Consumers' embraced semiprecious stones in a myriad of forms last fall primarily due to the widespread popularity if turquoise. Accessories Magazine created a guide to stones that will likely emerge as best sellers for Fall '03 based on color trends for the season.

What's Next Fashion Trends Holiday 2003

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• Earrings lead the category — the bigger, the better!
• Large-scale chandeliers
• Big double hoops
• Shoulder dusters
• "Dirty" diamonds
• Opalescent crystals
• Facet-cut crystals
• Jewel-tone rhinestones
• Art Deco styling
• Cocktail rings
• Brooches worn in multiples

No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than agate, chalecedony quartz that forms in concentric layers in a wide variety of colors and textures. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in host rock. As a result, agate often is found as a round nodule, with concentric bands like the rings of a tree trunk. The bands sometimes look like eyes, sometimes fanciful scallops, or even a landscape with dendrite trees.

Named after the Achates River in Sicily, this is one of the most common of stones. A fine-grained form of Chalcedony, it is found in a wide variety of colors and markings. The banding sometimes takes the form of an eye and this is an especially lucky power stone which brings wealth, plenty and protection from evil. A very protective stone that repels many dangers including demons, lightning and serpents. Worn as a lucky charm by ancient athletes to bring them power during a race and help them recover afterwards ~ Agate is still used today to increase energy and speed recovery.

Dinosaurs have been more popular than ever since their starring role in the movie Jurassic Park. A more surprising result of the movie's popularity has been a worldwide surge in demand for amber jewelry. Although amber's use in adornment is probably as old as mankind, in recent history it has had a limited market. Of course, that was before millions of people saw dinosaur DNA extracted from a mosquito trapped in amber in the movie.

The Romans sent armies to conquer and control amber producing areas. Emperor Nero was a great connoisseur of amber. During his time, wrote Roman historian Pliny, the price of an amber figurine, no matter how small, exceeded the price of a living healthy slave.

The ancient Germans burned amber as incense, so they called it bernstein, or "burn stone." Clear colorless amber was considered the best material for rosary beads in the Middle Ages due to its smooth silky feel. Certain orders of knights controlled the trade and unauthorized possession of raw amber was illegal in most of Europe by the year 1400.

Citrine includes yellow to gold to orange brown shades of transparent quartz. Sunny and affordable, citrine can brighten almost any jewelry style, blending especially well with the yellow gleam of polished gold.

Although the darker, orange colors of citrine, sometimes called Madeira citrine after the color of the wine, has generally been the most valued color, in modern times, many people prefer the bright lemony shades which mix better with pastel colors. Citrine is generally more inexpensive than amethyst and is also available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and shapes, including very large sizes.

One of the most powerful healing stones. Citrine works on the heart, kidneys, muscles and stomach and helps to heal gangrene, infection and blood disorders. The stone raises the spirits of people who are ill, boosts their immune system. Helps overcome lethargy, obesity, comfort eating, grief, guilt and depression. A Solar stone, its bright sunny power can bring hope and energy even to those who find life impossible to bear. It is believed to help combat the side effects of electrical energy that we are all surrounded by nowadays.

The Egyptians said that topaz was colored with the golden glow of the mighty sun god Ra. This made topaz a very powerful amulet that protected the faithful against harm. The Romans associated topaz with Jupiter, who also is the god of the sun. Topaz sometimes has the amber gold of fine cognac or the blush of a peach and all the beautiful warm browns and oranges inbetween. Some rare and exceptional topaz are pale pink to a sherry red.

Golden Topaz is also called Imperial Topaz and is the stone of nobility, honor and benevolence. Topaz concentrates the mystical powers of the Sun to bring wisdom, wealth, power and energy. Worn on the left hand the stone traditionally calms anger and banishes melancholy, brightens the wits and brigs courage. Bound to the left arm it dispels enchantments, heals the mind, prevents sleepwalking and apparently cures hemorrhoids!

Blue Topaz is a transparent, light blue stone that holds the power of the Moon and elemental Water. It naturally complements the energy of Golden Topaz and when the two stones are brought together, they can create very powerful magic. Blue Topaz calms passions and balances the emotions.

Coral is calcium carbonate with a trade of carotene. Its color ranges from white to red. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. Most coral is found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific off Japan and Taiwan. When you say the word coral, most people think of the coral reefs in the South Pacific like the Great Barrier Reef off Australia. However, these coral reefs are formed by a different species than the coral traditionally used in jewelry Corallium rubrum and Corallium japonicum.

Sacred to Sea Goddesses such as Aphrodite and to Medusa, who it is said stained Coral red with her blood. Enhances any sex magic or spells for passionate love. Pale corals can be used to ensure a passionate relationship tempered by friendship and emotional compatibility. Coral is an ancient and powerful fertility charm, worn as an amulet by the Romans and especially favored by childless women. Symbolizes female wisdom and the wise blood of menstruation. Coral holds the power of elemental Water and can help connect with that element or communicate with the magical beings of the oceans. Helps to overcome fears, phobias and doubts and to understand your deepest, darkest shadows.

Carnelian is a form of Chalcedony, which is the microcrystalline form of Quartz (Silicon Dioxide). Because Quartz is the most common crystal on Earth, deposits of Carnelian are found throughout the world. The most famous sites are in India, Brazil, Uruguay and Japan. The Deposits are usually found in the lower temperature and lower pressure zones near the Earth’s surface. It is also the national gemstone for Norway-Sweden.

Sacred to the Goddess Isis. In Egypt, the dead were buried with Carnelian amulets carved in the shape of the Buckle of Isis, believing that it would resurrect them just as Isis resurrected her beloved husband Osiris. Used by the living to pass between the worlds. Sleeping with Carnelian under your pillow can help to encourage vivid dreams and astral experiences. Has a long affinity with sexual energies and brings great power to sex magic. Balances the mind between spiritual meditation and the need to put insights into action and do something constructive with your powers.

Chrysoprase, a bright apple green translucent chalcedony, is the most valued. It was a particular favorite of Frederick The Great of Prussia, who loved its bright green color. It can be seen today decorating many buildings in beautiful Prague, including the Chapel of St Wencelas. Chrysoprase is found today mostly in Australia. Unlike most other green stones, which owe their color to chromium or vanadium, chrysoprase derives its color from nickel. Its bright even color and texture lends itself well to beads, cabochons, and carvings.

A stone of elemental Earth. Can be used magically to increase love and friendship and bring the gift of good companions into your life. A powerful stone for healers, The stone has a special link with the Dragons of the Earth and if taken as an elixir or added to a charm bag will help you to communicate with these fabulous beasts. A special talisman for anyone who has to struggle long and hard against overwhelming odds to gain a goal they know to be worth fighting for. Develops perseverance, determination and single-mindedness. Encourages eloquence and quick thinking.

Amazonite was named for the Amazon river. Although it does occur in Brazil, amazonite has not been found in the vicinity of this great river. The name microcline comes from two Greek words meaning little and inclined, referring to the cleavage angle's slight inclination from ninety degrees. Feldspar is derived from the German word feld which means field.

A stone of personal truth and honesty. Helps you to find the courage to speak from the heart and the wisdom to know when to stay silent. Develops creativity and self expression so that you can really be the person that you know yourself to be. Calming to the nerves relieves stress and helps anyone suffering mood swings, irrational behavior and emotional problems. Boosts will power and inner strength. Teaches you how to cope with change.

Hematite is the principle ore of iron. Huge quantities are mined yearly for industrial production. It is the source for roughly 90 percent of all iron mined in the United States. Hematite was largely used in the past as a red and brown pigment, although nowadays cheaper sources have been substituted. Well formed Hematite crystals are popular among mineral collectors. Highly polished, tumbled Hematite from Brazil makes a very popular, inexpensive specimen for collectors. Hematite also has gem uses. It is cut and polished into cabochons for jewelry and ornaments, fashioned into beads for bracelets and necklaces, and carved into ornamental figures.

