The Biggest Summer Jewellery Trends In 2021 

The jewellery that you wear can make or break an outfit. From an embellished statement necklace, paired with a stunning sequin gown, to relaxed tassel earrings for a fun and flirty twist, what you wear says a lot about who you are as a person. Take me, a girl who is often described as a cross between ‘Frida Kahlo’, and a part-time mermaid and unicorn at weekends, as an example. From bright and bold tassel earrings, to beautiful pearl earrings, glittery chokers, and floral necklaces, my style is a combination of fun, colourful and bold prints, which is a heady mix. Which is why the biggest summer jewellery trends in 2021, is all about identifying who you are as a jewellery ‘wearer’. Are you fun and extravagant, laid back, elegant, colour coordinated, or a hodge podge of everything? Are you looking for timeless jewellery, that will span centuries, or are you all about trend-led pieces, that wouldn’t be amiss at London Fashion Week?

The jewellery that you choose to wear can reveal a lot about your personality traits and quirks. From the colours that I use, to the mix of textures, prints, and matching jewellery pieces, the accessories go beyond ‘pulling my look together’. Instead it shows that I am an extrovert, who lives a vibrant life, confident in her choices, and not afraid to leave her comfort zone. And yet I am introverted too, a quiet thinker, drawn into a world of cottagecore, day-dreams and Princess balls, with intricate tiaras, flower crowns, sterling silver jewellery and headbands, as I live out my modern Royal fantasy. Jewellery (like people) is multi-faceted, and so the choices you make are often diverse, depending on the mood, ocassion or preference. Some days I might want to be a tropical beach lover, and others I might be living my best Bridgerton life. Whatever the jewellery you choose, they are essential wardrobe staples that you need, to make your looks come alive!

What I love about jewellery is how it is more than just a surface level ‘accessory’, but something that holds meaning. Lockets are emblazoned with pictures of lost loved ones, our angels in heaven who stay in our hearts always, memoralized once more. Anniversary presents reveal initial crystal necklaces, entwined with the initial of your partner, lovingly. And who could forget the children, and babies, memory bracelets with baby’s first steps, a handprint and a footprint, infused together on a simple chain? For others, jewellery is a symbol, whether that be love, positivity, passion or survival. Think about it, is there a special piece of  antique jewellery that you own, that reminds you of something that is dear to you? For me there is a sapphire necklace, in a loft, waiting to be found.

Being surface level is not a bad thing though. After all, not all jewellery needs to mean something. Sometimes, I wear jewellery to feel happy, confident and free. Jewellery can often be a form of escapism, into a fashion world where you are free to express your individuality. With trends that come and go, 2021’s emphasis is on ‘feel good classics’, cult favourites and suprising newcomers that remind us that the world is opening up, ready and waiting with open arms. It is a reminder that we can shed the fleece tracksuits that we have been living in, in favour of floral jumpsuits, gingham midi dresses, and pastel short co-ords, paired with bold, brash and out there jewellery, that show we mean business. Clashing brights, solid neutrals, no matter your jewellery gang, there is an accessory to suit you.

After all, jewellery is a versatile companion to fashion. It sets us apart from the crowd, and if three people were styling the ‘same outfit’ their interpretation of jewellery would all be completely different. For example, the chosen item is a green gingham short co-ord with ruffles. One person might accessorize it with a sage green bow headband, complete with a pastel ruffle bracelet, large mint green tassel earrings, and white bow heels, for a feminine, girly take. Another might put on a mint tennis style visor, a pastel sporty swatch watch, reflective glasses and a tennis sweatband, for a sporty, active look. The third person might take it to the next level, with a going out look. Think large statement necklace, embellished with mint coloured crystals and beads, matching embellished heels in the same colour, with matching earrings, glam makeup, and a confident attitude to match. Remember, your jewellery does not wear you, it compliments who you are.

Whether the finishing touch on a look, or the statement pieces to create your outfit around, here are the biggest summer jewellery trends in 2021, that you should be wearing right now! Question is, what is your jewellery fantasy?

