Like it or not, the ‘80s are back in a big way. Splattered all over the fall runways were neon brights, shoulder pads, skintight mini-dresses, and some glitz- and glamour-oozing styles that, considering these lean times, were quite a surprise to see.

When you think of pearls, chances are at least one of the following adjectives will come to mind—prim, proper, traditional, reserved. For whatever reason—perhaps it’s the June Cleaver effect—pearls have developed a reputation as the go-to accessory for occasions where a woman wants to look modest, respectful, and polite.

I have a weakness for engagement rings. And by weakness, I mean that it’s not physically possible for me to walk by a jewelry store window without screeching to a halt when I see them on display, so I guess I’m putting it a bit mildly.

Based in San Francisco, designer Vicente Agor is known for his handcrafted pieces made from 18-karat gold and sterling silver. Inspired by the art, architecture, and cultures he encounters while traveling around the world, his designs are simultaneously luxurious and understated—perfect for the modern woman.

Not long ago, if someone called you a bike-riding, water-conserving, recycling-crazed tree hugger, they probably didn’t mean it as a compliment. But oh, how things have changed. Upon hearing that today, your reply would likely be, “Yes I am, and thanks!”

Thirty-three carats of London blue topaz are showcased in Enamorata’s 18-karat gold and diamond earrings, which boast the richest topaz blue I’ve ever seen. Considering the hefty carat weight, the $1800 price is decidedly reasonable. If, however, a four-digit tag still induces a case of sticker shock, the company offers an equally beautiful pair of 7.5-carat London blue topaz hoop earrings for a third of the price.

I especially love the subtle pink-sapphire heart that, when you look closely, appears on Ginger Peachy Designs’ rose gold disc pendant. Dangling from a rose-gold chain, it’s as feminine as can be, which can also be said about Talisman Unlimited’s hammered gold and bezel-set diamond heart pendant.

If you do decide to splurge on a semi-precious or precious stone ring, cocktail styles give you a big bang for your buck. Being such head-turners, they’re often best showcased when worn solo, as pairing it with a necklace, bracelet, or earrings can add too much bling and detract from your overall look. With the current state of the economy leaving most of us with a dwindling accessories budget, a cocktail ring is an easy way to make a style statement without spending a fortune.

This season, I particularly love freshwater styles featuring warm autumnal hues like bronze, peach, and yellow. But no matter their color, their not-so-perfectly-round shape (the result of a culture process that does not involve the implantation of a bead nucleus) adds a unique, eye-catching, and not-so-precious touch to the bracelets, earrings, and necklaces they adorn.

With fashion’s flower power in full effect, it’s only natural that this natural trend would blossom into the accessories world as well. From brooches to bracelets, some of summer’s most stunning pieces were inspired by the great outdoors.

And while it certainly can be, the meaning behind a personal piece of jewelry doesn’t have to be that deep. Coco Chanel pinned a white camellia to her lapel simply because it was a flower she loved. According to Chanel’s website, she “adored the camellia for its almost geometrical roundness and the regular perfection and classic order of its pure white petals.” Now a symbol of the French fashion house, the camellia adorns some of the most jaw-dropping pieces of Chanel’s fine-jewelry collection, in the form of rings, pendants, earrings, and watches.