Yes, dear, we all have our classic jewels that are always in style—you’ll never go wrong with your strand of pearls, diamond studs, Lady Rolex, or sterling silver cuff.  But, let’s face it, sometimes, certain pieces are more “in” than at other times.  Although any really good (as in, really expensive) piece of jewelry will transcend the current trends, the reverse also holds true—you can get away with cheap costume jewelry if it’s up-to-the-minute.  So what’s the scorecard on baubles these days?

In:  “Interesting” necklaces and earrings:
The fashion mags are still showing long, chunky chain necklaces and fat bangle bracelets on their models, but we never see much of this on Actual People (not even celebrities), maybe because they’re hard to wear without being too costume-y or overpowering. 
Instead, the hottest trend now seems to be “interesting” pendants and earrings in intricate shapes or motifs.  Leaves, wishbones, horseshoes, or multiple charms are still strong, as well as cameos or etched gold.  Celebrities love Jennifer Meyer (Jennifer Aniston wore her leaf necklace and earrings throughout the film The Breakup ), but the rest of us can have the look for less from websites that specialize in celebrity-jewelry knockoffs.  We especially like asos.com, because many of their pieces are sterling silver and the prices are reasonable, even when you convert the prices (in British pounds) to US dollars.
And although we still like long chains, the delicate ones seem freshest, like this beautiful Nadri.  Or, if you can afford it, the Cartier Love Necklace is a fresh take on the overplayed bracelet and will always be a classic.  Wear these long chains with a suit, or your dressy tanks and Going Out tops, or, later in the season, layered over a tank and dressy cardigan.
While necklaces can usually go from the office to evening, with earrings these days, there seems to be no middle ground—make them interesting, (again, the motifs and charms, and filigreed gold pieces are great), but in you work in an office, save them for going out in the evening.  And never wear interesting earrings and necklaces together, unless they match exactly and the rest of your outfit is dead simple.

Out For Now :  Tiffany heart tag necklaces and bracelets (unless you’re twelve), single-jewel pendants, chokers, circle necklaces, wood beads, and Cartier Love bracelets

In:  Big Rings or no rings, and for the truly avant-garde—no engagement ring.
Just the other day, our Top Secret New York Correspondent mentioned that, due to the fact that just about everyone who’s exchanged wedding vows these days has a minimum 2-carat platinum solitaire engagement ring (and most brides show much less restraint and go way bigger), the elite are switching to thin, plain platinum bands on their fourth left fingers. Considering the fact that diamonds are no longer all that special, not to mention the fact that there are so many synthetic options available, many of the top brides are opting for the simple band for every day. The real branding takes place with the “cocktail ring”, which, true to a Women’s Prerogative, can change with the winds of fashion and/or one’s husband’s fortunes.  Which is a brilliant concept, when you think about it.  After all, selecting an engagement ring is like picking out wedding china—chances are, in ten or fifteen years (and we’re assuming, here, that you’re in this for the long haul, and not just the ring), it’s going to look a little dated. 

Out For Now:  Lots of ditsy rings, boring diamond solitaires, and thumb rings

In:  Cuffs and Bangles
Although the biggest News is in the long necklace, cuffs are still strong among a certain set.  Quality is more important in cuffs than bangles (you almost can’t go wrong with cheap bangles!), although we did spot a Target version that looks interesting.  If you want to really storm the palace, wear matching cuffs—it’s a gutsy move, but it’s been adopted as a trademark by at least two major socialites:  Lynn Wyatt of Houston, and Tory Burch of New York.

Out For Now: Thin chain bracelets, thin twisted sterling cuffs (like the overdone David Yurman), beaded bracelets

But reguardless of what’s in or out, you won’t go wrong if you follow two basic rules when it comes to jewelry: 
1) Wear one “interesting” piece at a time!  Our Great Aunt Cornelia used to get dressed for the evening and then remove one piece of jewelry to make sure she was tastefully understated, but that was back when everyone wore simple necklace/earring sets, diamond bracelets, and a brooch or two.  Yes, you can wear more than one very simple piece, or two pieces that match.  And you can layer a couple of gold chains or beaded necklaces, but be very careful you don’t look like Madonna in her “Like A Virgin” video.  (The 80’s may be back, but please, God, not like that).
2) A piece is never wrong if it’s been given to you by someone who loves you.  The chicest people I know wear sentimental pieces (whether they’re anniversary rings or macaroni necklaces) as though they were priceless gems—which, of course they are.