Summer is nearly here…
Summer is almost here; the sun is shining, the birds are singing, sun dresses and sandals are out… Well, if you live in the North East of England, you may know that I am being very positive when saying ‘summer’, but ANYWAY, even if we may not get as many sunny days as other places, we definitely know how to make the most of these special and precious days! So, whatever you are doing this summer; going to beer gardens with friends, headed to festivals, enjoying a lovely BBQ with your family or even going abroad to a sunny land, you must be prepared to enjoy these next few months. Your summer wardrobe is coming out and with that should come the summer accessories, and this includes some summery jewellery.
Summery?
But you may ask, what makes vintage jewellery befitting of the title of ‘summery’? Well, for a start I think that you should go bold with colours. Go for very playful jewellery. Anything you usually wouldn’t dare to wear is up for grabs: turquoises, coral, jade, bright amethysts, to name just a few, can be wonderful choices! Buccellati inspired jewellery is a hit again and again, summer after summer – and we have a lot of pieces that fit the bill perfectly. Luxury jewellery designer, Buccellati produce bright, colourful, and often floral pieces year after year. These styles are inevitably popular summer choices, and you’d be remiss to ignore the trend!
When looking at this season’s particular trends, I have picked out a few inspiring antique and vintage pieces, several of which may be found in our inventory here at AC Silver.
Electric Colours…
As I said, go bold with colours: electric colours happen to be the IT thing – so no shame to go with the trend! Also, bold colours look fantastic and amplify a nice summer tan!
Making a Statement
Statement necklaces with popping colours should most definitely be included in your outfits this summer – a lot of our examples of aquamarine jewellery and coral jewellery feature very bright colouring that’s the perfect touch to your summer wardrobe.
And Pastels Too
If you want more of a discrete, daywear alternative, maybe you’re at the office, perhaps, go for pastels. They can be an equally wonderful and appropriate choice, perfectly matching neutral colours as easily as contrasting with bright colours. Gemstones such as blue topaz and high zircon present vivid blue tones that also carry a slight translucence that makes them work-suitable.
A Cut Above…
As for the cuts of gemstones when you want vibrant summer outfits, rough cuts and raw stones would complement the boldness of the colours and give you that edgy, boho chic look that this summer needs!
Seasonal Colours
Blue is clearly a great summer colour, reminding us of cloudless blue skies or the ocean; so all shades of blue, from cobalt to turquoise are a definite yes! But blue is not the only colour that will be trendy this season…
Green also comes as a strong colour for spring/summer 2014 collections. It is bright, fresh and will remind you of picnics, freshly cut grass, and of the great outdoors in general. So, if you go for really popping, bright green then peridots are your best option (as it turns out, peridots are also considered as one of the birth stones for August so it works out quite well.)
But if you want to go for a deeper, more intense green, emeralds are obviously the answer. Emeralds have been extremely popular recently and Mr Campbell has managed to source some truly exceptional antique and vintage examples.
Don’t forget the cuffs…
Another trend of this season that shall not be ignored is cuffs: cuffs are indeed all over the fashion industry, they are bold, dimensional and dramatic. Cuffs are very present in the Alexander Mc Queen collection for instance. Our bangles are the ideal antique and vintage stand-in for contemporary cuffs.
Bangles like this vintage piece are perfect for the summertime, the gemstones bright and colourful, the yellow gold bold and warm. This bangle is very reminiscent of the Buccellati jewellery pieces, balancing the glamour of high jewellery with the playfulness of a bracelet of flowers.
What do you think of a playful bangle like this for summertime? Pair it with a long sun dress and some wedge sandals and you’re ready for some coffee and Italian ice cream in the warm afternoon sun!
Or the Pearls!
Before I finish this blog I MUST add one of my personal favourites: pearls.
I see pearls as quite summery because they remind me of the beach AND during summer you do not wear as much perfume as you usually would (it is said that perfume can stain your skin when exposed to the sun).
As perfume is not good for pearls, a perfume-free season = pearl season! (But then that is probably just MY way of thinking…) But anyway, pearls happen to also be trending this season (and they are the birthstone for June). Pearls are elegant but edgy and fun at the same time, so why not treat yourself to one of our ever-so pretty pearl necklaces?
How to Wear Vintage Jewellery
Sometimes, the idea of wearing and styling vintage jewellery can be intimidating, but don’t let it scare you; vintage jewellery is beautiful and unique and will make any outfit that bit brighter and better! Having jewellery that already has a history of its own may seem like a challenge at times, but if you know how to wear the piece, you’ll be well on your way to success.
Vintage pieces often go beyond the time they were made, like diamond tennis bracelets or solitaire engagement rings, and they look just as contemporary now as they did when they were originally crafted. The key to wearing vintage jewellery is confidence; if you want you can lean into it and go for a full vintage-inspired look. Wear a floral tea dress, a vintage pearl necklace, and style your hair like Jackie O if you like that style.
Alternatively, you can mix and match and wear vintage pieces alongside new jewellery, or with hyper-modern outfits. Contrast is every bit as beautiful and valuable as compliment, and ultimately, if you’re rocking your own style, you can’t go wrong!
How to Wear a Brooch
Brooches are among the most beautiful types of jewellery to exist (in my opinion anyway), they have an ancient history, and were only recently considered unfashionable – thankfully only for the briefest time. Yes, brooches are back in a big way, and we’re all very grateful!
If you have a brooch in your jewellery box and you’re not sure how to style it, there are a lot of ways you can try, we even have a blog purely for learning how to wear a brooch. Basically, the rules are the same as when you’re wearing vintage pieces: confidence! A brooch will look good anywhere if you wear it with a smile. You can go for the most classic way: wearing your brooch at the decolletage of your dress/shirt/coat/etc. You can also opt for something more experimental, wearing your brooch like a bowtie at the closure of a shirt or blouse. Mystical professors among you can wear a brooch to secure an elaborate scarf in place. The options are unlimited!
Summer Is Nearly Upon Us
So, as summer is fast approaching, think about those items rarely worn, lurking at the bottom of your jewellery box, which might just provide that ‘summer statement’ you’re looking for!
Marushka Frandgie – Sales Assistant / Digital Content Editor
Marushka joined AC Silver in 2014 bringing hands on experience in jewellery retail and management in addition to a Master’s Degree in Media and Journalism.
