Summer 2010 Tips: Choosing Jewelry

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When the temperatures and humidity rise and pants and long sleeves are retired to the back of the closet and replaced with sheer tops and dresses, it can feel cumbersome to wear heavy jewelry. When summer arrives, it’s time to go for a lighter look in jewelry especially when wearing sheer tops and dresses. A heavy necklace can look awkward when worn with light breezy summer clothing and the metal can heat up right along with the weather, making it uncomfortable against your skin. Here’s how to choose summer jewelry that’ll look and feel good when the temperatures rise.

"Exotic" jewelry is the hottest look for Summer 2010.


Choose jewelry exotically crafted from natural materials

Summer is the perfect time to take a break from metal and experiment with natural materials. Wood is always a popular summer jewelry material. Pile on a few wooden bangles to show off a lightly tanned arm or wear a simple wooden pendant on leather cord for an earthy, natural look. A popular new jewelry material for warm weather is bamboo. Beads made of bamboo are hollow and very light to the touch making them a perfect choice for warmer temperatures. The beauty of bamboo jewelry is that each piece is a work of art with its own unique ring structure and design. Plus, bamboo is considered to be a symbol of strength and of good luck. It’s also an eco-friendly jewelry material you can feel good about wearing. Don’t worry if the wood and bamboo pieces you wear are a little rough around the edges, it only adds to their charm.

Be charming

Charms are a very hot item this summer. You can find charm bracelets and necklaces at almost any fashion store from David Yurman to Charlotte Russe. Charms generally are always an easy look for almost anyone to wear. Carefully selected charms and small pendants are a way to show the world who you are and what’s important to you. Charms are available in a variety of materials and themes ranging from symbols to engraved words and figurative images. Although you can overload a bracelet with charms or wear multiple charms on a necklace, keep it simple when wearing light, sheer clothing. Try wearing a small metal charm on a thin metal chain with swim or beach wear. For evening, layer them on for a more dramatic look. They’re a great way to express yourself.

Natural stones

There’s something about wearing natural stone jewelry that feels right for summer. All natural stones such as turquoise and coral are always a popular choice and look stunning paired with cool, cotton tops and summer shorts. Don’t forget that natural stones such as turquoise and coral can be combined with other materials such as wood and ceramic for an eclectic look. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Head down to your local bead store and make your own.

Natural shells and sea glass

Shell pendants and bracelets feel good to the touch and look stunning against gently sun kissed skin. Choose from paua shell, abalone shell, conch shell, hammer shell, or puka shell, among other shell types. You can even collect your own small shells on the beach along with some sea glass that’s been gently molded by the waves and create your own unique summer necklace or bracelet. Shells can be combined with other natural materials such as stones and rough wooden beads and strung onto hemp or leather for truly one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry.

Have fun choosing and creating your own special summer jewelry!

by Kristi Leong