The best jewelry for vacation season

Summer dresses? Swimsuits? Sandals? Check, check and check. But what about those luxe finishing touches that will take your vacation look to the next level? Whether you’re jetting to the tropics or sightseeing in ancient cities, a sun-drenched escape is the perfect opportunity to have fun with your jewelry – especially as these precious pieces barely take up any suitcase space. So, what are the key details to look for right now? Read on to discover the latest trends and the in-demand designers making them…

While gemstones and crystals have been treasured for millennia for their aesthetic beauty and possible healing properties, they have seen a resurgence of late as designers across the board transform them into one-of-a-kind show-stoppers – each natural stone is unique, making them even more special. Handmade with a blue chalcedony crystal said to have calming properties and an iolite charm that’s believed to balance and heal, Melissa Joy Manning’s delicate 14-karat gold necklace is perfect for everyday wear. After dark, transform your look by adding Kimberly McDonald’s sparkling geode earrings – crafted from 18-karat blackened white gold and framed with diamonds, they’re best worn with your hair swept back to truly show them off. And these aren’t the only brands using nature to inform their designs: family-run jeweler Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen uses flora and fauna motifs throughout its collections. Balancing sculptural modernity with organic refinement, the ‘Leaves’ 18-karat gold diamond ring and ‘Snakes’ 18-karat gold diamond bracelet are seasonal standouts – and look perfect with a sun-kissed glow.

You might think more-is-more when it comes to stacking jewelry, but there is an art to striking the right balance, which is why designers Jacquie Aiche, Spinelli Kilcollin, Repossi and Sylva & Cie – all of whom create pieces that are designed to be mixed and matched – should be your first ports of call. Renowned for its sets of interlinked rings, Spinelli Kilcollin is the fashion set’s go-to for architectural pieces that can be adapted to your look – wear the ‘Manava’ ring across your fingers or all on one depending on your mood. Next, Repossi’s ‘Antifer’ diamond bracelets, which are designed to look like two peaked cuffs stacked together. Finally, layer up Jacquie Aiche’s talismanic necklaces to give your look a whimsical beach-boho vibe. Sylva & Cie’s 18-karat white-gold starburst earrings make for a chic finishing touch.

If there’s one time of year when people dress a little brighter, it’s on vacation – there’s just something about feeling the sun on your skin that invites you to be freer in your fashion choices. But who says color should be restricted to clothes? For a look that feels at once bold yet understated, try pairing a crisp white dress with jewelry in a variety of rainbow shades. With its fine chain and shimmering rainbow sapphires, Larkspur & Hawk’s ‘Sadie’ necklace is an ultra-pretty option on days when you want to make a subtle statement, while Ana Khouri’s interlocking hoop earrings and wraparound ring are the ideal evening choices – the multicolored sapphires and diamonds ensure they really stand out. Of course, no vacation closet is complete without a stack of bangles up your arm: finish your look with Suzanne Kalan’s cuffs in emerald, ruby and sapphire to bring a whole new meaning to the term ‘arm candy’. Color shy? Ilenna Makri’s gold filigree bracelet adds a subtle dose of color with its miniature emerald leaves interspersed amongst the gold.