Statement Earrings Will Liven Up Any Look 

Into maximalism? Then you will love statement earrings, that will make even the simplest of looks AH-MAZ-ING. Summer is all about energizing, bold, and out-there jewellery looks, so its all about going big or going home at this stage. After all, we have spent God knows how long in lockdown, so its time that we let our hair down, and tried something new. While maximalism might be out of your comfort zone, your statement earrings don’t have to be outlandish and large. Sometimes it can be a simple block colour that makes it a statement earring. Other times it can be an unusual shape, material used, size, and even unique print, so that your ears have all the attention.

There are four statement jewellery tribes: Fun tassels, geometric shapes, beaded hoops and large ‘drop earrings’. My personal favourite? I am obsessed with tassel earrings, which has cemented its place in jewellery fashion history countless times. Meant to express joyful movement, infused with archaeological style, tassel earrings date back to the mid-19th century, and early 20th century. The ‘Gatbsy Era’ was the golden age, where coloured bead tassel necklaces, art deco brooches and embellished earrings, would play into the tassel movement. Flirty, fun and fabulous, the tassel earring is also inexpensive, a vibrant way to express yourself, without breaking the bank. In the modern age, tassel earrings are bold and colourful, with shades like greens, reds and blues being favoured.

Often bordering on eccentric, tassel earrings’s unique selling point is its ridicolous, outlandish charm. No matter whether you are a maximalist lover, or hater, tassel earrings are unavoidable. Speaking of unavoidable, geometric shapes are another gorgeous, yet fun earring style. Whether you opt for a square, circle, an oval, or a hexagon, playing with geometry is a lot of fun. Unlike tassel earrings, there is an element of refined elegance, and minimalism that you don’t get with other statement earrings. The difference being is that while size is a huge part of the tassel earring trend, geometric shapes speak for themselves. You can also play with texture and colour, as well as materials/ stones/ crystals, depending on your personal preference.

Do you want rose-gold teardrop earrings with diamond detail, that is beautifully paired with a dramatic Princess style ballgown, decorated in a digital bloom print? Or maybe you want something a little more eccentric, wooden hoop earrings, painted in an abstract,pop-art esque print, that will make your ears the talk of the town? If you are a colour lover, who hasn’t got a scrap of black in your wardrobe, the wooden hoop printed earrings would be a really fun way to add interest to your outfit. After all, jewellery is all about being unique so why would you want to wear what someone else wears?

Timeless (Faux) Pearl Accessories Add Vintage Elegance 

Ah pearls, a signature asset used in jewellery, from necklaces, to earrings, to bracelets, anklets, and even body piercings.Dating back to as early as 2300 BC , pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese Royalty, while in Ancient Rome, pearls were seen as a symbol of your status. The world’s oldest gemstone, Ancient Chinese civilisations believed that wearing pearls, protected a person from fire and dragons, while other cultures have associated them with chastity and modesty. During Queen Victoria’s reign, small seed pearls were used to symbolize tears in mourning jewellery.

But wearing ‘real pearls’ is cruel, as it involves surgically opening each oyster shell, and inserting an irritant in the oyster. What’s more, after the pearls are extracted from the oysters, one- third of the oysters are ‘recycled to be ‘used again’, while the others are killed and discarded. That is why I am choosing to focus on ‘imitation’ pearl jewellery, which has the refined lustre of the real thing, without the cruelty. Instead of cultured pearls, think of pearls as a fun, sophisticated imitation form which protects the environment, and its shellfish. You can buy from high street brands like Asos, which sell pearl style minimalist earrings evoking vintage elegance, or vegan friendly brands like Northskull, Sollo London and Etsy.

So how do you wear imitation pearls? That is completely down to you. If you are extra like me, and like to ‘over-accessorize’, then a pearl flower fashion statement necklace, adds interest, while you balance out the look with minimalist rose gold earrings, and a rose gold vegan watch. Complete with a simple pearl-style headband, you soften the maximalist aspect of your look, with simple, refined accessories. Pearls is all about having fun, and despite its dated image, not all vegan pearls have to be haute couture. You can be as big and as bold as you want.

