One of the most interesting Summer Trends this year has to be the Ear Climber. It has been lovely to see designers focusing their innovative skills on earrings which have been much neglected in recent years. There seems to be no hard and fast rules with these quirky little jewels; some just have a post and butterfly and rely on careful positioning to stay in place, where as others have an additional clip for extra security. The clip is simply squeezed over the edge of the ear similar to an ear cuff to lock it into position.
This renewed interest in the adornment of ears has also led to a revival of the ear cuff which previously was something reserved for Indian traditional adornment or teenagers and alternative types! Ear cuffs, along with Ear Climbers together have created an edgy and interesting look which has captured the imagination of consumers across the genres. The key with these pieces is to mismatch. In fact some retailers are even selling mis-matched sets to take away the guesswork! But saying that I was recently at a party where I spotted Granny (aged 70ish) sporting a really pretty pair of floral ear climber studs which also looked great, so it just goes to show that there really are no rules with this trend!
Pandora has finally released their much anticipated Rose Collection into UK stores this June following the huge demand for all things pink. The unfaltering trend for Rose Gold jewellery ensures that Pandora will undoubtedly have huge success with these new manifestations of their best selling lines. Pieces are plated in 14ct rose gold with pave set crystal details and feature classic bow and leaf motifs.
Although every year we see countless images of wide cuffs and bangles accompanying bright summer fashion, this year however I have seen many designers and retailers paring things back and instead opting for an altogether finer and more subtle style. Yes layering and stacking is still very much on-trend but bracelets are much narrower and are often combining both chain and solid elements as well as alternative materials thereby keeping things interesting.
This Rose Gold Vermeil bracelet with its raspberry cord is new from Links of London and combines many of the major trend elements ensuring it is bang up to date. The adjustable toggle fastening is both functional and stylish and when layered up with other pieces means your look won’t be too neat but instead effortless and casual.
This self same blending of materials is also being applied to necklaces with some beautifully subtle results. Forget ‘the statement necklace’ and instead go for something finer and more understated like some of these examples below. ‘The Smile Pendant’ from Tiffany combines standard chain with either a solid or diamond set ‘smile’ pendant creating a wonderfully simple line which is just beautiful. They have also produced a necklace (simply described as ‘Chain Necklace’) which mixes an 18k rose gold chain with a larger scale sterling silver one to produce a stunning 38” neckpiece. Again just a simple silhouette, the interest is in the chain itself rather than what is on it which again brings things back to basics in quite refreshing change. Admittedly it is £6100 though!
Information and image sources: Pandora, Links of London, Tiffany
Cooksongold