Summer Fashion

The Best Summer Jewelry to Put You in a Vacation State of Mind

Summertime…and the layering's easy.
best summer jewelry collage of necklaces and rings on a background
Courtesy of brands

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Sun’s out, limbs out! Bare skin calls for adornment by way of the best summer jewelry (and a hardworking SPF, of course). Warmer weather means rooftop cocktails, outdoor adventures, and sun-soaked afternoons spent lounging by the pool or on the beach in your favorite new swimsuit. Whatever the activity or outfit, jewelry puts you on the fast track to a stylish summer and plays a key role in setting the tone for your aesthetic of the season.

Minimalists may gravitate toward delicate golden layers and classic hoop earrings, which work with just about everything from an airy summer dress to relaxed jean shorts (jorts, anyone?). Reimagined pearl necklaces and earrings are having a moment for summer 2023, with the gems of the sea being cast in modern and unexpected designs. If your summer style leans colorful and lighthearted, consider leaning into nostalgic, campy pieces with playful elements like bright beads, charms, and woven cords that imbue a sense of casual cool. Natural materials like shells and raffia also reinforce the vacation vibe.

Our top picks:

If you’re like us, the last thing you’ll want to worry about is taking your jewelry on and off as you hop between land and sea. Enter waterproof jewelry options that you can swim and sweat in. While you’ll want to be careful with gold-plated metals which are not resistant to water, expect more durability from solid 14- and 18-karat gold or even stainless steel jewelry, both of which are waterproof and won’t tarnish or discolor from getting wet.

Beach holiday on the horizon? Streamline your packing list with jewelry that works seamlessly between outfits, such as prelayered sets or unique convertible pieces that pull double duty. Doing the staycation thing instead? No problem, what we love most about vacation jewelry is its magical ability to instantly transport you to dreamy, faraway destinations.

From layerable chain necklaces and face-framing earrings to stacking rings and anklets, shop the best summer jewelry trends that capture the carefree essence of the season.

  • Courtesy of brand
    1/27

    Gorjana Swell Pendant Necklace

    $90

    Gorjana

    With hand-painted enamel and opal-like detail, this coin pendant necklace instantly evokes surf-filled beach days.

  • Courtesy of brand
    2/27

    Aurate Medium Paper Clip Chain Necklace

    $416 $160

    Aurate

    Crafted of solid 14-karat gold, this classic yet trendy paper clip chain won’t tarnish—which means you can wear it in the water. Wear it as is with your everyday layers or personalize it with your own charms.

  • Courtesy of brand
    6/27

    Badu Gold Bead Bracelet

    $16

    Amazon

    What looks better than a shiny stack of bracelets? This affordable (and best-selling) find features five beaded bracelets that you can wear together or mix and match with your favorite pieces for a custom arm party. Plus, they’re stretchy, which means they will fit most wrists.

  • Courtesy of brand
    7/27

    Chan Luu Pearl Drop Earrings

    $125

    Shopbop

    Pearls naturally fit right into the summer vibe. These luxe chain and freshwater pearl drops are elegant and versatile, easily pairing with wedding guest dresses or casual jeans and T-shirt looks.

    Save when you shop the best summer jewelry with these Shopbop promo codes.

  • Courtesy of brand
    8/27

    Bonbonwhims Adjustable Enamel Band Ring

    $50

    Bonbonwhims

    $50

    Nordstrom

    Infuse a pop of color into your ring stacks with this cubic-zirconia-studded enamel band, available in five bright hues. It’s also adjustable so you can rotate it between fingers.

    Save when you shop the best summer jewelry with these Shopbop promo codes.

  • Courtesy of brand
    9/27

    Anthropologie Camp Icon Beaded Necklaces, Set of 3

    $68

    Anthropologie

    If you like the effortless layered look but want something that’s actually effortless, try a prestyled set. This colorful Y2K-inspired version boasts strings of beads and pearls paired with an on-trend mushroom charm necklace. It’s also available in other happy motifs.

    Save when you shop the best summer jewelry with these Anthropologie promo codes.

