The Jewels That Keep You Looking Chic And Cool In Summer

I usually like it hot. In winter, I dress in layers, sleep in cashmere and hang out in down slippers that might be suitable for Alaska. One winter, I remember it was so cold inside and outside that I thought I would have to re-size all of my rings because they would fly off my fingers every time I moved my hands. Instead, I went ring-less that year, which for me, is like going without lipstick, mascara or earrings for most women.

Yet after enduring the seemingly never-ending winter and a shorter-than-usual spring, in June and now July, we are experiencing a run of weather in NYC that makes Florida feel arid in August. Every time I walk out the door of my apartment building, it feels like I walk into a pizza oven. Yes, it’s a heatwave and I’ve wanted to dress on Manhattan streets similarly to how I dress at the beach.

I don’t, but when it comes to jewelry—I started a new ritual of keeping it minimal and colorful. For those who know my zest for layering and my superstitious nature of creating a talisman necklace for all good and to ward off all evil would not believe my ability to cull my pieces down. But after many humid NYC summers, my bejeweled fingers swelled up so much that they were twice the size and there were hours of getting them free from the bands that bind. I was trapped inside my rings. Eventually, I cooled down, tried all the tricks of the trade and although my stack of rings didn’t exactly slide off my fingers, the swelling had somewhat subsided, and I finally got them off.

Moral of this story: when it’s sweltering outside, it might be wise to alter your jewelry style to beat summer’s heat without a meltdown. If you choose to be cool, stylish and effortless, then here are some tips and the perfect jewels to go with them:

Wear earrings that are so light you won’t feel them in your ears. You can try different styles of drops, studs, small hoops with tiny stones, wear them as a pair or combined and mismatched if you have multiple holes in your lobes. Single and double drops look great when graduated up the ear and even better when they mix modern and antique elements. The earring revival is still going strong. It’s the one place you can layer and pile it on during extreme heat.

Single Stone’s Gemma drops with old European cut diamonds prong set in handcrafted 18K yellow gold settings.

^{And best of all—it’s the one place you wear jackets and not feel like passing out. Ear cuffs, unlike the cuff bracelets you wear on your wrist as light as a feather and can be added to your look.}

Anne Baker’s 18K yellow gold Loie Akoya pearl earrings FG VS Diamonds with removable diamond jackets

Anita Ko’s 18k gold Daphne ear cuff with marquise diamond drop

^{Also, a must for summer; find yourself a stud!!}

Retrouvai’s 14K gold aquamarine Heirloom studs

When it comes to rings, cut your stackables to half the amount you usually wear or choose one statement ring for summer with a tapered or thinner shank. Once I could bend my knuckles again, I thought of some of the rings that have a big, bold feeling in the front and are seasonless and lighter in weight than they appear. Another great style is one that is slightly open that can stand on it’s own.

Lene Vibe’s 18K gold stacking rings are delicate enough to stack two or three, or when the heat index goes way up, you can wear just one. They are available in different enchanting flowers, leaves and creatures from nature. This one is The Diamond Flower Ring.

Brooke Gregson’s aquamarine Sun Dial Engraved Ring with diamond accents and thin rounded shank.

Eva Fehren 18K gold Wrap Claw Ring has presence but is open. Once you start to feel your fingers swell, take it off, but your finger will be much less likely to blow up immediately due to the curved open nature of the ring.

Necklace layering should also be kept to a minimum. I am a huge fan of both layering multi necklaces and wearing multi-charms on one chain. But in summer, I tend to stay away from four or five graduated layers that stick to the back of my neck. They eventually begin to give me heat rash, and I want to take them off as quickly as possible, which lands them in a pile of tangled chains. Instead, opt for your absolute must-have talisman (those that have multiple functions) and wear maybe one shorter and one longer necklace that protect you, bring love and luck all summer long on lighter-weight chains or pare down the number of medallions with different meanings and symbolism and rotate your charm necklaces depending on your moods, feelings and sentiments when the temperature hits 99 with an index of 105 degrees.

Celine Daoust 14K Sun and Diamond Beams locket necklace with a made-to-fit labradorite. The locket can be opened and the stone removed. There is also an opening in the back for the labradorite to touch your skin. According to Daoust, “Labradorite is a powerful crystal that protects against negativity and is a stone of clairvoyance and intuition.”

Grace Lee’s crown set turquoise cabochon, which represents luck, is easy and versatile to wear in the summer when the temperature soars.

Circa 1700’s charm necklace, all in 18K gold featuring a Mechanical Clasp, symbolizing Love and Protection, a diamond Arrow Pendant, which is a talisman of direction and strength, and a Fill Your Heart Pendant with blackened gold which represents how each of us decides and what will fill our hearts.

I can’t say enough about hair jewels. By learning how to work with them, they create pretty and romantic or ultra-modern updos when your hair goes limp or starts to frizz. My favorite are jewels that do double duty, such as ear climbers or brooches. Try pinning your ear climbers into your hair by squeezing the backs tightly like you do on your ear and securing them with a hidden bobby pin or two. You can do the same with brooches as well.

Graziela’s tri-color titanium and Paraiba ear cuffs

Estate Diamond Jewelry’s very rare Art Nouveau Dragon Fly Brooch. Extending from the tail to the body are single cut diamonds. The head is comprised of jadeite and diamonds. The wings are entirely made with plique-a-jour enamel. The wings of this Dragon Fly brooch are flexible. Made in France, circa 1890.

I will also give you the same advice as I give myself. A little vibrant color and a dash of nostalgia or whimsy go a long way in every category of jewelry during the summer months and will allow you to feel cool, comfortable and chic.

Jacquie Aiche 14K gold turquoise Heshi Bead necklace with diamond rondels.

Jenna Blake 18K yellow gold coral and carved leaf charm necklace

Yvonne Léon’s 9K yellow gold Twistee Rainbow Hoops with grey diamonds and rainbow enamel

Brooke Gregson’s 18K gold enamel and blue sapphire sunflower necklace

My final suggestion: stay away from piling too much on. You don’t want to feel shackled to your jewelry. Save the layers and statement pieces for your fall-into-winter rotation, which is just around the corner.