Whether or not you follow the fashion “rule” of not wearing white between Labor Day and Memorial Day—which, let’s face it, feels a bit antiquated (winter white, anyone?)—now is certainly the time to bring out your whites. And that goes for your jewels, too.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite white jewels as you integrate more of the neutral shade into your warmer-weather wardrobe.

Channeling the free-spirited ’70s, Bea Bongiasca’s Flower Power earrings feel particularly right for the start of summer.

In a beautiful white enamel, David Webb’s link bracelet resembles a basket weave, which seems relevant for summer styling.

The striped chalcedony of Kimberly McDonald’s duo-drop earrings pairs fantastically with the seaside backdrop where you may be wearing them.

Boasting an oversize pendant, Julietta’s one-of-a-kind necklace is the ideal accessory for wherever you’re headed this Memorial Day.

Just a gorgeous combination of white gold, enamel, and diamond, Nina Runsdorf’s ring is a wearable work of art.

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Whether you are mother yourself, or are shopping for your mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, or another maternal figure, look no further than these floral jewels that will last far longer than a bouquet—even for generations to come.

Paul Morelli’s flower and drop earrings are hand-carved from vibrant turquoise for a truly one-of-a-kind result—just like the mother in your life.

If you’re in the market for a classic, look no further than this vintage Van Cleef & Arpels piece. Kate Middleton wore a very similar style to last weekend’s Coronation Concert, so you know it’s the real deal.

For the art deco aficionado, Suzanne Belperron’s midcentury brooch fits the bill. This particular design can be clipped onto a collar, a wrist, or wherever you’d like.

With its explosion of colorful stones, Wendy Yue’s ring isn’t for the faint of heart. This one’s definitely for the mom who’s not afraid to make a statement.

Simply elegant, David Webb’s brooch from the 1980s is covered in pavé-set diamonds for a completely dazzling effect.

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Weitzman’s newest jewelry line, Kuleana, repurposes microplastics that were polluting the ocean and beaches around Hawaii. She has made them into colorful mosaics, which are set within her brand’s signature branch-inspired frames. Prices range from $85 for a necklace with a small pendant to $175 for a gold ring.

The goal, Weitzman says, is to show how beautiful jewelry can be made from recycled materials. She has long used such materials, and her jewelry is handmade. The Kuleana collection also brings attention to the importance of reducing plastics use (and the pollution that can result when plastics are not properly recycled) and of protecting the planet now and in the future.

“When taken out of its context of beach trash, the colors are really vibrant and look beautiful the way we are setting them,” says Weitzman. “I love that you can pair a simple opal with some microplastics and they can hold their own—such an amazing example of high and low.

“I wanted to bring awareness to the huge microplastics problems on coastlines all over the world. I know that the amount we are using in the jewelry isn’t doing anything to reduce the amount of plastics on the beaches, but at least it is shedding light on the issue,” Weitzman adds.

The designer says she is donating a portion of the proceeds from the Kuleana collection to Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii (SCH), a local organization that hosts beach cleanups and is her collaborator for collecting the microplastics she uses in these jewelry pieces.

“They are the ones who clean up the beaches on Oahu where I live. The work they do is amazing,” Weitzman says. “I have been fortunate enough to call Hawaii home for the past 20 years, and in that time I have personally seen a huge uptick in the amount of plastics on the beach. SCH organizes so many beach cleanups and informational events.

“Most of the plastics coming to Hawaii are not coming from Hawaii—they are coming from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, but it is still an issue that needs to be tackled locally,” she adds.

Selecting the microplastics for the jewelry was one challenging part of the process, Weitzman says. She also uses a special eco-friendly resin to set the mosaics into their frames.

“We usually use mineral crystal only, but to elevate the aesthetics of the microplastics, we realized we needed a different approach, and so the hunt was on for an eco-friendly solution that could suspend the microplastics,” she explains.

“As a brand we have always embraced environmental responsibility. It’s central to who I am as a person, and what we strive for as a company,” Weitzman says. “I remember 15 years ago when we first started to use recycled silver. Our customers were concerned it was dirty—it wasn’t—so we couldn’t advertise it, and kept it quiet for a while. Things have certainly come full-circle since then, and now some of our customers are even more educated about this than we are.”

