Fashion jewelry is as important as the clothes when it comes to creating a total look this fall.

"Fall's luxurious and romantic looks are created, at least in part, by the use of accessories," says Jill Kilbourn, accessories buyer at Kingsmill's.

"It's a particularly interesting year for fashion jewelry because the types of pieces are so varied to go with the wealth of variety in the clothing."

Many of the season's fashion jewelry styles appear inspired by the opulent styles of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, while some styles appear to revive the more recent organic esthetic of the 1970s.

Gold sets the standard for sparkling metal jewelry. The muted metallic tones of bronze and pewter appear frequently, contributing to the antique look of many new pieces. Copper presents a fashionable front, while shiny silver holds its own.

Necklaces and beads form a major part of the season's fashion jewelry story. Large stones and jewelled pendants hang from substantial metal chains or intertwined ropes of beads.

Frankly faux, oversized, sparkling stones in deep dramatic tones mimic garnets, amethysts, golden topaz and emeralds. Clustered sparkling stones create bold and ornate necklaces, bracelets and cocktail rings worthy of Belle Epoque splendour.

Elements of the Victorian resurface in newly fashionable cameo and jet beaded jewelry. The traditional white or ivory cameo figure again appears on pins and necklaces set against the current favourite cameo background colours of black, wine and brown.

Sparkling black jet bead necklaces, earrings and brooches backed with pewter-toned metal often feature intricate and dainty floral arrangements for true antique flair.

Pewter and jewelled cross pendants suspended on long chains offer dramatic styling with hints of Gothic inspiration.

"Wear long pendants with tunic-style tops, turtlenecks and knit dresses," says Kilbourn.

Pendants and necklaces of all kinds may be worn in multiples of two, three and four at a time for full impact.

The rage for beads continues from spring and summer. Colourful glass beads remain popular, with the warm-weather favourite of turquoise recast in slightly deeper tones of teal. Turquoise and brown beads are frequently combined to create autumnal looks.

Organic shades of brown, beige, rust and eggplant appear often in chunky necklaces with large, chestnut-like beads. Wooden beads are often strung on pewter or bronze-toned chains for another variation on the earthy look.

Genuine amber, as well as cognac and amber-coloured stones set in dainty gold filigree are featured in necklaces, rings and earrings. Tortoise, tiger eye and topaz are all variations on fashion's new fondness for brown and golden-coloured stones.

Pins and brooches remain favourites, with small pins frequently worn in clusters of three.

Last year's rose floral pin is updated by a new choice of materials. Fabric floral pins are still popular, but the latest styles are more apt to be made of metal set with crystal or other sparkling stones.

Fur floral pins and brooches offer another update and are part of an overall trend toward fur trim and fur accessories.

Bangles and bracelets with colourful geometric stones and dangling charms adorn fashionable arms.

Earrings are mostly long and dangling. There are many new variations on the chandelier and linear styles that have been in for several seasons.

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