Mermaidcore Channels ‘Little Mermaid’ Fever Into Jewelry

By Karen Dybis | May 26, 2023

Anyone who has dreamed of adventure and believed in love at first sight would be taken with the courage, determination, and headstrong spirit of Ariel and other characters in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Disney’s new live-action version of The Little Mermaid hits theaters May 26, and fans of the 1989 animated movie are ready to experience Ariel’s story all over again—with the lilting voice of Halle Bailey and music of Lin-Manuel Miranda refreshing a longtime favorite.

Jewelry designers have often been inspired by the sea and sand, drawing on the allure of the waves and beachfront vibes. Add Mermaid characters like weary yet adoring Sebastian, thoughtful Flounder, and even the sexy villain Ursula to their canvas, and they create jewelry that tells a story and shows off stones, pearls, and precious metals.

The Disney film’s influence on fashion has been called mermaidcore, and it includes plenty of great jewelry to wear this summer.

Some designers get to work directly with the source material: RockLove Jewelry is licensed by Disney, and owner/designer Allison Cimino has crafted earrings and other pieces inspired by Ariel’s journey from sea to land to love.

Little Mermaid Bubbles RockLove — Allison Cimino created these Little Mermaid-inspired earrings ($115) as well as a necklace and ring featuring Austrian crystal solitaires in tones of sea foam, periwinkle, and aquamarine, surrounded bezel-set crystals representing the bubbles of the sea (photo courtesy of RockLove).

The Little Mermaid is “an enduring ‘tail’ of love and sacrifice,” says the RockLove website, and the brand’s bubble stud earrings “are an homage to Ariel’s courage, reminding us that when faced with challenges, we must believe in ourselves and never give up on our dreams.”

Designer Yvonne Léon’s jewelry is not “officially” related to the movie, but she also feels inspired by the water and the creatures found there. “The sea is my element,” Léon says. “I have always loved to incorporate all the elements of the universe into my work. To me, the ocean brings happiness and joy to my life.”

Here is some jewelry, by Léon and others, that feels like it was inspired by The Little Mermaid or connected to Ariel and the underwater world.

Yvette Leon crab — *With black diamonds for the eyes and gray diamonds on his legs, this Yvonne Léon crab ring ($1,550) is like an elegant homage to Ariel’s pal Sebastian. (Photo courtesy of Yvette Léon)*

*The Marine necklace ($3,330) from Kismet by Milka’s Open Sea collection seems like something Ursula would rock as she croons her intentions to a naive Ariel. (Photo courtesy of Kismet by Milka)*

Diamond Dipped Looped Huggie — *Tejen created these wave-like looped huggie earrings ($6,000), part of the brand’s new Diamond Dipped collection, to remind you of the hypnotic nature of the sea. (Photo courtesy of Tejen)*

omé — *Freshwater pearls in Omé’s Ava necklace ($380) would make any mermaid feel special when she comes on land to meet her Prince Charming.*

Sea Shell Toe Ring — *Dip your toe into the water with style wearing this Jared seashell toe ring ($330). (Photo courtesy of Jared)*

Charles Colvard Caydia Ring — Ursula’s two “babies,” the moray eels Flotsam and Jetsam, might adore this Charles & Colvard Caydia Ring ($599) with lab-grown diamonds and lab-grown sapphires. (Photo courtesy of Charles & Colvard)

Zales Seashell Earrings — *Delicate scalloped edges of these Zales seashell earrings ($949) nod to King Triton and his magnificent crown. (Photo courtesy of Zales)*

Top: Kay Jewelers mermaid necklace ($499), in 14k yellow gold with diamonds, looks like Ariel dancing through the ocean waves. (Photo courtesy of Kay Jewelers)

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