Weitzman says one of the most gratifying parts of this collection was including her daughter in its creation.

“It is never too early to start to teach our keiki [children] about the environment and the little things they can do to help. I’m going to a huge beach cleanup with my 4-year-old and her friends this weekend, and they all love to get out the sifters and see what they can clean,” Weitzman says. “My daughter has been wearing the mini necklace from the Kuleana collection since we made the first one and loves to tell anyone who will ask that it is made from the yucky stuff [opala in Hawaiian] on the beach.”

Top: The extra large necklace ($140) in silver from Kuleana, a new collection released by Catherine Weitzman in April that recycles plastics collected from the ocean waters around Hawaii (photos courtesy of Catherine Weitzman)

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“The theme is diversity,” says Bryna Pomp, director for MAD About Jewelry, held annually at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. “Each edition presents a slice of what I think is the best contemporary jewelry and makers working around the world.”

This is the 23rd year for MAD About Jewelry, which kicks off April 25 with an opening benefit featuring an artist reception and dinner. The event will honor the 2023 MAD About Jewelry award recipients, including designer Alexis Bittar; Linda Fargo, senior vice president of fashion and store presentation at Bergdorf Goodman; and Sam Broekema, editor-in-chief of Only Natural Diamonds.

From April 26 to 29, the public has the chance to see and purchase jewelry by 50 artists, who were chosen to participate because of their innovative vision for what contemporary jewelry can be, Pomp says. The artists come from 20 countries and include the show’s first entries from Brazil, Estonia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Kenya, she says.

“I have staunch criteria in the artists I select. There has to be something for everyone, from serious collectors to someone visiting the museum for the first time,” Pomp says. “This is a milestone event for these makers as well—they have a platform at an important institution worldwide to show their work. For many, this is a real launchpad.”

Pomp doesn’t plays favorites when it comes to the MAD About Jewelry artists. She will happily tell you where she met each of them, why she feels their work is noteworthy, and how she hopes they will be received at the show. But if you ask nicely, Pomp will go into greater detail about why she sees certain artists’ efforts in sustainability or gender fluidity as revolutionary.

Yumi Kato of Japan, for example, recycles material from kimonos to create textile jewelry. Kato, whose mother was a dressmaker, has a background in fashion and textile design, and her work stands out in terms of the colors and designs she creates with the silks. She also partially or completely hand-sews each piece of jewelry.

Another incredible maker is Diego Saraiva of Brazil, who repurposes objects including coins, stamps, and cutlery in his jewelry—creating something that is both visually stunning and a commentary on consumerism, Pomp says.

Gender-neutral designs, like those from Akvile Su, are a thematic addition to this year’s show. Su is a Scotland-based Lithuanian designer who works in recycled precious metals, making geometric chains, rings, and minimalist earrings.

Pomp wears jewelry from the show not only for interviews but across her social media. One recent favorite is the walnut-based jewelry from Dutch husband-and-wife designers Michiel Henneman and Jiska Hartog. Pomp says her husband also wore one of their pieces recently with a navy blazer and received many compliments.

“People who come to MAD About Jewelry absolutely love things made out of unusual materials,” Pomp says. “They love to wear it and ask people to guess what their jewelry is made from. [When] people collect paintings or sculptures, you only see it in their homes. When you buy a piece of contemporary art jewelry, you’re going out in public with it. People see it, ask about it, and appreciate it. To me, it’s a much more expressive way to show one’s interest in contemporary art.”

MAD About Jewelry artists will be available during the show to talk to visitors, and they will participate in a new mentorship program with designer Emanuela Caruso and a mentorship seminar with Lorraine West, who serves as artist liaison for the event.

Top: A piece of textile jewelry by Yumi Kato, a Japanese designer who uses recycled kimonos and is one of the creators in the 23rd edition of MAD About Jewelry, a show and sale at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. (Photos courtesy of the Museum of Arts and Design)

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Irene Neuwirth is known for her feel-good floral designs, and this unique necklace from the Tropical Flower collection features hand-carved opal petals, grounded by an opal center stone. If you know your gems, you know that opal represents hope, purity, and truth.