If you are going down the minimalist route, keep the pearls small, with pearl studs, pearl drop gold necklaces, and pearl encrusted small bracelets, a great way to bring outfits alive. When it comes to the biggest summer trends, pearls will always be on the list. After all, they are versatile, go with anything, suit any occasion, and are also symbolic. Pearls could be a great way to remember a loved one lost, be a family heirloom that you wear with pride, or even something that makes you happy and joyful. Whatever your reason, wear pearls with intention.

90’s Style Chokers Are Making A Comeback 

When it came to accessories in the 90’s, you better believe that chokers were HOT. From Naomi Campbell, to Kate Winslet and Alicia Silverstone, 90’s chokers were an essential part of any outfit. Whether style icons wore denim chokers, lace chokers, novelty chokers, or ribbon tie chokers, the versatility of a choker was unparelleled. So why are chokers still a thing in 2021? Well , not only does it accentuate the collarbone, and collarbone, but it also can be dressed up or down. You can wear a denim choker with a tropical swimsuit, for a twist on beach fashion, and get night-time ready with a sequin choker, paired with a strappy irridescent sequin dress.

Chokers can be edgy, grungy, feminine or dressy, collar-like necklaces that have evolved through the ages. What started as stretchy plastic necklaces, have transformed into fabric necklaces, often embellished with charms, jewels and even slogans. Chokers are hugely personable, and can tell a lot about a person, by the choker that they choose. For example a gothic lace choker is seen as grungy and edgy, while a denim choker is seen as fashion forward, and trend led. An embellished jewel choker necklace on the other hand is seen as sophisticated and royalty inspired.

Although chokers as we know it, burst into popularity in the 90’s, its origins go back centuries. Anne Boleyn for example (1507-1536), was renowned for wearing a choker necklace, made up of a string of pearls and a letter ‘B’ pendant. Worn closely around her neck, Anne’s choker was regal, chic, and fashionable at the time. There are several portraits of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) depicting her wearing a choker during her reign and Alexandra, the Princess of Wales (1844-1925), often wore chokers to cover a scar on her neck which is believed to have been from a childhood operation.

For me, chokers are trend-led. I love denim chokers in particular as a way to add texture and interest, even to outfits that don’t have a single scrap of denim in them. Take this tropical print swimsuit vibe as an example. A white  floral halterneck swimsuit, is contrasted with a denim chunky choker, a dark watercolour kimono, mint belt, reflective aviators, and a bejwelled headband, to add glitz and glam. A contrast between glam and beach boho chic, the denim choker adds a grungy element to the look, to stop it feeling too twee and frilly.

Tap Into Serenity With Calming Crystal Bracelets And Necklaces 

After the chaos of the last year that we have had, is it any wonder that we are all craving serenity in our lives?  But what is it about crystals that are so soothing? People who use or wear crystals cite that they have ‘magical healing powers’ and evoke positive energy. They act as a coping mechanism for stress (although the scientific evidence is anedoctal), allow wearers to express themselves authentically, and helps people tune into their ‘higher selves’, feeling grounded, energized and calm. Lava stone is reported to help with anxiety that we get from change that happens in our lives. That could be a new job, losing a loved one, moving house, or stress in our personal lives. It shifts the focus away from the stress, and chooses to highlight ‘calm’ in your life instead.

Other crystals such as Blue Magnesite and White Howlite help ease anxiety centered around self-expression, channels nervous energy in a carthartic way and calms things down when you overthink.The origins of ‘crystal healing’ go way back, tied to Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Ancient Egypt in particular was seen as a forerunner, mining crystals for use in jewellery like bracelets, chokers, and arm cuffs. They would use semi-precious stones such as Lapis Lazuli, turquoise, emerald and clear quartz, to adorn jewellery, including grave amulets for protection and health. Even Pharaohs were known to use stones to assist them in ruling wisely, and archaelogical discoveries found crystals used in personal items and clothing.

Today crystals are just as prolific, whether used for ‘fashion’ and aesthetic purposes, or as a healing tool. With self-care and holistic health trends being more prolific than ever, there is a crystal to support and heal you. Looking for love? Rose quartz is a beautiful crystal that promotes compassion, warmth, and tenderness. If you want change and are looking for new beginnings, then a moonstone is great for those who are at a crossroad in their lives, as it represents growth and strength. Speaking of strength, Tiger’s eye is said to promote inner confidence, self-discipline, and strength, making it the perfect stone for those who need calming guidance in their lives. So why not tap into serenity with soothing crystal bracelets that can boost your physical and mental health.

