The Jewelry Edit For Every Summer Occasion
Choose a carefully curated capsule collection of investment pieces and those ‘what do I wear with this’ moments will be a thing of the past, says CHARLIE BOYD
With the height of summer upon us, it’s safe to say that your diary is probably already brimming with social engagements. This is the season of weddings, garden parties, open-air events and alfresco dinners – and that’s before you factor in the impromptu after-work catch-ups. Now that summery fabrics and silhouettes are on day-to-day rotation, however, it can feel as if you need more accessories than usual to keep each ensemble feeling fresh.
The savviest solution? Investing in fine jewels that will elevate every outfit and become timeless companions to each season’s zeitgeist of colors and cuts. “Many people think that investing in fine jewelry won’t give them that new-outfit feeling,” says Emily Johnston, fine jewelry buyer at NET-A-PORTER. “The truth is that even though fine jewelry is a financial commitment, you are likely buying fewer pieces if you pick unique jewels that really speak to your sense of style – and are crafted by designers that riff on contemporary classicism. So you will be able to accent every look with a talking-point piece that you never tire of.”
Unsure how to expand your existing collection? Let us break down how to build a capsule collection of jewels for every chic summer occasion.
Daytime dressing
Whether you’re heading for a countryside brunch or a coastal escape, the right jewelry can lift even the simplest daytime look. Lighter fabrics, such as linen and cotton, however, call for smooth, skin-friendly pieces that won’t snag on skirts and shirts or weigh you down. “A great way to decide on daytime designs is to think of the jewelry icons we rely on – hoop earrings, gold chains and stacking rings – and to look for designers who are reinterpreting these classics,” says Johnston. Anita Ko’s 18-karat gold ‘Georgie’ earrings, for example, have a distinctive angled silhouette that sets them apart from traditional hoops. “By Pariah’s ‘Classic Stack’ set of three rings, with its tactile agate band, is another standout piece,” notes Johnston. “Agate comes in many shades, but this lavender-brown hue pairs beautifully with summer neutrals such as taupe and khaki, as well as off-white hues.” A gold chain is another summer essential, but look for a versatile style – something that works just as well with a tank top as a tea dress. “Lucy Delius’s ‘Fluted Star Trombone Link’ necklace is a favorite of mine, as it shakes up the traditional curb, Cuban or round-link silhouette, and is adorned with a diamond-set star charm for extra sparkle.”
Summer weddings
Weddings are often the most highly anticipated events of the summer season, so call for truly special pieces. “A diamond tennis bracelet is a foolproof investment and looks chic whether worn alone or stacked with other bracelets and bangles. If you already have one, keep adding, there’s no such thing as too many!” Johnston quips. With your wrists well adorned, shift your focus to rings. Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Gemini MX’ ring, featuring mixed metals and subtle diamond accents, is a sleek, modern choice, while pearls are a safe stalwart for wedding-guest ensembles – especially when paired with florals and pastels for alfresco nuptials. “Striking, long-drop earrings by Sophie Bille Brahe can transform a summer dress or tailored suit and will expertly bounce sunshine onto your complexion, helping you look radiant in those all-important photographs,” she adds.
After-dark dressing
Jewels for sultry summer evenings should deliver a dose of drama. Think diamond drops such as Shay’s pear-shaped 18-karat gold earrings, which are ideal for accenting silk slip dresses or a bandeau neckline. “Diamonds really come alive under candlelight, so don’t be shy about stacking,” says Johnston. “A tennis necklace is a staple, but consider contemporary alternatives, such as Suzanne Kalan’s ‘Fireworks’ designs, which swap round stones for striking baguette cut diamonds.” Colored gems can also reign supreme after daylight dips. “Bold stones like tsavorites, spinels or tourmalines, which are more affordable than sapphires, rubies and emeralds, allow you to really play with size and impact,” she notes. “David Yurman’s ‘Albion’ ring, with its striking blue topaz, is a summer-evening essential – and no sunset soirée is complete without a knock-out cocktail ring.” The most important rule when choosing jewels for occasion dressing? “Always choose the ones that bring you joy,” says Johnston. “Then you simply can’t go wrong.”