The passing of Labor Day weekend signals the unofficial start of fall, though its actual start won’t come for a few more weeks—and its crisp, cool temperatures may take even longer than that.
For lovers of this time of year, the final stretch of summer may feel agonizing, and the heat of the season, which was once wholly welcome, now positively stifling. While Starbucks touts the arrival of its pumpkin spice latte, the sip of the season can be tasted only on ice, a cold (not really), quenching beverage for an 85 degree afternoon. It’s still too early for the pumpkin patch. That annual outing to procure decorative gourds must be saved for October, for if purchased too soon, they won’t make it until Halloween. And don’t even try to plan what to wear—though the hot weather hits differently than it did in July, it’s still too warm to don any of the new fall ensembles practically screaming from the closet to be loved.
But not so with jewelry. That’s the most wonderful thing about it: Jewelry is able to transcend seasons, dress sizes, and even trends. Where I see a gorgeously plump pumpkin at the center of Ray Griffiths’ Crownwork ring, you may see a sunset, the farewell to summer that it deserves. I also see a feathery wreath adorned in the warmest autumnal hues, though you may simply enjoy September’s birthstone in an alternative color to its classic blue.
You may also choose to appreciate the piece for what it is: a golden hunk of a ring with a substantial stage presence, concentric circles of orange sapphire set ablaze with contrasting oxidized silver rings.
Griffiths’ signature Crownwork, the lattice-like pattern featured throughout his collections, not only adds to the ring’s appearance, but also makes it more comfortable to wear. The airy addition takes some of the heft from the gold, leaving its substantial look, but helping it to feel lighter.
Top: Ring in 18k yellow gold and oxidized sterling silver with 1.08 ct. orange sapphire center and 2.5 cts. t.w. orange sapphires, $7,975; Ray Griffiths
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