Cece Jewelry’s Rose & Diamond ring isn’t just a pretty little thing. It “examines the allure of the rose, wild and sharp yet an enduring symbol of love,” according to the jeweler’s site. “Here, Cece rejoices in its tenderness amongst thorns, where beauty is found in the darkest of places.”

Bursting with colorful blooms and vibrant gems, the Wild Child Link—a distinctive, handcrafted design by Philadelphia-based Paul Morelli—will brighten anyone’s day (spring and beyond).

Italian jeweler Bea Bongiasca’s oversize Flower Power earrings, available in a few different color pairs, channel the free-spirited nature of the ’60s and ’70s and are handcrafted in Italy.

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A very good place to begin would be the simple silk cord bracelet that L.A.-based jeweler Octavia Elizabeth has created in partnership with The Stax jewelry advisory and the nonprofit Mother Lovers, which works to raise awareness about maternal health in the United States. The capsule collection of bright red mommy-and-me Baby Parachute bracelets will be available on the Octavia Elizabeth site from early May through August—100% of the proceeds from each of the bracelets will go to funding organizations that offer therapy to mothers who don’t have the means for proper pre- and postpartum care.

The other styles we’ve highlighted below range from a $180 pair of heart-shape stud earrings in Damascus steel by the metalsmith Chris Ploof to a $25,000 pair of reversible diamond earrings by the Italian firm Picchiotti. In between you’ll find simple gemstone pendants, classic pearls, and a customizable bangle bracelet from HIE Heirlooms of Hawaii expressly designed to be passed down to the next generation. It doesn’t get more sentimental than that!

Top: Amelia Ana bracelet in 14k gold (10 mm) with black enamel, $5,900; HIE Heirlooms of Hawaii

Through every iteration of Randi’s varied, two-decade career in jewelry, one thing has remained true: She has always—always—had a sixth sense for emerging trends. So it is without hesitation that we tapped her for insights into 2023’s trending styles. Below is a snapshot of all the colors, styles, and gemstones you should consider stocking as we barrel toward the holiday season.

Which emerging fine jewelry trends do you think will be important this summer and into the fourth quarter?

There’s still this really bright color thing happening, whether that’s neon enamel—which a lot of people are still doing—or, if you’re not into enamel, a great way to do that is with interesting semiprecious gemstones. That vibe is especially great for summer, but it’s great all year-round.

People are picking the brightest versions of these stones, such as chrysoprase, but the most vivid version of that. Or they’re even doing a brightly colored jade. Or a kunzite—but, again, the brightest, flashiest version of that.

People are liking these bright, unusual colors in fine jewelry because fine jewelry has gotten more intertwined with fashion over the years. And people like Lauren Rubinski are adding pops of color to gold chains and silhouettes we’ve seen before with these bright, juicy pops of neon.

What’s new on the gold jewelry front?

There’s a lot of interest in what people are doing with gold and textures of gold. The question used to be, Do you like it shiny or do you like it matte? But now we’re seeing more in design-driven collections, whether the metal is hand-hammered, woven, or has a sparkly finish.

People used to be interested in design, shape, or stones but the texture of the gold is coming back as an interesting feature. It allows you to open up a little bit more even if it’s just a simple chain. People are still wanting interesting chains.

Which existing trends continue to feel relevant?

Editors are constantly reaching out to me about signet rings and pinky rings, which are still a hot topic. We’ve been talking about this for a long time but it’s a trickle-down thing. Pinky rings were a weird thing that dudes would wear back in the day but now they’re part of the lexicon.

And lockets are popping back into the conversation again. For a long time, maybe it was a gift you’d get for your bat mitzvah or confirmation, kind of a little girl gift, but now designers are doing really cool things with lockets.

It goes back to what happened during COVID, when we saw the importance of keepsakes and things you pass down. In the past, you’d think of one to two designers who did lockets, like Monica Rich Kosann, but now lots of people are doing them. Also, pieces you can put stuff in—like tubular necklaces or poison rings. It’s the idea of being able to lock something away or treasure something.

