shirt and jeans or one of your best designer dresses, and either way the look is fantastic.

Anyone who is “in the know” will already be well aware of the trends in chandelier earrings that simply exploded with the appearance of First Lady Michelle Obama. This style of earring was already popular, but her choices in pairing a low-key fashion choice during formal and informal events alike has created an all-new way for women to use this style.

This fall the looks for this particular type of earring are not as light and airy as previous seasons (although the summer of 2009 did see whimsical and colorful variations of classic chandelier designs). For instance, one of the most popular designs currently available are those made by Devon Leigh, and which are shaped from 14 carat gold wire and fitted with pink tourmaline and fuchsia colored cubic zirconia beads.

The colors in that particular pair of earrings give a good cue to the choices that will dominate the market for the rest of the year. Garnet and ruby reds will pair up with classic fuchsia, but there will also be olive greens and topaz yellows to create some great autumnal and winter contrasts. The popular crystals and clears will still appear as well as the dramatic black jet beads and stones too. The thing tro remember when choosing your chandelier earrings for the upcoming season is that they should be a bit heavier and “earthier” to remain in line with fashion trends.

Interestingly enough many jewelry design houses are sticking with a solid or singular palette, such as garnets but opting to use different platings on the metals to create a gorgeous look. For instance, it will not be odd to find garnet chandeliers done in pink gold wire or fittings.

Of course, those who are up to date on their fashion news will have already seen how far chandelier earrings can be taken because of designer Zac Posen’s summer 2009 styles. These were not heavily bejeweled versions, however, but used metals, chains and medallions to complete their delicate looks. This style will remain popular throughout the fall, but more and more shops and vendors will begin focusing on the gemstone and bejeweled options as the year draws to a close. One unique variant that is already making appearances is a copper and turquoise combination from many different design houses.

It is interesting to note that here is much debate about the way a true chandelier earring should be designed. There are some that stick with concept of a single point from which a stream of beads or chain descends, and there are others who think that cascading earrings qualify as chandeliers too. Cascades have more than a single element hanging from the wearer’s ear.

For example, the gorgeous citrine briolette cascading hoop earrings available from designer Cathy Pitts are among the hottest this fall, but they do not always fall into the “chandelier” description used by many. They use intertwining circles of gold from which delicate citrine beads hang, and for many fashion enthusiasts, this is just a new and exciting twist on the chandelier style.

Trends come and go, but philanthropy is one that should always be in fashion. The Bulgari brand is well-known as offering distinctive and fashionable jewelry, but for the 2009 (which is also the company’s 125^th anniversary) it is offering something entirely unavailable anywhere else – the chance to make a huge difference through the purchase of a piece of jewelry.

They have partnered with Save the Children in its “Rewrite the Future” campaign, and are offering three fashionable and extremely meaningful pieces for supporters to purchase and wear. The campaign’s goals are to forward educational projects of all kinds to children who must live and somehow thrive in areas of the world that have been torn by conflict, war and extreme poverty. It is known that the campaign is going to directly affect the educational lives of more than eight million children around the world before the end of the year 2010. They will receive new schools, supplies, and the benefits of a daily educational routine and program.

The pieces in the collection are extremely unique in the entire Bulgari line and history because they are crafted entirely of silver. Today, the company is noted for its reliance on gold for all of its jewels, but the company founder, Sotirio Bulgari, was a well-known silversmith before becoming a successful world-renown jeweler. This is the reason that all three pieces are offered entirely in solid silver.

There are two rings and a single pendant available, each has the founder’s name engraved on the outside and the Save the Children logo on the inside or reverse. There are delightful and delicate motifs surrounding the “S. Bulgari” engraving, and each is polished to a remarkable sheen.

The first is the larger band ring which stands at an impressive .39” in height, but is suitable for both male and female wearers. The smaller band is a .31” height and suitable for both genders too.

The necklace is an open circle of silver that is slightly twisted to create more interaction between the light and the high polish of the metal. It is suspended from a strong black cord with silver tipped ends and is adjustable from 32 to 37”. The pendant is 1.17” in diameter and also suitable for both genders.

If a buyer needed to be convinced that their act of charitable shopping was indeed also a trendy thing to do, they could take a visit to the photo gallery for the project at the Bulgari website. Here they would be able to browse the portraits of such famous celebrities as Jessica Biel, Mischa Barton, Ben Stiller, Willem Dafoe, Terrence Howard, Valerie Golino, Jason Lewis, Isabella Rossellini, Barbie, and Olivia Wilde among many others, wearing the distinctive and fashionable pieces.

The cost for all three pieces is fixed at $290, and sixty dollars of every sale goes directly to the Save the Children campaign. The company has dedicated itself to raising ten million Euros by the end of 2010, and since launching the campaign more than one million Euros have been put to work.