  • Courtesy of brand
    10/27

    Natural Seashell Necklace

    $18

    Etsy

    Think of seashells as summer’s souvenir. These pretty handmade pendants feature a natural shell with gold-tone trim and matched with your choice of chain—and look much more expensive than they are.

  • Courtesy of brand
    11/27

    Stone Collection Blue Aventurine Ring Madewell

    $30

    Nordstrom

    Shimmery semiprecious amazonite stones set in a bezel design give this ring a bohemian spirit that especially resonates with the warm weather.

    Save when you shop the best summer jewelry with these Nordstrom promo codes.

  • Courtesy of brand
    15/27

    Catbird Hundred Summers Bracelet

    $108

    Catbird

    If you’re a fan of the “permanent” jewelry trend, you’ll like this barely there version from Catbird, one of the brands that specialize in the offering. Hand-twisted solid 14-karat gold means you won’t have to take this off when you shower or take a dip in the pool—and you can slip a little charm onto it to turn it into a charm bracelet.

  • Courtesy of brand
    16/27

    Sequin Convertible Beaded Necklace

    $168

    Sequin

    With its versatile length and gold-dipped toggle closure, this genuine turquoise beaded necklace can be worn at least three different ways (long, doubled up to be a choker, or as a lariat), making it an ideal piece to pack for a vacation.

  • Courtesy of brand
    17/27

    Custom Woven Friendship Bracelet BaubleBar

    $38

    Nordstrom

    Like the friendship bracelets of camp days, this rainbow take can be personalized with a name or saying. Plus, it has a metal slider closure for durability.

    Save when you shop the best summer jewelry with these Nordstrom promo codes.

  • Courtesy of brand
    18/27

    OXB Stack Rings

    $49

    OXB

    Designed to withstand sweat and water (i.e., great for summer adventures), these thin 14-karat-gold-filled rings from sweatproof fashion jewelry brand OXB will fulfill your stacking needs. Wear the set of three or five together or across your fingers.

  • Courtesy of brand
    19/27

    Shashi Gold Fiorina Earrings

    $58

    Shopbop

    Prepare for compliments in these sculptural floral earrings that appear like they’re floating on the ear.

    Save when you shop the best summer jewelry with these Shopbop promo codes.

  • Courtesy of brand
    20/27

    Oak and Luna Tyra Initial Zodiac Medallion

    $200

    Oak and Luna

    Personalize your neck game with this engravable 18-karat-gold vermeil medallion necklace that has space for zodiacs and initials. The Y-shape lends itself especially well to layering.

  • Courtesy of brand
    24/27

    BaubleBar Raquel Thread Wrapped Drop Earrings

    $48

    Nordstrom

    Complement your summer dresses with textured statement earrings, like this silky wrapped pair featuring geometric shapes.

    Save when you shop the best summer jewelry with these Nordstrom promo codes.

  • Courtesy of brand
    25/27

    Free People Oversized Coin Necklace

    $48

    Free People

    Throw on this easy prestyled necklace set, which blends together a silky herringbone chain with two mixed coin pendants at the ideal lengths.

    Save when you shop the best summer jewelry with these Free People promo codes.

  • Courtesy of brand
    26/27

    Pura Vida Rose Gold or Silver Heart of Pearl Anklet

    $16

    Amazon

    Leave this wax-coated heart anklet on for summer and beyond—the color won’t fade and it’s completely waterproof.

  • Courtesy of brand
    27/27

    J.Crew Starfish Stud Earrings With Pavé Crystals

    $26

    J.Crew

    Mermaidcore, but make it chic. These whimsical crystal starfish earrings embrace the under-the-sea trend dominating this season.

Paula Lee is a freelance fashion editor, writer and brand consultant with over 12 years of experience covering the fashion, accessories and fine jewelry markets. Following full-time stints as the Senior Fashion and Accessories Editor at Oprah Daily, O, The Oprah Magazine, and as Fashion Assistant at Marie Claire, she has... Read more
Topicsshoppingjewelryjewelry trendspromo codes
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