Ready or not—it’s July. If you weren’t in summer mode already, this is the month where the season seems unavoidable (unless you’re on the other side of the equator, that is). Independence Day celebrations typically consist of outdoor activities: grilling (or barbecuing, call it what you will), plenty of wet and wild activities (water balloons! Sprinklers! Pool time!), and the hallmark of the Fourth of July—fireworks.
This year, many mainstay events have had to be canceled (for obvious reasons), and in any case, our country’s current climate doesn’t exactly make for the most festive feels. But lately I’ve been noticing even more pushback against fireworks, particularly on social media.
This is for a number of reasons. For starters, the setting off of fireworks by individuals (that is, unexpectedly, and not, say, a professionally scheduled show), has long been keeping residents on high alert, particularly in neighborhoods that are already too familiar with the sounds of violence. In any neighborhood in the country, randomly booming fireworks send dogs going wild, startle kids (or anyone who’s sleeping) awake, and pose a threat to peoples’ safety. I totally understand why some are voicing their concerns and displeasure, especially since this isn’t a one-night-only thing (I think we could make an exception for one celebratory night). It happens all month (or even all summer) long.
So, yeah, a lot of people aren’t feeling the fireworks right now. But wait! In the right conditions, remember how magical they are? How in one moment, a silent stream floats up to the sky, exploding in an electric show of color that dazzles your eyes and flutters your heart? How romantic a fireworks show can be, how truly celebratory and filled with wonder and amazement it is?
Don’t lose that. You can be mad and curse your neighbor for upsetting the dog or waking the baby when you just. freaking. sat. down. But don’t lose hold of the way fireworks used to make you feel. Someday, we’ll get that back, and they will be magical again. Until then, do your best to stay safe, and hang in there.
Okay, now that that’s out of the way, I’d like to treat you to this exhibit of fireworks that has never once lost its magic. That’s because it’s made up of jewels by Suzanne Kalan.
Designer Suzanne Kalandjian launched her initial fireworks collection back in 2015, and it’s pretty much been iconic ever since—JCK‘s Amy Elliott went so far as to list her as one of the 11 designers who defined the last decade, and I think that’s accurate.
The brand’s Fireworks theme has been expanded upon in recent years, with the iconic concept of artfully arranged baguette and round diamonds and gemstones taking on new shapes and designs.
One of the latest is this collection, a rainbow assortment of Evil Eye Fireworks. It debuted back in the spring, an addition to the already well-known and beloved Evil Eye styles offered by the brand. This one marries the talisman with always-in-demand colorful gemstones, culminating in treasured pieces that simultaneously offer hope, protection, and glory—all set to the music of Suzanne Kalan’s epic fireworks show. It actually almost appears like one wide-eyed spectator, taking in the lights across the sky that are reflecting back across their illuminated face.
Whether you’ve found your relationship with fireworks has changed as of late, this selection of jewels, which can’t help but be inspiring, serves as a reminder of their power and beauty when done right. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday, however you’re spending it this year.
Top: Mini Evil Eye ring in 18k white gold with 0.18 ct. round blue sapphire, 0.16 ct. t.w. baguette diamonds, and 0.05 ct. t.w. round diamonds, $1,550
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