How To Build A Boho Fine-Jewelry Collection
Perfect for pairing with the suede, fringe and paisley prints of fashion’s bohemian design codes, a boho fine-jewelry collection riffs on semi-precious gems believed to have healing properties and attract good karma. By CHARLIE BOYD
Bohemian styling came back in a big way for SS25. Free-spirited luxury took hold at Chloé, brimming with diaphanous dresses in the maison’s signature whimsical prints and white lace, while Valentino Garavani’s floor-skimming lace-appliqué gowns and Etro’s boldly printed cover-ups were ripe to be styled with silk scarves, breezy blouses and full-on fringe. Off the runways, the aesthetic continues to attract the cool girls, with Daisy Edgar-Jones, Aurora James, Zoe Saldaña, and Kaia Gerber all spotted wearing boho-inspired looks in recent months.
The keystone to great boho styling is, of course, the glittering finishing touches in the form of fine jewelry. But while fashion’s boho design codes are relatively obvious, to build a truly hippie-friendly fine-jewelry collection, you need to dive a little deeper into the myriad meanings and purported properties of crystals and semi-precious stones.
Unsure where to start? We suggest beginning with the healing beauty of clear quartz, which is thought to bring mental clarity and focus, and bring the body into balance – all while amplifying energy and the effects of other crystals. This is a gem we could all use a good chunk of in our treasure chests, and Jia Jia’s ‘Jumbo’ necklace – adorned with a generous quartz crystal drop weighing an impressive 25 carats – is understated enough to wear daily.
Jacquie Aiche’s ‘Eyeburst’ pendant, meanwhile, twinkles with a delicate lilac amethyst – believed by some to help reduce stress and anxiety, tackle emotional blockages, and even shield against negative energy. Adorned with miniature evil-eye drops, this is a boho lover’s dream: an ultra-precious piece to be layered into a slew of lariats and low-swinging chains. Complement its pale lavender hue with Melissa Joy Manning’s iolite and Herkimer diamond stud earrings from our NET SUSTAIN edit – a deeper purple stone historically associated with Viking navigators, believed to aid vision and insight. If you have multiple piercings, these will add a raw, rough, and earthy edge to more polished, faceted stones arranged up the ear, injecting some boho energy into an existing earscape.
Boho jewelry is never afraid to go bold, with beads being one of its most iconic elements. Ananya’s ruby Chakra bead bracelet is an investment piece that certainly doesn’t shy away from statement color, featuring over 112 carats of vibrant red rubies. Associated with the mystical heart chakra, crystal healers claim that wearing rubies close to the skin can invigorate body and spirit, encourage compassion, and strengthen emotional connections. What’s not to love?
Packing just as strong a punch is malachite, a semi-precious hardstone believed to manifest change and enhance spiritual guidance. Carolina Bucci’s ‘Downtown’ collection includes a knockout 18-karat gold and malachite cocktail ring, inspired by the dynamic energy of New York City – home to Greenwich Village and the bohemian Beat Generation of the 1950s and ’60s. Let Marie Lichtenberg’s ‘Evil Eye’ ring mirror its verdant hue on the opposite hand, offering a potent flash of green enamel and a rich blue sapphire at its heart. This ancient symbol also appears on Diane Kordas’s cord bracelet, strung with miniature rainbow beads, making it a playful yet powerful addition to your jewelry box.
RELATED READING
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown