Gold, Pearls and Texture: My Summer Jewellery Update
Last summer, I found myself reaching for warm golds, pearls and gemstones. Looking back, though, I've realised it wasn't just the warmth and rich tones of the gold, organic shapes of the pearls or the beauty of the gemstones that drew me in; it was also the texture. While I still love the clean, mirror-like finish of polished jewellery, I've a newfound appreciation for hammered finishes, brushed metals, and organic silhouettes, which give jewellery an artisanal, lived-in quality that feels effortlessly elegant.
So when the Monica Vinader summer sale came around, I finally picked up a few pieces that had been sitting on my wishlist for months.
Earrings
Two earrings on my wishlist I checked off are the Deia Huggie and the Wave Medium Hoop Earrings. I love the style of both earrings. They're both crafted in 18k gold vermeil, although they also come in a sterling silver finish. The Wave Medium Hoop, as the name suggests, has a soft, undulating silhouette that reminds me of ocean waves. The smooth, mirror-like finish catches the light beautifully, making them versatile enough for everyday wear while still feeling elevated enough for special occasions
On the other hand, the Deia Huggies are the complete opposite. They sit close to the ear, hugging my earlobe with a subtle hammered texture that gives them an artisanal feel. They're the first pair of jewellery I purchased from Monica Vinader and one that I've misplaced and repurchased over time. They're lightweight and comfortable enough to sleep in, and an excellent choice for every day.
Necklace
I've had my eyes on the Vintage Choker Necklace in the length 15-17' as well as the Textured Link Chain Necklace 16'. Unfortunately, the Vintage Choker in the gold finish sold out before I could buy it, so I opted for the Textured Link Necklace paired with the Nura Skinny Biwa Pearl Pendant instead. I wanted something I could layer with my Paperclip Choker Chain Necklace, and the combination feels timeless and contrasty without looking overly polished.
Bracelet
I've had my eye on the Capri Keshi Pearl Disc Bracelet for a while now, and the summer sale was the perfect opportunity to finally add it to my collection. I love how the satin-finish gold discs are flat, irregular and beautifully brushed, giving the bracelet an organic, artisanal feel that I absolutely love. Their texture complements the natural shape and soft lustre of the Keshi pearl at the centre, creating a piece that feels harmonious and effortlessly elegant. I got mine in size small/medium, and it's just perfect for summer.
Ring
This time, I got the Antica Stacking Ring Set, the Deia Ring for my index or middle finger and the Signature Signet Ring for my pinky. Together, they strike the perfect balance between texture, sculptural design and timeless simplicity.
The Antica Stacking Ring Set captures everything I've been loving lately, as they come in two textures. One band has a rough-hammered finish while the other is smooth and polished, creating a beautiful contrast between shine and texture. Worn together or separately, they're versatile enough to complement almost any outfit.
The Deia Ring feels like the slimmer, more understated counterpart to the Deia Domed Ring. Its tapered silhouette and lightly hammered finish give it a sculptural, architectural quality that's striking enough to wear on its own, yet subtle enough to stack beautifully with other rings. If you like the Deia range and are thinking of a ring that feels understated, the Deia Ring is for you, but if you prefer a bold statement ring, the Deia Domed Ring is an excellent choice. However, pairing them together is also a great choice.
Finally, I chose the Signature Signet Ring for my pinky. Traditionally, signet rings feature a raised, flat face designed for engraving, but I decided to leave mine plain and let its clean geometric shape do the talking. Unlike the textured finish of Deia or Antica, the Signet ring has a sleek, high-polish finish that offers a beautiful contrast. Although it's traditionally worn on the pinky, I love that it can be styled on the thumb or any finger as a modern statement piece.
Looking over everything I picked up, I've realised this summer wasn't really about buying more jewellery; it was about refining my style. I've been gravitating towards pieces with organic textures, softly hammered finishes, brushed gold and luminous pearls. They feel effortless, lived-in and timeless in a way that highly polished jewellery sometimes doesn't. Every piece I chose reflects that shift, and I already know these are the pieces I'll be reaching for long after summer is over.