Jewelry To Wear For The Summer’s Re-Entry| CHURINGA JEWELRY GUIDE

By Tanya Dukes, INSTORE magazine, Guest Editor

Achingly slowly but surely, we’re coming out of our collective year-long period of seclusion. After being able to connect only through social media, online meet-ups and tightly controlled pods, we are thrilled to (literally) embrace the people we care about as the worst of a period of loss and anxiety seems to be coming to an end. It’s time to satisfy the urge to trade in sweatpants for something a little more festive, and you won’t be fully dressed without jewelry that matches this year’s brighter outlook. No matter how fancy or informal your plans might be, bring jewelry to the party to put your best face forward, masked or not.

Wedding Bliss

The season for outdoor nuptials has arrived in full force. Celebrations postponed the year before are happening alongside ones for the newly betrothed. Classic jewelry able to transition from day to evening is the answer to dressing up for virtually any wedding. A long necklace with diamond stations can be worn at its full length or doubled according to the neckline you choose to wear. Sculptural two-tone hoops are easy to pair with your whole wardrobe without worry about mixing the wrong metals. And if all those declarations of love put you in a romantic mood, it might be time to update your wedding jewelry with an eternity band. (They make excellent declarations of self-love too.)

14K Yellow-White Gold Twisted 35mm Diamond Hoop Earrings - EG13947M45JJ — Style: EG13947M45JJ

14K White-Yellow Gold Diamond Fashion Station Necklace - NK6939-32M45JJ — Style: NK6939-32M45JJ

14K White Gold Baguette and Round Diamond Anniversary Band - 0.91 ct - AN15579W44JJ — Style: AN15579W44JJ

Making a Splash

If a beachy getaway is on the agenda this summer, make the most of the downtime and change of scenery with jewelry that’s a match for the environment. Mid-century style icons elevated seaside adornment to an art form with their maximalist approach to piling on accessories for a day spent poolside or on the sand. Why not channel Elizabeth Taylor in the south of France bedecked in a bikini and diamonds? Bare skin is the perfect canvas for glistening gold jewelry. Wearing a plunging neckline? Slip into a y-necklace that accentuates the positive. Short sleeves offer the luxury of piling on an armful of bangles, and the brilliant azure hue of blue topaz stud earrings are the same color as the Mediterranean Sea. But for the sake of the longevity of your jewelry, remove your pieces before taking a plunge.

14K Yellow-White Gold Two Strand Diamond Station Y Necklace - NK6193M45JJ — Style: NK6193M45JJ

14K Yellow Gold Stud Earrings - EG14348Y4JBT — Style: EG14348Y4JBT

14K Yellow and White Gold Split Cuff with Pyramids and Diamonds - BG4220-65M45JJ — Style: BG4220-65M45JJ

The Great Outdoors

There’s probably no setting that represents the magic of easygoing summer socializing like the backyard barbecue. Sunny and casual with delicious (and very messy) food, it’s not the place for fussy fashion but that doesn’t mean unadorned athleisure is the answer. Wearing subtle pieces of gold jewelry is the flourish that will make you look and feel like you made a little extra effort. Modern, angular huggies and a wide band in luminous 14K gold will glow appealingly in the sunshine, while a signet-style ring with pavé-set diamonds is equal parts preppy and glamorous. They’re low profile, timeless pieces that won’t interfere with gobbling corn on the cob or an impromptu game of touch football.

14K Yellow Gold Geometric Huggies - EG14038Y4JJJ — Style: EG14038Y4JJJ

14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Pavé Ring - LR52016Y45JJ — Style: LR52016Y45JJ

14K Yellow Gold Panther Chain Ring - LR51963Y4JJJ — Style: LR51963Y4JJJ

Meet & Greet

While in-person activities are increasing, for lots of us there will still be plenty of online meetings lingering in our Google calendars. There’s been a lot said about the importance of wearing a “Zoom earring,” oversize baubles that can’t be missed when viewed on a laptop screen. But it’s time to mix up your digital style options. (And, frankly, if you’re so close to your computer camera that only your face is in the frame, you’re too close. Back up!) For that next video conference call, put on a pair of sparkly studs then amp up the drama with a layered necklace look that incorporates a bold colored gemstone. The combination is a polished change of pace. Also, your lobes will appreciate a lighter load.

After over a year of restrictions and elastic waistbands, let’s revive the joy of dressing well. It’s a show of respect for ourselves and the people around us. A summer to remember is on the horizon. Greet it wearing fresh, new jewelry.