Until I saw the runway shows for the fall of 2009 season I had never considered the “torsade” style of necklace as anything but the most formal and “summery” of neck pieces. With the addition of chains, charms, and heavy clasps that occurred in many of the shows, however, these necklaces can now easily fit in with colder season clothing too.

If you don’t know what sort of necklace I mean, the torsade pieces usually have several different strings of stones or beads “twisted” together to make a thick cord to be fitted around the neck of the wearer. They are not usually a choker style, though they can be quite snug, and they are also lengthier pieces as well. Quite often they are comprised of such summer materials as fresh water pearls, pale colored semi-precious stones, and even of abstract and chunky pieces of coral. This has always left them most especially suited for summertime wear, but many designers are now taking this piece and making it “beefier”.

For example, fashionistas everywhere took notice of Dolce and Gabana’s chunky chain and watch face necklaces from their fall 2009 runway shows. They also created pieces using lipstick tubes and other large ornaments, but their point was to fashion true “statement” pieces, and the torsade format is one of the simplest ways to successfully accomplish this.

Knowledgeable fashion enthusiasts are well aware that 2009 jewelry is all about making a statement, and if you wanted to bump up a simple and well-cut outfit to a somewhat sublime and perfect level you could simply choose one of the new varieties of torsade to make it possible.

It might be easy to confuse a lariat with a torsade because of the multiple strands appearing in both styles, but a true torsade can only be wrapped and worn in a single way while the lariat can be done up in a large variety of styles to give different effects and looks.

Designers such as Kara Ackerman are also creating matched sets for their torsade styles and creating necklaces, bracelets and rings in coordinating materials and designs. Additionally, such recognizable and famous names as Vera Wang have introduced their own torsade pieces too. The Wang version incorporates the heftier chains that are making their way into all types of jewelry this season, but also uses larger pearls and some strands of crystals to give the necklace a very feminine tone too.

Celebrities have been donning this look since late summer and Sandra Bullock wore the first “art” piece in this design in late June. Hers was nicknamed a “pirate’s booty” necklace for its many strands of pearls, semi-precious stones, and metallic chains. It was paired with a simple black frock which allowed the underwater themed piece to make its intended statement.

It is important to note that any statement necklaces, such as the torsades, will have to be carefully selected to really “work” with the garments with which they will be paired. A busy print can easily overwhelm even the most unique necklace and many people opt to buy and wear the torsade necklaces when their sweater, top, or dress is of a simpler fabric and style.

Because jewelry styles are somewhat limited to a set number of profiles or shapes, designers tend to “tinker” with the formulas. This is the reason that a new metal or stone may be incorporated in an “untraditional” way into a specific piece. It is also the reason that fashion is constantly evolving and experiencing new trends or styles.

Consider something as simple as the bangle bracelet – it is an ancient style that dominated the 1930s and was made of Bakelite material or even early plastic. It disappeared for a while but is now back in a totally new look and made from a huge range of materials.

The same can be said of the hoop style of earring, and a modern and fashion conscious person could own more than a dozen different versions of this design. The thing to remember is that not all of the styles available in hoop earrings are actually current or trendy. For a while it was “the bigger the better” where hoops were worn, and though this created some whimsy and drama to a look, today’s hoops are geared more towards making a more subtle statement.

The statement that a pair of hoops will make depends entirely upon the materials from which they are constructed. For instance, the amber luster beaded hoops from Alex and Ani deliver a profoundly bohemian finish to an outfit or look, while the Lanvin glass pearl and gold seed bead hoops give a much more opulent and refined appearance.

This means that shopping for hoops to add to an earring collection requires some advanced planning if the best choices will be made. It is important for the shopper to remember that there is a strong emphasis on the use of alternative metals. At times this is to keep costs lower, but at other times it is to give the jewelry a certain finish or style.

If a hoop is of the “plated” type, meaning that the precious metal is plated over an inexpensive base, it is a good idea to purchase the highest-quality version available. This is because hoop earrings brush the hair, neck, and garments of the wearer, and if they are of poor quality the plate can quickly begin to flake or peel.

Additionally, the shopper should consider the variety of hoop they want and the overall image they want to create. There are very dramatic hoops, such as those created by Olia of smoky quartz, peridot and pyrite and crafted from gold wire. Alternately, there are the Aztec themed “Orbital” hoops by designer Ralph Lauren. These use silver for their construction and give a very ethnic or even southwestern look.

It is also significant to note that many hoops use sturdy enamel shapes to give them more weight and change the traditional appearance of hoop earrings. For example, Urban Outfitters and designer Nicole Richie both include enameled hoops in their collections. These are in a range of varied colors and can give a clean or distinctive finish to almost any ensemble.

