We are right in the middle of Autumn in Australia. In some years, it can be quite warm, with blue skies but with nights gradually getting cooler. Other times though, the weather can be overcast and cool. This morning was very cold. At all times, though, trees have beautiful autumn foliage. Part of what autumn means, though, is the changeover in clothing. There are rituals to be followed as we sort out our summer clothes and put them away or donate them to charity and start to drag out our winter clothes from storage.

Autumn leaves

I was thinking that the jewellery we wear doesn’t really change as the seasons change but then I realized that what I wear does change. As it starts to get colder and our clothing gets heavier and starts to involve wearing more layers, then it becomes harder to wear bracelets and bangles. Some catch on cardigan and coat sleeves and this can often lead to breakages. Also, they get lost in the sleeve cuffs. So loose bangles and bracelets get put away and only ones that wrap firmly around the wrist stay. The little Georgian bracelet below is perfect as it fits closely around the wrist and doesn’t catch.

Georgian knitted and cut steel bracelet

I tend to wear shorter earrings too so they don’t catch on the jumpers, cardigans or scarves. It is annoying to be constantly detaching the ends of earrings from wool jumpers and scarves. The Victorian earrings at the top of the post are 2 cms long, a perfect length.

Georgian black dot paste earrings (in Navette of Ruby Lane)

Necklaces also vary in length as more clothes are worn. I find I will either wear a short chain that sits around the neck above the jumper neckline, or a longer chain and pendant /necklace. The longer pieces have to be quite noticeable, otherwise they can get lost in the bulky knits and jackets. The Georgian style beryl and gold necklace below is a good example of an autumn necklace.

Magnificent beryl and gold necklace

The antique 18ct gold citrine pendant below certainly falls into the noticeable category, measuring 5.40cms (2 1/8 inches) long including the bale and 3.81cms (1 ½ inches) across at the widest part.

Large Victorian citrine pendant (in Navettejewellery on Etsy)

Rings only need to change in style as gloves begin to be worn. So stacking rings and bands are worn rather than rings with gemstones set high above the finger.