Gold And Black Watches Are Effortlessly Sophisticated 

Watches are effortlessly simple, timepieces that are as elegant as they are practical. Born to tell the time, some say that the first wristwatch was created by Abraham Louis-Breguet in 1810. Famous watch makers Patek Philippe credit themselves with the creation of the world’s first wristwatch in 1868. But its popular worldwide emergence can be traced to the beginning of the 20th century. Renowned for their convenience, functionality, and signature style, a watch will never go out of fashion, and continues to be an integral part of anyone’s outfit. But why gold and black watches I hear you ask? Well, black and gold is a gorgeous colour combination that is regal, classy, and understated. It adds depth to any look, and is one of the biggest summer jewellery trends.

It goes well with any outfit, whether casual, dressy or in-between, and is a gender neutral colour combination that is effortless. A trend that was popular in 2016 and 2017, the black and gold colour scheme still continues to be prominient in 2021. Whether you choose a black and gold pleather watch, a mesh gold timepiece with a black clock face, or a sporty ‘swatch’ style watch, your choices are endless. Think about what you want your watch to convey. Are you looking for a minimalist watch, that stands out without being overpowering? Or maybe you believe that bigger is better, with a blinged out black and gold ‘Rolex’ esque watch, that screams luxury. Whatever your watch tribe, brands like Kate Spade, Adexe Watches, Trendhim and Nordgreen have a great selection of watches.

While black and gold is renowned for being beautifully paired with browns, beiges, tans, and other earth tones, I like to pair minimalist colours, with bold hues, for a fun contrast. For example this beautiful simple pink lace maxi bridesmaid dress, was accessorized with an ornate flower crown, embellished satin court heels and a black and gold timepiece from Adexe Watches. It shows how you can have fun with colour, while keeping it elegant, and classy. I love to play in the realms of maximalism meets minimalism, and the black and gold watch helps me bring this bridesmaid fantasy to life.

Channel Your Inner Beach Chic With Boho Chic Accessories 

One of the biggest summer jewellery trends is boho chic accessories, that use natural materials and relaxed beading, for a relaxed beach vibe. With celebrity fans including Sienna Miller, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, pulling off the boho trend has never been easier. But what is boho beach chic? In fashion boho style is characterised by long flowing skirts and dresses, peasant blouses, colourful tunics embellished with tassels and fringing. The look is often layered, and vibrant, with accessories including fringed handbags, embellished sandals, and jewellery made from materials like shells, bamboo, and wood. Defined by freedom, individualism, and an ‘everything goes approach’, boho chic jewellery often pays homage to mother nature.

It can be as simple, or as maximalist as you like. For me, I paired this large straw beach hat, with small earring studs, and a teal geometic gold chain neckalce, which despite its appearance is actually made from stones found on the beach, infused with faux crystals. With a white bohemian style beach dress, accentuated with a mint green belt, and large blue purse, the necklace adds to the subtle boho beach vibe. It shows how you can channel your inner beach chic, in a modern, pulled together way. If you wanted a more overtly boho jewellery style, jewellery made from old coins, vintage brooches, and nature-inspired pins embellish anything and everything carried by a Boho Chic woman. Tasseled charms and metal chains is also a popular jewellery feature.

Draping layered necklaces, is another huge part of the boho beach look, as it draws attention to individuality and artistry. You might have charms, pendants, symbolic chains, in various textures and weights to add interest to your look. Make sure that you play around with colours, metals and textures, because being boho is all about experimentation. Buying into the boho jewellery movement can also be deeply personal. It can be a chance to pay homage to a loved one, to boost positivity and self-confidence, and even to pay tribute to Mother Earth, and its animals.

What Are Your Biggest Summer Jewellery Trends For 2021?

*Disclaimer

Please note this is a collaborative post, but all thoughts are my own and are not affected by monetary compensation. I would love to know what your favourite biggest summer summer jewellery trends are, and how you are planning on styling them in 2o21!