Sunshine style: Vibrant enamel jewellery for summer
Turn heads by the pool in rainbow-hued jewellery featuring this season's chicest material: enamel
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Enamel jewellery. On the face of it, the vast array of vividly coloured designs on offer this season may seem like little more than yet another facet of the Y2K revival trend. Not so, says Katie Rowland, head of creative at Astley Clarke, which has pressed this humble material into service across its vibrant summer collections.
“Enamel has been used in jewellery for centuries,” Rowland explains. “It’s an art form, a craft in fact, in its own right. Astley Clarke has a rich archive celebrating colour from gemstones to enamel. It is very much a part of who we are, so it felt right for us to embrace it.”
Referring to the process of applying a coat of coloured glass paste or powder to the base metal of a piece of jewellery, before baking at an extremely high temperature so as to fuse the two materials together, enamel jewellery dates back as far as ancient Persian, Egyptian and Chinese cultures. However, while it has traditionally been used to add intricate, delicate features to jewels, this season’s take on the craft is big, bold and vibrant.
“Colour, in general, is having a moment post-pandemic through gemstones and enamel,” says Rowland. “It’s mood-boosting and playful, allowing joyful expression through jewellery. It touches everyone with positive energy.”
Wherein lies the appeal of enamel – especially for summer. Not only can it achieve the kind of saturated neon shades, pretty pastels and primary hues not usually seen in traditional gemstones, it also happens to be significantly cheaper than rubies or sapphires. Perfect, then, for poolside styling. Get your piece of the action with our pick of the best enamel jewellery for summer.
Boochier Fruit Hoops enamel ring
The playful nature of enamel doesn’t mean it can’t also be a conduit for some serious fine jewellery. Take, for example, Boochier’s Fruit Hoops collection. Each fluid piece is crafted in 18ct recycled yellow gold and studded with diamonds, while also evoking movement and elasticity with woven, intertwined designs in fruity hues.
Bea Bongiasca double heart earrings
If you’re looking for the real driving force behind enamel’s revival, look no further than Bea Bongiasca. The Milanese jeweller has been quietly espousing the benefits of the material since founding her eponymous house in 2014, in the process growing a loyal following including Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, Julia Roberts and Tessa Thompson. These playful double heart crwler earrings featuring handpainted red enamel are exemplary of her sculptural, exuberant style.
Astley Clarke Gold Flare White Topaz Signet Ring
Astley Clarke’s signet ring is less ordinary than the classic. An 18ct gold-plated ridged band features a central white topaz stone framed by black enamel for a bold, sophisticated and modern design. Bringing instant glam, whether worn daily or saved for special occasions, it’s wallet-friendly price tag makes it a great option for every day wear.
Valentino Garavani Pas Plus enamel earrings
If you really want to buy into the trend, then go big. And nothing will help you do that better than Valentino’s Pas Plus enamel earrings. The chunky gold-tone metal design is finished with glossy aquatic blue enamel offering a contemporary and playful take on a classic everyday earring.
Roxanne Assoulin The Bright By Nature enamel bracelets
All the fun of an effortless bangle stack with, literally, none of the effort? Colour us charmed. Rendered in a fun rainbow-hued palette, Roxanne Assoulin’s set of three enamel and gold-tone beaded bracelets are the perfect space savers for hand luggage-only trips to sunny locales.
Cece Jewellery Rose enamel pendant
Putting a modern twist on traditional enamelling, British jeweller Cece Fein Hughes takes her inspiration from the evolution of enamel jewellery throughout history. Each signet ring and pendant necklace features a miniature artwork taken from the annals of adornment, be that the headpiece of a Byzantine princess or a Celtic warrior’s battle armour. Whether you prefer her tougher, tattoo-style designs or romantic pieces, like this Rose necklace, each is hand-painted and completely unique.
Aurélie Bidermann Positano enamel bracelet
Paris-based jeweller Aurélie Bidermann does a fine line in brightly-hued enamel pieces, alongside more classic charm bracelets, hoop earrings and delicate necklaces. Designed with stacking in mind, this purpley, hazelnut-coloured bangle, inspired by the classic Italian destination of Positano, has ‘beach club party’ written all over it.
Aspinal of London Ribbed Enamel Hoop Earring
It isn’t just jewellery specialists getting in on the enamel action – luxury fashion houses like Aspinal of London are clued up on its appeal too. Crafted from 18ct gold and finished with sky blue enamel detailing, the playful, sculptural hoops will add a colourful edge to everything from a white T-shirt to a black cocktail dress.
Mejuri enamel Dôme figure ring
Jazz up your jewellery box with Mejuri’s Dôme collection. Available in several hued, as well as classic gold and silver, pick and mix the curved silhouette for a quirky and joyful addition to your everyday wear. Made from a glossy enamel cut into a slim, elegant style, our favourite is the fresh cream hue.