Almost everyone has seen or even owned a charming silver or gold bracelet from the nineteenth or early twentieth centuries. These are tiny bands of solid precious metal that were made especially for the small wrist of a lucky young child. Many such pieces are heirlooms that have been passed down through the generation, and while they are adorable and precious they are not all that practical. Today’s children don’t wear solid gold or silver bracelets and such items cannot transition them into adulthood either.

So, what is the solution for a parent or family member who would like to give the youngest member of their family a nice piece of “starter” jewelry? Jewelry designer Alex Woo has the perfect solution with his “Little Icons” line of jewelry. It uses everyday symbols and concepts in clever and creative ways. Each piece is crafted from silver or gold and can even be set with diamonds. All are perfectly suited to be suspended from a coordinating chain or professionally mounted to the line’s signature charm bracelet as well.

This means that a parent or family member could purchase one of the pendants upon the birth of the child and begin building them a charm bracelet right away. The many different icons include numbers, letters, and symbols which could easily fill a bracelet completely.

For example, the “Little Numbers” icons could be used to create a distinctive birth date necklace or be mounted as the first charms in a collection. The same could be said of the “Little Letters” which could spell out the child’s monogram as well.

The remaining symbols and icons have all kinds of themes including tokens of good luck, religion or faith, nature, and even hobbies or activities. This is a wonderful way to build a valuable piece of heirloom jewelry for children and adults alike.

Of course there is another fabulous way to give a child a true heirloom piece of jewelry, but it requires their participation too. The Totally Out of Hand jewelry company takes children’s original drawings and paintings and converts them into wearable art. This means that any child could sit down and design an image that will be converted into a precious metal brooch. In fact, it could be a wonderful annual holiday gift for grandparents and other family members too.

Finally, anyone who wants to help children while also purchasing a beautiful piece of heirloom quality jewelry could look into the beautifully styled “Life” bracelet from designer Pamela Fink. It is a piece designed in cooperation with best-selling author Joy Bauer and sends a message about enjoying life as you live it. Proceeds from this silver-plated and expandable charm bracelet go directly to combat children’s hunger around the world. This would be a fantastic gift for a young child who would be able to continually add charms as their own life moves forward.

Finding jewelry for young children requires a bit of thought and consideration, and because many will make a habit of putting some pendants or even charms into their mouths it is a good idea to consider the quality of the materials and the manufacturing before allowing a child to wear it.

Hands and wrists are a major jewelry fashion focus for the upcoming autumn and winter season. There are all kinds of stylish rings being produced, with many aimed at making a clear fashion statement. There are also huge trends for oversized, multiple, and unique bracelets too.

One style that seems to have gained an eternal place in the hearts of fashionistas is the charm bracelet. While there is a standard or “classic” design format for many charm bracelets, which usually includes a hefty chain from which various charms are suspended, there are all kinds of new “takes” on this style too.

Currently, many of the top designers are jumping on board the charm bracelet trend and creating their own custom designs. Some are sticking with the chain and pendant version, but others are offering remarkably distinctive looks too.

Consider the leather cuff bracelet offered by Elle. This uses the extremely trendy cuff style, wraps it in black, tan, or pink patterned leather and adds a bar set with seven sterling silver loops from which charms can be suspended. The company offers exclusive charms that can be easily added or removed, but any sort of charm could be professionally attached to the band as well. This will give someone the chance to don the season’s hottest bracelet style – the cuff – but add to it the whimsy and character of a charm bracelet.

While a jingling wrist full of charms is a great way to make a distinctive fashion statement, some designers are using a single, signature charm to give their bracelets a more streamlined and opulent look. For instance, the BabyPhat line has a gold and silver chain accented with single stylish cat charm set with faux diamonds.

Alexander McQueen keeps his collection of charms limited to five, and includes some rather “goth” options fitted to the luxurious thick gold chain. His design incorporates a skull, talon holding a black pearl, golden key, and different medallions.

The forever popular Forever 21 offers a more classic take on the charm bracelet with its heavy gold band dripping with beads, flowers, tassels and more. This is a great piece for someone hoping to incorporate the “bohemian chic” trend that is appearing in clothing, accessories, and jewelry everywhere.

If someone did want a bracelet chockfull of charms, the gorgeous assortment on Erickson Beamons’ design is sure to please. It has the oversized beads, glittering jewels, floral motifs, and other touches so sought after for the fall and winter seasons.

Perhaps designer Betsey Johnson takes the cluttered look of an old-fashioned charm bracelet the farthest with her latest version. It is draped with extra lengths of delicate antiqued gold chain, fitted with many gems and crystals in the distinctive color palette for the season, and dripping with nature themed gold charms too. This is one piece that will easily transition between day and evening wear.

Just as the 2009 and 2010 fall and winter seasons are seeing bracelets stacked up on the arm, a true fashion conscious person could also stack a few charm bracelets at their wrist as well. The thing to remember is that some chains can be a bit more fragile than others and it is best to mix those that can withstand any tugs or pulls from becoming a bit tangled.