Going for Gold

How To Make A Statement With Jewelry

May 31, 2026

Hi friends,

It’s the last day I have my girls with me in Begur, before they return to New York. To spend more time together and squeeze in one more trip to the beach, I’ve revised this jewelry post from last summer, adding new inspiration photos and updated links.

My regular readers know by now that I’m a big believer in statement earrings. They immediately make whatever you’re wearing festive. You can take the simplest outfit—a white shirt and jeans, for example—add statement earrings and a great pair of heels (extra points for a tuxedo jacket), and you’re party-ready. I try to add a new pair of statement earrings to my collection every spring/summer and fall/winter. That way, slowly but surely, my collection grows, and over time, I have the perfect earrings for any outfit. Always play the long game.

For this spring/summer, I feel strongly about yellow gold and pearls. Have you noticed that pearls are getting a rebrand in the form of very cool jewelry that is anything but traditional? Not that there’s anything wrong with traditional pearls, but I love the bold use of pearls in big statement pieces, particularly baroque pearls. This may all sound like a pricey proposal. Not so; I’ve spent some time researching small jewelry designers making quality pieces using natural pearls and 18K gold vermeil or gold plating rather than solid gold. You get the look of real gold because the outer layer is gold, though the gold weight is greatly reduced, which lowers the price. If your budget allows for the real deal, go for it. However, the big statement pieces I’m suggesting would be very expensive due to their size.

Enough said. Here’s what I propose: Love these semi-circle 18k gold-plated earrings handmade in Italy. Their clean lines complement minimalist pieces, even for casual outfits. Next, these 18k gold vermeil and freshwater pearl earrings are handmade in NYC. They’re big enough to make a statement but small enough to wear for day or work. I’m crazy for these dramatic pearl and 24k gold-plated drop earrings. They scream Mediterranean holiday, and who doesn’t need that in their life? These and the first earrings are from the UK-based, women-owned company Soru. There’s a great story behind the brand that you can see here. I always feel good about supporting women-owned, independent brands with integrity. This company has it all.

I’ve always loved Elsa Peretti’s scorpion necklace in gold, here on a very young Christy Turlington. If you have your heart set on this, they sometimes come up on 1st Dibs. Peretti also made a snake necklace, though I find its scale too big. The snake necklace on the right is the perfect scale (and looks very much like E.P.’s, only smaller). This necklace is also from Suros, handmade in Italy of 18k gold vermeil over silver, at a very reasonable price. This is the kind of piece that turns a good outfit into a great one.

A single pendant, either suspended on a gold chain or a silk cord, is like an exclamation point to an outfit. I love pendants all year, but particularly in summer when necklines expose more skin and are uncluttered by layers and scarves. Bigger is better in my book, but a small, simple pendant, as seen on Bella Hadid, over a simple crew neck, also makes an impact. Just don’t go too dainty. From left: This 18k gold-plated Tiger’s Eye pendant is from Daphine, a women-owned company founded by two friends in 2018. They are sustainably minded, producing small batches made by local artisans in Jaipur. The next two pendants are from Agmes, who also made the second pair of earrings mentioned in this story. I’m on a roll here with women-owned businesses. Agmes was founded by sisters in 2016. All their jewelry is handmade in NYC using precious materials and sustainable practices. Their jewelry has a distinctly organic feel, reminiscent of the great Elsa Peretti but decidedly their own. The Cora and Marta pendants are available in 18k gold vermeil or sterling silver.

I love layering necklaces for spring/summer. An artful assortment of necklaces instantly elevates a simple T-shirt. Gold, coral, and pearls are striking against tanned skin, but some thought is required to get the right mix. The above photos are good examples of how to get it right.

When layering necklaces, I find odd numbers work best. The center photo of Romy Schneider shows layering in its simplest form, with three necklaces separated by lengths. The choker-length necklace with a pendant serves as a nice contrast to the two much longer chains and gives the mix a nice focal point. It’s difficult to find long necklaces new, but with patience, you can find vintage versions. Or get crafty and make your own. You can source everything you need online, particularly on Etsy, and learn how to do it on YouTube. The photo on the left has five necklaces, including two pendants and a chunky coral bead necklace. It’s the harmonious mix of materials that makes this work, with coral springing up in three of the necklaces. To the far right, we have seven necklaces combined in this mix. Do try this at home. Start with what you have and see what elements you’re missing to make it whole. It’s trial and error; using the photo as your guide, you’ll figure it out. You don’t have to duplicate it exactly; just get the right mix of lengths, colors, materials, and types of necklaces. Below is a chart of standard necklace lengths to help you determine what you need. Notice that charms and pendants enliven the mix. The last photo is another way to layer using the same base material, in this case, red coral in various sizes and shapes. It could also be one necklace with 3 strands, which takes all the guesswork out.

Top from left: Charm chain necklace, charm connector, cross charm, Medusa charm, intaglio charm, and a gold chain.

Bottom from left: Pearl and gold-plated silver necklace, adjustable red jasper necklace, and turquoise, pyrite, and baroque pearl lariat.

You can visit my Summer Jewelry Edit for my complete selection.

On a completely different note: I just expanded my Summer Essential Edit to include a great selection of pieces from J. Crew, to live in all summer.

For those of you looking for the long shorts of the season, here is a great pair in brown linen. Even better when paired with the matching shirt. I personally love a dark chocolate brown for summer, it’s super chic paired with white, or monocromatic.

You know I love a heavy, walkable sandal. I love the style of these, and the price is right.

This straw bag is packable for the beach or wherever this summer takes you.

Add a bathing suit, a white linen shirt, and pants, and you’re packed for the weekend with this featherweight cashmere tee, crochet shorts (love!), and cotton slub sweater. Side note: I love mixing ivory with white!!

Gotta go! Thanks for reading, and hope you’re enjoying the beginning of summer wherever you are!

xxx Jolain

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