In the past when we said jewelry, we meant delicate diamonds quivering on a thin silver strand or heirloom freshwater pearls tied around the neck with a silk ribbon.  Well not anymore!  Welcome to the jewelry revolution.  This massive accessory reinvention actually started a few years ago when chunky gems jumped onto the scene, or rather, around our necks, wrists and fingers.  For awhile we couldn’t get the stones big enough, the chains long enough, or the rings oversized enough.  Thankfully, as time went on we tweaked and shaved and perfected and now the enduring costume jewelry trend has reached perfection.

I took a trip to Saks to see what jewelry looks like for fall 2009. 

Let’s start with the necklaces.  Chains have become much thicker; in fact, some necklaces are simply a series of large links.  Large gemstones are placed with stones of similar size or dangle solitarily, framed in gold or silver.  Making an impressive debut is the collar necklace.  Think Egyptian – massive rings of gold and gems stiffly wrapped around the neck in a thick band.  A gentler version of the collar is the regal looking bib necklace.  Jewels cascade elegantly down your throat and over the collarbone.  The bib and collar can be difficult to pull off.  When you wear those necklaces, you dress everything else down to showcase your stunning piece.  If you don’t feel like showing off, you can opt for a charm necklace.  Charms are available in everything from mini postal letters to diamond skulls, to terrier dogs.  Whatever your mood is, there is a charm for it. 

Earrings follow in the same vein as the necklaces.  The dangle, they dazzle, and they are very obvious.  Forget the diamond studs.  Think pink diamond chandeliers instead! Yves St.  Laurent’s Glitter Logo earrings sum up this decadent trend: tons of flash, yet full of class.

I am seeing a lot of cuffs when it comes to bracelets and that is a nice change from the thin bangles of yesteryear.  Cuffs make a strong and empowered statement and can often stand on their own as an accessory.  Cuffs do double duty for your wardrobe as they look equally lovely over a winter glove as they do over on a bare arm.  Bangles are still available but they have been amped up with attached multi-strands, and large round inset stones.  Despite the harder edge of the fall bracelet, the overall look remains smooth and polished on the wrist.  Not clunky and jaded. 

Let’s move down the hand now to the rings.  The solitaire diamond ring has been replaced with the solitaire, well, any type of stone, actually!  A single very large stone, round or square, is the height of trendiness right now ensuring that everyone can sport a big rock on their hand.  Rings have also gone a bit gimmicky with charm-like settings. I have read that Alexander McQueen was the “dark lord” of fashion and when I see his Skull Cocktail ring, I have to agree.  Skulls on rings are no longer the fashion statement of bikers.  They have gone mainstream.  Kenneth Jay Lane offers an octopus ring, which is exactly like it sounds – an octopus on a ring.  Marc Jacobs has an owl ring and a mouse ring.  (I wonder what would happen if I wore them both on the same hand.  Survival of the fittest?) 

The loud, crazy, brash and bold jewelry of fall borders on tacky but in a very good way.  When paired with the streamlined, minimalistic apparel of the season, the jewelry adds a much needed dash of humor and bravado.  Just remember, these are not layering pieces!  One, maybe two at a time will suffice.