Following summer’s passion for pastels, fall 2004’s fashions take on a subtler tone, according to jewelry design experts at GIA. As pretty pastels give way to more muted colors, traditional fall hues can still be spiced up with an occasional bright accent. Use them alone or blended in unexpected combinations.

Desired shades for fall range from browns to mossy greens, deep burgundy to violet. In colored gemstones, say the gemological professionals at GIA, this translates into the golden browns of “champagne” and “cognac” diamonds, tiger’s-eye, smoky quartz, the deep burgundy/violet palette that includes garnet, amethyst, and rubellite, and the muted greens of tourmaline, lime citrine, and quartz. Two-toned yellow and white gold jewelry combined with these gems are a big hit, say design experts at GIA, known as “the world’s foremost authority in gemology.”

But don’t look for these gem-studded pieces on the lapel. This season’s detailed neckline fashions have ordered the “neck-less year of the brooch,” and runway models are pinning them on their waist or shoulder, in their hair, or even on their décolletage.

Spontaneity reigns for fall, as women now require versatility from their jewelry – a necklace that can be turned into a belt or earrings, for example. Interesting fabric combinations are leading jewelry designers to mix non-traditional gemstone combinations rather unexpectedly, as seen in diamond-accented, rubber and silver cuffs. Linear earring shapes are also here to stay, while last season’s chandeliers have come and gone.

If French fashionistas have their way, animal prints will dominate the style scene, from business wear and accessories, to all-out evening glamour. At the recent Paris shows, spotted-cat patterns were unleashed in real and faux fur, silk prints, and chiffons. Courtiers Jean-Paul Gaultier and Celine opted for leopard spots on coats and evening ensembles, while Ungaro’s handbags reflected the trend.

While these animal patterns and feline themes may not play well with colorless diamonds, a better option is a bold, chunky necklace of tiger’s-eye beads, or a wide cuff bracelet studded with “chocolate” diamonds, say GIA designers. The wide range offered by jewelry designers cover a range of moods from demure 1950s styles to over-the-top 1960s looks.

In a season with such range in style and color, gemstone experts at GIA suggest building a fine jewelry wardrobe by selecting one or two favorite colored stones and using them as accents for a seasonal wardrobe. For maximum impact, choose one statement-making piece – perhaps a bold brooch or a large cuff bracelet – that will become your fall signature.

For more information about gemstones and jewelry, as well as educational opportunities in these fields, click here or call 800-421-7250.