“Look at the fireworks/ Light up the night sky!” If you’re as into In the Heights (the musical or film version) as I am, you’ve now got one of its songs stuck in your head. You’re welcome.
But seriously, this year marks a return to semi-normalcy (as uncertain as that state may be), so to take in a fireworks show for Fourth of July feels more monumental than ever. Last year I remember huddling in our living room, the outside world pretty quiet. We tuned in to watch Hamilton on Disney+ (which, honestly, I’d gladly do any year) and let the usually celebratory holiday pass without much fanfare. But with or without a hit Broadway musical, there’s no substitute for a family gathering and the freedom to enjoy the company of loved ones and friends—add in a processed meat or two, and don’t forget the s’mores and strawberry shortcake. If any of that is on your radar this year, I beg you to take a moment to soak it all in; even the small things are so meaningful.
While some will gather to watch the fireworks, and others will curse them (it’s an understandable tradition but also an inconvenient one when you have young sleeping children or pets), you can’t have Independence Day without them. I’ll take the bejeweled variety over the real thing any day, especially because they so beautifully preserve the majesty of colorful pyrotechnics exploding overhead (sans the boom and smoke), and can be worn year-round as a reminder to always celebrate, or to always be your own firecracker.
There are many variations of fireworks-inspired jewelry out there, and justifiably so: It’s not difficult to see why jewelers would be inspired by the display. Today I’m sharing a trio of jewelers who’ve crafted options perfect for July Fourth that are equally wearable long after the celebration is over.
Suzanne Kalan
Fireworks is literally the name of the game for designer Suzanne Kalan. The brand’s signature line is beloved by industry members and customers alike, and its scattered approach to baguette and round diamond settings leaves a memorable impression.
While the Classic line comprises diamonds, the Fireworks line has been expanded upon many times to include rainbow sapphires, pastel and bold gemstone colorways, an iteration featuring the evil eye talisman, and—released about a year ago—a Fireworks Reborn collection.
While some of the designs really do appear to mimic fireworks’ bursts of color and light, others take a less literal approach. But both varieties are incredibly wearable any time of year, and as far as iconic pieces go, they’re a must for the serious jewelry lover’s collection.
Vendorafa
My colleague Emili Vesilind shared bits of Vendorafa’s 70th anniversary collection just last month, but the jeweler’s Fireworks70 collection is too perfect not to show again for Independence Day.
The brand has revisited its Fireworks collection, originally designed in the 1960s, and added one modern twist: a rainbow-adorned convertible pendant/brooch that looks like an explosion of gold. I’m partial to the retro styles of the ’60s, grooving with their psychedelic vibes, which feel as appropriate for everyday attire as they do for the Fourth.
Mikimoto
The pearl master’s stunning Splash collection can be interpreted as a fireworks display, just as it may be seen as dancing snowflakes or a shooting fountain of water, and that bodes well for its longevity and versatility in wear (the collection is actually inspired by the energy created by splashes of water).
Pearls remain a major selling point for jewelers, and Mikimoto is one of the ultimate names on any pearl lover’s wish list. Choose from a ring, brooch, necklaces and pendants, or earrings, and be dazzled by an explosive array of pearls and diamonds all year long.
Top: Rosa Grande Fireworks ring in 18k yellow gold with yellow and pink sapphires, $8,100; Vendorafa
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