15 Pretty Pieces.

By: Jill Newman

There’s a reason why pearls never go out of style: they simply look pretty on every woman and even on men, too (Harry Styles is one celebrity who has made pearls his signature). They radiate a subtle glow, which is why a great pair of pearl earrings or choker lights up a woman’s face. Think of pearls as a quick beauty fix —and they look especially beautiful with a summer tan.

A perfect pairing with pearls is pastel jewelry – such as dreamy pink tourmalines, baby blue aquamarines and lemon-yellow citrines. You can layer on pastels and pearls with breezy summer dresses, halter tops, white t-shirts, and just about any summer clothes to create a more polished, stylish look.

Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean you should forgo your sense of style – and the right jewels are an easy and effortless way to stay chic in the heat.

Cool pearl jewelry for every age

Forget about the classic pearls. The best jewelry designers are using pearls in creative and contemporary styles. Some of my favorites are big chunky South Sea pearls that appear like they might have washed up on the shore on simple leather cords. You can layer on these pearl jewels poolside or at the beach for a touch of casual luxury even when you are wearing a bikini.

Award winning jewelry designer Mizuki Goltz is known for uncovering unusual baroque South Sea pearls that she sets on minimalist gold designs and leather cord necklaces and bracelets. “I strive to let the pieces move, flow and breathe with the body,” she says.

Playful Pearls: Don’t take your pearls too seriously.

Jewelry designs like Monica Rich Kosann’s pearl Crescent Moon pendant necklace show pearls in a whimsical style, and it is also the kind of piece that you can live in all summer long.

From the designer who has been dressing vice president Kamala Harris in stylish pearls for the past year, Irene Neuwirth has created fresh new designs that make pearls one of the season’s most fashionable accessories. A great example is Neuwirth’s gold hoop covered with Akoya pearls, which you can dress up or down depending upon your mood.

Designers are getting creative with iridescent mother of pearl necklaces and earrings that lighten up any outfit.

Pretty in Pastels

It’s the season to pile on beautiful shades of pastel gemstones. One of my favorites is Tamara Comolli’s Mikado Flamenco bracelet in a romantic palette of pink and peachy gemstones set in rose gold. It’s a luxurious statement design.

Fall in love with color

Nature delivers gemstones in a rainbow of pleasing colors, so find the hue that you love – and wear it. Some women can’t resist feminine pink colors, and other fall for baby blues or sunny yellows. Designers are using these colors in playful new ways, from Alison Lou’s lavender Jelly hoop earrings (a great affordable accessory that you can get in every color) to Irene Neuwirth’s one-of-a-kind carved pastel flower jewelry. These jewels are a great ways to add soft, feminine colors to your summer wardrobe.