Between living in a New England beach town, multiple jaunts to Block Island, and stories about CB Stark on Martha’s Vineyard and Havens by KVD in the Hamptons, I’ve spent a lot of time this summer thinking about what I would call “seaside jewelry.” Pieces that would complement a beach-centric vacation or a lifestyle defined by proximity to water.
With Labor Day weekend on the horizon, I find myself daydreaming about how I’d curate a collection for a seaside jewelry boutique. I think about about the mounds of zinnias and black-eyed Susans I’d plant in the windowsills, the well-trampled sisal rug, the chilled rosé I’d have in the back. In my fantasy, there’s even a cat curled up on an antique lady’s slipper chair in the sunniest corner.
And lots and lots of exceptional designer jewelry.
You can think of the pieces below as a sort of best of summer 2019 highlight reel, but looking ahead to next year, I think my edit, broken into five categories, contains all the key ingredients for a compelling summer 2020 lineup. These categories are perennially appealing to thalassophiles, and the jewels themselves are perfect for the chicest of summer outfits and beyond.
Marine Life
Four Elements Water flipping ring with Brazilian agate cameo, enamel, and diamonds in 18k gold, $14,700; Ana KatarinaAngelfish pin with pink sapphires, diamonds, and black diamond in 18k gold, $16,100; Mio HarutakaEarrings with carved opal flowers, white agate loops, and antique coral fish in 18k yellow gold, $5,000; Guita M.Delfino bangle in Italian enamel, crystals, and sterling silver, $535.50; Belle ÉtoileJellyfish earrings with pink tourmaline in 18k yellow gold, $1,100; Rachel Atherley
Shells
Seashell bracelet in vermeil-plated bronze, $310; Eye M by Ileana MakriGossamer necklace with freshwater pearl and 14k yellow gold barnacles on a 14k yellow gold chain, $940; Hannah BlountNecklace with moonstone, coral, and seashells in 14k gold-plated brass, $936; BounkitShell earrings with freshwater pearls in 22k gold, $7,800; Lalaounis, 212-439-9400Carved shell necklace in crystal quartz with sapphires in 18k gold, price on request; Dezso
Nautical Motifs
Sconset lighthouse charms, prices on request; Seaman ScheppsHand-enameled British coin pendant with 0.68 ct. t.w. pavé diamonds in oxidized sterling silver, $795; Kara Strope Designs
King George III shilling coin (1818) with scenic engraving and a 0.47 ct. t.w. diamond bezel set in silver, $3,000; Heavenly Vices
Surf Culture
One-of-a-kind Kitty Hawk collection Horizon earrings with Sleeping Beauty turquoise, yellow sapphires, and white baguette diamonds in 18k gold, $12,000; Emily P. WheelerThe Beach Boy cufflinks in hand-painted enamel and sterling silver, $495; Fils Unique
Blues & Greens
Earrings with aquamarines and blue topaz in 18k gold, $7,500; Joon HanAstro earrings with mint chrysoprase, paraiba tourmaline, and diamonds in 18k yellow gold, price on request; Fernando JorgeCeleste multidrop earrings with blue sapphires in 18k yellow gold, price on request; Polly WalesKite Shield ring with opal inlay and aquamarine center stone in 14k rose gold, $6,875; Jacquie AicheBlue sapphire tennis bracelet in 14k gold, $2,950; Eriness
Top: Nautical motifs would be abound in my fantasy jewelry boutique by the sea, supremely exemplified by these magnificent earrings in 18k gold, blue enamel, and pearls; $15,620; Christina Alexiou.