Are you seeing a bigger focus on silver this year?

I’ve been getting more requests for silver. There is definitely a white metal thing happening, whether it’s silver, white gold, or platinum. It’s in the conversation quite a bit. We’re seeing it a lot more on celebrities. You can do more with silver. There’s a lot of red carpet stuff happening with it that’s more fashion-forward. And these things are cyclical. It’s been a while and people are like, It’s a thing now. It started with people doing a lot of things with two-tone and that’s back, and then people are like, Why don’t we just go all the way?

Which colors feel especially fresh?

People still really gravitate toward green; that’s where we see the most purchase power. Having green in your collection is always a good thing. It doesn’t have to be emerald green. Peridot has come back in vogue—kind of that brighter peridot.

And what about trending gemstones?

I’m thinking back to what I saw in Tucson. There was a lot of moonstone happening. And people still want pearls; that’s probably one of the top five requests I get. Even basic strands. Pearls have gone so unisex now that every editorial request I get, they want a strand of pearls for the guy. People are all about pearls these days.

Overall, how would you describe the vibe for 2023?

Edgy. I think we’re seeing an edgier, more dramatic ear situation happening again: the climbers and the cuffs. It’s a less conservative moment. That doesn’t always mean bigger, but edgier silhouettes.

I’m seeing necklaces get shorter too; not chokers but shorter styles, which is an edgier take than a pendant on a chain. And pinky rings fall in that, too—for a lot of people that feels edgy.

They’re big, they’re bold, they’re worthy of planning entire ensembles around (even a basic T and jeans get instant polish when paired with these).

Jumbo chandelier earrings, shoulder-dusting rows of metal and stone, hoops the size of a bread plate. If “go big or go home” is the rule, these styles ensure the wearers can stay away from home for as long as they please.

But the look isn’t just about big pieces that dangle and sway—stud earrings are in on it, too. Whether they’re ’80s-tastic mega buttons, or the sculptural studs seen on the runways, this style says “so long” to the curated ear party and “hello” to the solo stunners that pack a wallop.

Below, a roundup of jumbo-size earrings that take jewelry style to the max.

Top: Crescent moon earrings in platinum with white jadeite, 2.24 cts. t.w. rose-cut diamonds, and round South Sea pearls, $36,000; Assael

Derived from the Greek word adamas, meaning “invincible,” and considered one of the hardest substances on earth, diamonds are regarded as symbols of strength, longevity, and prosperity—which is why they’re used so often in jewelry.

As April approaches, we’re taking the opportunity to honor the incredible stone through some truly exceptional designs. Below, we’ve rounded up pieces from different eras (natural diamonds date back billions of years, after all), including Victorian, art deco, as recently as the ’90s, and more.

The designs also vary in their aesthetic, showing the versatility of diamonds, from crescent moon brooches-turned-pendants on 19th-century watch chains, to over 9 cts. t.w. across a smooth, flush timepiece band, to a deco cocktail bombé ring (by Juliette Moutard for René Boivin, nonetheless). So whether you’re shopping for a big birthday come April, in the market for a special occasion, or just window shopping, look no further for guidance and inspiration.

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American actor, producer, and director Michael B. Jordan wore not one but two brooches at this year’s Academy Awards by none other than the legendary Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. The Bird on a Rock, introduced in 1965, is—to this day—one of the late designer’s most timeless and signature designs.

While he wore a platinum iteration, Irish actor Paul Mescal donned an incredible Cartier Faune et Flore high jewelry brooch to this year’s Oscars, as well as a single yellow gold Juste un Clou earring by the jeweler. Mescal, however, is no stranger to gems and brooches in particular; just last month he accessorized his custom Gucci suit with a vintage Cartier (circa 1930s) piece at the BAFTAs.

This year’s Oscar winner for Best Supporting actor, Ke Huy Quan, paired his 24k gold–plated bronze statuette with two lapel adornments: this Art Nouveau pansy and a 2.5 ct. lozenge-shape diamond and platinum pin, both from Fred Leighton.

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