How To Wear Neon Jewelry
Precious Details: our fortnightly edit of trending fine jewelry and timepieces, plus expert styling advice
“Neon is a playground of opportunity; a method that encourages me to care less what other people think,” says Scarlett Baker, editor-in-chief of The Next Hour, when asked about her penchant for glowing, souped-up color. “For me, neon has always been a remedy for an unfavorable day; by dressing myself in something vividly louder than I might be feeling, I hope that my headspace will catch up.” This is a common thread where neon is concerned – it is the wardrobe equivalent of an energy drink. “I always believe that colors are connected to emotions, and neon just puts that extra spring in my step,” agrees makeup artist and content creator Rowi Singh, who cites neon as a staple in her beauty cabinet, closet and jewelry box. “Neon can really elevate a look,” she adds.
Both tastemakers celebrate neon as a clever tool within their individual color worlds but, for some, it’s part of an everyday, head-to-toe acid rainbow. “Neon is very much present in the way I use color; I love to accessorize with bright neons in the form of a bright bag or shoe, but I’m no stranger to a full neon suit, either,” says digital creator Marianne Theodorsen. “As for jewelry, I think neon is an absolute must – some of my very favorite pieces are the neon ones. Oh, and I absolutely adore a bright neon manicure, too.”
For those seeking maximum impact, New York-based designer Melissa Kaye is a regular experimentalist with neon enamel. Kaye creates precious pieces in hot pink, zingy green, electric blue and vivid turquoise – from her simple ‘Sylvie’ diamond-stud earrings with a halo of saturated color, to her more audacious designs, such as the ‘Riley’ ring, which creates a neon vortex on the finger. And if you’re daunted by the vivacity? “It’s like I always say to people who ask me how to incorporate more color into their wardrobe: start with the small things and build up from there,” says Theodorsen. “A bag, shoes or a T-shirt are all a great place to start, and the same goes for jewelry – a pair of neon earrings or a stack of neon rings is a great way to spice up a simple outfit.”
Those wanting to dip their toe into neon styling will love Eéra’s single earring – just a shot of fizzy yellow or flamingo pink that can be joined with a slew of white-gold studs for those with multiple piercings. Alternatively, consider Gigi Clozeau’s whisker-fine chains with miniature resin beads that swing from stud earrings, encircle wrists and drape low necklines. Clozeau dabbles with lime green, hyper-pigmented yellow, bold orange and red, creating feather-light strings that bring a delicate dash of color to your everyday jewelry wardrobe – choose her styles with miniature charms for an extra dose of vibrancy and sparkle.
“For neon newbies, it doesn’t have to be a huge embrace, rather a gentle handshake to welcome the change,” says Baker. “And the truth is, it’s never as loud as you imagine. If you’re worried about what people might think, chances are they’re looking down at their phones, Googling ‘neon-green skirt’ after seeing you walk down the street.”