It’s right about that time of year again when I call it quits on summer. The weather will disagree, and we’ll fight a battle for what seems like an eternity, but in my mind, autumn is nearer than it really is.

So I do things to help pretend: I start watching Halloween movies, breaking out the pumpkin-scented candles and soap, and hungrily window-shop the fall goods in stores, though it seems way too hot to consider wearing any of the proposed fashions at the moment.

For retailers, though, the reality of fall is present. If you’re not going so far as to plan your holiday stock, you’re at least gathering the goods for the months ahead. So what to stock? Well, besides your mandatory refresh in wedding jewelry (was it the summer of love for your sales?), an assortment of fabulous gold, and, of course, colored gemstones.

While I believe the rainbow obsession will make its way well into autumn and beyond, we do tend to gravitate towards slightly more muted, darker tones as the cooler months descend. That’s not to say there isn’t a place for plenty of color, though. Try selecting gemstones that are either paler than the rich, saturated hues of summer, or opt for jewel tones, like maroon, forest green, and even orange. It’s summer but deeper, and softer as well. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but when these shades are paired together, you get a great look.

Here are some of my favorites. Now let’s get those autumn breezes and fall foliage on their way!

Top image: Ring in platinum with 8.93 ct. cushion-cut green sapphire, 0.55 ct. t.w. alexandrite, and 0.87 ct. t.w. diamonds, $31,000; Omi Privé

Brittany Siminitz

JCK Contributing Editor