This season, jewelry transcends mere accessory status to become a grounding element and a source of organic texture for fall outfits. Semi-precious gemstones—such as Jade, Tiger’s Eye, and Carnelian—are making a bold return, but in an iteration that is bigger and bolder than ever before. This trend is a nostalgic nod to the feeling of “unearthing something precious,” marrying the innate beauty of natural stone with sophisticated, contemporary design. Runways from Saint Laurent to Chanel featured these pieces in exaggerated proportions, using chunky strands and supersized stones to soften tailored suiting, complement knitwear, and inject a playful, subtle shimmer. The beauty of this trend is its versatility: these pieces are not meant to be “precious”—they are intended for relaxed layering over button-ups or adding a textural anchor to a midi dress, proving that natural elements can be both awe-inspiring and effortless.
The Return To Organic, Bold Proportions
Stone jewelry is experiencing a resurgence that emphasizes volume and naturality. The current trend moves away from delicate, barely-there pieces toward chunky, tactile, and oversized designs that make a strong statement.
- Runway Influence: Designers are utilizing these natural elements to create visual contrast. At Saint Laurent, chunky strands of colorful beads and oversized, stone-encrusted earrings were used to soften the structure of masculine suiting. Chanel paired strands of jumbo-sized beads and pearls with tailored knits, playing with exaggerated proportions. This trend validates that natural stones are now a key component in high-fashion styling, balancing the rigidity of tailoring with the softness of organic materials.
- A Sense of Discovery: The appeal is rooted in a feeling of nostalgia and discovery, evoking the awe of unearthing a beautiful, natural object. Today’s stone pieces, from rose quartz chokers to agate cord necklaces, are an homage to this raw, intrinsic beauty, making them feel personal and unique.
Statement Pieces For Necks And Ears
The best way to embrace this trend is by investing in single, high-impact pieces that command attention, or by mastering the art of relaxed, sophisticated layering.
- Chokers and Long Strands: Neckwear is worn in two extremes. On one hand, statement chokers and short necklaces featuring large, polished stones (like rose quartz) are worn close to the collarbone to anchor an outfit. On the other hand, long, chunky beaded strands are perfect for layering, particularly over high-collared items. Try layering a stack of various stone necklaces over a crisp button-up shirt to create a rich, textural effect that elevates a simple basic.
- Cascading Drop Earrings: Earrings are similarly bold, often featuring supersized stones or cascading drop designs. Pieces like oversized stone-encrusted hoops or long, beaded tassels—echoing the Roaring Twenties style seen at Anna Sui—add dramatic movement and shimmer. These earrings are ideal for framing the face and adding high-impact glamour without needing other heavy accessories.
Integrating Stones Into Everyday Style
The versatility of stone jewelry means it can be seamlessly integrated into both casual and formal fall wardrobes, grounding any look with earthy textures and colors.
- Rings and Bangles: The trend extends to the hands with chunky stone ring stacks and substantial bangle bracelets. These pieces are often crafted using semi-precious stones like jade or chalcedony. When worn together, they create a tactile, artistic element that feels discovered rather than simply purchased. This stacking technique allows for an individualized approach to the trend.
- Relaxed Styling: The key styling principle is to avoid being too precious. These pieces are meant to be thrown on effortlessly. A beaded necklace can instantly add character to a simple midi dress, while a bold stone choker grounds the fluidity of a soft knit. This intentional lack of effort makes the look feel contemporary, letting the stone’s natural beauty speak for itself.
