Back to Sparkle: Kid-Friendly Jewels
Photo credit: @thebonbonwhimsclub
Backpack, pencils, sapphires, check!
When it’s time to start shopping for back-to-school gear, don’t forget the jewels. It may not be on some people's list, but it sure can add some fun to ABCs and 123s. There are personalized jewels for the nameplate collector and nostalgic pieces from Y2K-inspired chunky rings to Disney character cameos. There is a style for every personality and age (or grade). Here are our top picks, both teacher and kid-approved.
Rainbow Bright
Atelier Paulin’s focus is on handcrafted personalized pieces of jewelry. Names, messages, and motifs are formed into delicate yet expressive alternative forms of “rehumanized social network status” jewels. Perfect for future generations.
Atelier Paulin 14k gold filled and rainbow sapphires “Double Tour” personalized bracelet, $330 at Atelier Paulin
Zodiac Lucky
New Yorker Clare Ngai’s custom, small batch Y2K-influenced accessories began as a hobby. BONBONWHIMS launched during the pandemic to help raise money for BIPOC communities in need and has gained a following of famous fans (Kylie Jenner and Demi Lovato, to name a couple).
BONBONWHIMS “Zodiac Lucky” ring in Sagittarius, $65 at BONBONWHIMS
Rock Candy
Jose Balli Jewelry is a father/daughter duo based in New Orleans. Jose and his daughter Sarah are inspired by the south and their home state of Louisiana with its natural beauty and distinctive architecture. Sarah designs for a youthful crowd with sweet charms and bright colors showing up in playful designs, like this “Rock Candy” necklace.
Jose Balli sterling silver and morganite gemstones “Rock Candy” necklace, $245 at Jose Balli
Dino Love
Aliita means “important object” in Wayuu, the native language of the Guajiros, indigenous people of northeastern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. Aliita’s founder, Cynthia Vilchez Castiglioni, looked to her roots in Zulia, Venezuela, for her company. This dinosaur earring embodies her signature look: effortless, modern, eclectic.
18k yellow gold hoop, pendant in 9kt yellow gold, emerald “Dino Esmeralda” earring, $380 (single) at Aliita
Swim Mood
Kids can carry summer into fall with this limited edition bangle by Paris-based Nouvel Heritage. Founder Camille Parruitte added color to her best-selling “Mood Collection” for the first time after spending a summer in Miami. Summer approved, but can totally be worn year-round.
Nouvel Heritage 18k yellow gold, titanium, blue coating, and diamond “Afternoon Swim Mood” bangle, $2,000 at Nouvel Heritage
Bashful
I Bello holds family, arts, and tradition close to the company. Grandfather Michele passed down his knowledge of cameo craftsmanship and passion to his grandchildren Matilde and Antonio. They mix that tradition with whimsy to produce contemporary pieces for a fashion-forward audience of all ages.
I Bello gold plated sterling silver bail and clasp with hand carved Sardonic shell cameo “Bashful” pendant, $165 at PERI.A
Glitter Critter
Susan Alexandra has a thing for kitschy accessories, with glass beads being the main material. Fans can tote around a funky bag, cover their boring Kleenex box, and even decorate their earlobes with the mood-lifting beads formed into creative creations, like these kitty danglers.
Susan Alexandra glass faceted beads Glitter Critter “Here Kitty Kitty” earrings, $68 at Susan Alexandra
Editor: Samantha Durbin
Market Editor: Johannah Masters
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