The jewellery that will make you look younger and be the envy of your friends: A veteran Vogue editor reveals six styles you need to know – and how to get the looks for less

Jewelry may be the smallest part of your outfit, but it has a huge impact on how the world sees you.

I worked as an editor at Vogue for 25 years, where I was the jewelry director and sought out the latest jewelry to showcase on the pages of the magazine. I know that every trend has a long history, but also offers a very personal form of self-expression.

And while you can easily spend thousands on the most beautiful gemstones, you can make an equally vibrant statement by shopping on the high street. You just have to think about what your statement piece really says about you. I’ve deciphered the six most important jewellery trends for autumn and selected pieces that sparkle with hope, possibility and novelty to see you through the coming winter season…

Really wild rings

This season, the jewellery world looks back to the Victorian era, with symbols of nature such as flowers, insects, swallows and snakes everywhere – especially on motif rings. JW Anderson’s autumn/winter show featured tiny doves painted on signet rings, while snake motifs shone brightly at Chloe.

The trend for animal jewellery is now identity-driven – choose an animal whose qualities you admire or want to identify with. Thomas Sabo has a gold-plated snake ring for £180 – or River Island’s leopard ring is £14.

Return of the choker

Each fashion season has many looks, so I recommend long necklaces with pendants, but I would also like to point out the trend of short, tight chokers.

Chokers are often described as colliers de chien, a fashion trend that began in the mid-19th century when Hermes created a studded leather collar for a client’s bulldog. On the runways, Gucci showed headbands made from metal dog collars; Chanel alternated strings of pearls with chunky chains and heart-shaped pendants.

Marla Aaron’s necklaces feature a series of rotating locks that connect chains together. Sandralexandra has the perfect choker for those who love the chain look, featuring glass handmade in Spain (£110), and you can get matching earrings for £43.

Luxurious chandeliers

Chandelier earrings are back and that’s great news because they cast a flattering light on the face as the dark days of winter approach. In my opinion, they are a much better investment than Botox.

The original chandeliers were designed to mimic Georgian candelabras, which would reflect light as a woman danced around a candlelit room. Ballrooms are few and far between these days, but the importance of light never diminishes.

Dolce & Gabbana’s diamond chandeliers are gorgeous, but a cascade of crystals or semi-precious stones will do just as well – like Swarovski’s mixed crystal (£350). A more affordable option is lab-grown crystals like Lovisa’s drop earrings (£18, seen on the model above). There’s no need to go as far as catwalk-skimming shoulder-skimmers, and if chandeliers are too flashy for daytime, just stash them in your bag and bring them out to sparkle after dark – just like they do in Bridgerton.

Superhero cuffs

In the 1970s, every stylish wrist could sport a sculptural bracelet after Tiffany & Co released the best-selling Bone Cuff, designed by Italian ex-model Elsa Peretti.

Now there’s a revival in embellished wrists – but this time you need something on every arm. Goossens suit pieces are a classic – the brand’s founder, Parisian jeweler Robert Goossens, created styles for Coco Chanel’s runway shows.

To keep it affordable, look for jewellery made from shiny non-precious metals, resin, wood or leather, like this wide, wavy bracelet from Anthropologie for £48.

Romantic pendants

Drop pendant necklaces were prominent on the fall/winter catwalks at Tom Ford, Bottega Veneta, and Gabriela Hearst. Long, loose, and flowing, they ranged from polished stones to abstract metallic shapes and charms, with some hanging from leather cords.

Choose a pendant that is meaningful to you, or add your own special coin or charm, and the necklace becomes a personal talisman.

Or try beads, because the 70s vibe is back. Boho poster girl Sienna Miller was seen wearing a green malachite pendant on a Missoma necklace (£105). A more affordable option is Ottoman Hands – the gold-plated turquoise pendant is £49.

Perfect hoops

This season, jumbo rings are back in gold or chunky silver. Opt for volume that is light at the same time.

However, I’m not a fan of the new asymmetrical hoop look.

If you wear one large and one small one on the other ear, it will look like you got the wrong combination.

Jennifer Fisher is Manhattan’s queen of hoops, making every size and variety you could wish for, starting at £93 for her flat huggies (jenniferfisher.com), while Dower & Hall offers gorgeous bejeweled pearl hoop earrings (£295). For chic affordability, look to Betty & Biddy – their eye-catching Chubby Hoops are just £16.

• If Jewels Could Talk: Seven Secret Histories by Carol Woolton is out September 26 (Simon & Schuster UK, £18.99)