Hematite is the gem form of iron, in the same way that Diamond is the gem form of carbon. Breaks through any barriers that may be holding you back such as fear, inhibition, guilt, worry or self-doubt. An excellent stone for absorbing and grounding negative energy. The name Hematite is from the Greek 'Haimatites', meaning 'Stone of Blood' because when it is cut or ground it gives off a red dust that runs like blood when mixed with water. This is iron oxide (rust) and the dry powder is called Red Ochre. It has been used for thousands of years as a pigment for cave painting and also to color tombs and the bodies of the dead.

Jasper is an ornamental rock composed mostly of chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz, in association with other minerals, which give it colorful bands and patterns. Jasper was a favorite gem in the ancient world, and the name jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, and Latin.

There are many types of Jasper, all with their own unique powers. All forms of Jasper are associated with the power to break a drought. A dish of Jasper filled with water should be placed on a windowsill to draw rain. It may be difficult to find a dish of Jasper so you could always use a consecrated clear glass bowl filled with Jasper stones. All Jaspers protect from nightmares and strengthen the mind against depression and negative thoughts. They help to increase self-confidence and independence and ward off mental or psychic domination by others. Can help you to break free of an oppressive situation or abusive relationship but use the stone with caution. Only use it for these purposes if you are sure that you want your life to change because it can have powerful and sometimes unexpected effects!

Onyx was very popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans. The name comes from the Greek word onux, which means fingernail. The story is that one day frisky Cupid cut the divine fingernails of Venus with an arrowhead while she was sleeping. He left the clippings scattered on the sand and the fates turned them into stone so that no part of the heavenly body would ever perish. True, black isn't normally the color one associates with fingernails. (Did Venus wear Vamp?) But in Greek times, almost all colors of chalcedony from fingernail white to dark brown and black were called onyx. Later, the Romans narrowed the term to refer to black and dark brown colors only.

Onyx which is reddish brown and white is known as sardonyx. Sardonyx was highly valued in Rome, especially for seals, because it was said to never stick to the wax. Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio was known for wearing lots of sardonyx.

Onyx has long been associated with magic and for occult purposes; it is most commonly the black variety that is used. Onyx protects its bearer from misfortune and illness and prevents illusions and nightmares caused by evil spirits. It is a stone of powerful protection and strength. It is reputed to bring unexpected good luck to its bearer and to protect them from the plots and ill wishes of their enemies.

Smoky quartz is a brown transparent quartz that is sometimes used for unusual faceted cuts. The commercial market is limited due to the limited demand for brown gemstones. This variety was sometimes known as smoky topaz in the past, which is incorrect and misleading, since the mineral variety is quartz, not topaz.

Also known as Cairngorm and Morion. Clears the mind and banishes confusion. The stone is strongly linked to the Earth and can be used in exercises for grounding, connecting with the Earth element or drawing energy from the Earth for healing and vitality. Meditation with the stone can remove the illusion that physical life and spiritual life are separate and help you understand that your physical pleasures enhance your learning and spiritual growth.

Tiger's Eye quartz contains brown iron which produces its golden-yellow color. Cabochon cut stones of this variety show the chatoyancy (small ray of light on the surface) that resembles the feline eye of a tiger. The most important deposit is in South Africa, though Tiger's eye is also found in Western Australia, Burma (Myanmar), India and the U.S. (California).

A very protective stone, Tiger Eye can ward off the effects of curses and ill wishing. Carrying the stone allegedly makes you irresistible to the opposite sex. Sometimes called the Stone of Balance, Tiger Eye blends opposite energies to bring balance and understanding. An excellent stone for anyone caught up in a situation where they have to be the diplomat or mediator. Helps you see both sides of an argument and make detached, logical judgments. Meditation with the stone can help you find the path of power that lies between polarities. Strengthens your connection to elemental Earth and is helpful for grounding higher energies so that you can cope with the practicalities of everyday life. Red Tiger Eye increases confidence, especially when speaking in public. If you are forced to spend time with a person who drains your energy protect yourself with a charm bag containing Holy Thistle, Spearmint, Walnut leaves and a piece of Tiger Eye.