Summer vs Jewellery: A Seasonal Battle
How I've adapted what pieces I wear when temperatures rise.
The ring that fit perfectly over breakfast suddenly feels two sizes too small. A necklace that you normally forget about seconds after putting on is suddenly glued to your neck and testing your last morsel of patience. Even your favourite earrings can feel different once your hair goes up and the sweat starts dripping.
Suddenly the jewellery we barely noticed on the skin a few months ago is demanding all our attention... and not in a good way!
Rather than wearing less jewellery, I've switched up a few key pieces and discovered some new summer favourites while some of my regulars take a short holiday of their own.
Round 1: Heavyweight Fingers, Featherweight Rings
If, or should I say WHEN, your fingers swell up like chipolatas the first instinct is to stop wearing rings altogether. But if you're a ring person like me, no outfit is complete without a ring for the final touch. What to do?I've found that open bands, like in the Pebble Dash Ring, allow more flexibility as your finger size changes throughout the day, making them noticeably more forgiving than a fully enclosed band, even for larger statement rings like these.
Alternatively, thinner bands, like with the Stratum Stacking rings (pictured at the top of this article), create less continuous pressure and can also be more comfortable.
All of these are in the Sticks and Stones range, which has become my go-to in the warmer months.
Jewellery 1 : Heat 0
Round 2: Hair Up, Earrings On
Summer wardrobes naturally become simpler. Lightweight sleeveless tops, lower necklines and hair tied up, all leave more space for jewellery to step in and steal the moment.
I for one have had my hair up in one continual messy bun for the past few weeks (whilst also repeatedly mumbling about chopping it all off again just to keep it off my neck!).
This is a perfect time to get more playful with earrings. Try a single large statement earring or even a deliberately mismatched pair. The asymmetry in itself is eye-catching and also plays nicely with many up-dos. Just keep them lightweight and in materials that won't paste themselves to your neck.
I find the stainless steel hoop earrings work great and are comfortable all day. I also have been wearing these threader chain earrings quite a bit. Bonus! - they help elongate the neck when your hair is up!
Jewellery 2 : Heat 0
Round 3: Clinging Chains, Necklaces Reimagined
Let's talk necklaces and their chains that bind us!
Warm sweaty skin, sunscreen and humidity can sometimes make wearing a necklace unbearable, and for some their altered pH levels suddenly cause a reaction they don't have any other time of the year. Brooches can be a surprisingly comfortable alternative, adding interest without wrapping around your neck (just be mindful of delicate summer fabrics).
One of the pieces currently on my bench and still in development is exploring this very problem — a necklace where the pendants linked by chain attach magnetically to clothing with, giving the appearance of a necklace with absolutely nothing around the neck. Summer has proving to be fertile ground for some of my more abstract jewellery ideas. The NeckLESS Necklace will be coming soon!
Jewellery 3 : Heat 0
Round 4: Pack Less, Wear More
Whether you're heading abroad or packing for a weekend away, more versatile jewellery is a lifesaver when trying to squeeze everything into the ever-changing airline cabin bag allowance.
When designing a piece, wearability is number one but then I also love to explore versatility and the different ways the same object can be worn. Modular and adaptable to you and the heat index of your next lovely destination.
Across all my ranges you'll find some convertible pieces, but look for necklaces that convert to a brooch, adjustable chains to suit varying necklines, stacking rings that go from simple in the day to a bit of wow for the evening and interchangeable earrings can create several different looks without filling half your suitcase.
Jewellery 4 : Heat 0
Summer doesn't stop me wearing jewellery. It just changes which pieces I reach for first (and keeps me on my toes when designing!)
Final score: Jewellery 4 vs Heat 0
Go in then, summer. Is that all you've got?
Explore the pieces discussed in the blog
- PebbleDash Open Band Ring in sterling silver
- Stratum Stacking Rings with thin bands in silver and gold
- Atomic, Subatomic or Triad Steel Hoops
- Neck-less Necklace (will be added here when available)
Learn more about DeeLyn Design