MTJ Staff Picks: Summer-Inspired Charms

Jul 19

As experts (and fans) in the jewelry industry, we’ve witnessed the rise, fall, and rise again of trends, buzzy designers, and the price of gold. But one thing stays consistent: we know a good thing when we see it. Here’s what we’ve got our eyes on this month.

Our favorite symbols under the sun

In case you haven’t noticed the rising mercury, summertime is officially upon us. One of our favorite ways to celebrate? Breaking out all the sunshine-season themed trinkets in our jewelry boxes to accent our warm-weather ensembles. When it comes to summery charms, there are plenty to choose from, from seaside finds to glorious garden life. Here are our top picks for all of your moments in the sun.

Sam Van deWalle — Editorial Assistant

“Working in my garden is one of my favorite summer pastimes, and every year I try to grow strawberries. Unfortunately, I have yet to master keeping the plant alive, but I usually manage to grow at least a couple of mini berries that I immediately devour right there in the garden. They may be tiny, but store-bought just doesn’t compare. This adorable charm reminds me of those hot summer days and the satisfaction of getting your hands dirty to grow your own food.”
EF Collection “Mini Strawberry” charm in 14k yellow gold with rubies, $395 at EF Collection

Ali Frugé - Director of Marketing

“My grandma has had a book group for well over 40 years (still going strong and meeting once a month!). They have a Christmas tradition of flamingo-related ‘white elephant’ gifts, and I remember always trying to steal that pink paraphernalia as a kid. I don’t know which I love more—the beautiful, bright (real) bird or the ironic lawn decor—but I do know that there’s nothing more ‘summer’ than flamingos, palm trees, and pools.”
Rembrandt Charms “Flamingo” charm in 14k yellow gold, $352 at Baxters Jewelry

Sara Mertz — Marketing Coordinator

"My love of sharks runs deep. Each summer, I spend hours watching Shark Week on Discovery Channel and dream of the day I can jump into a cage to admire this incredible sea creature right before my own two eyes. This gold shark tooth charm will be worn daily until that day and beyond."
Zoë Chicco shark tooth charm in 14k yellow gold, $455 at Zoë Chicco

Rebecca Daly — Managing Editor

“I'll be the first to confess that I've never exactly been an insect lover, but the more time I spend working in my summer vegetable garden, the more I feel a growing fondness for the little buggers (at least, from afar). While you won't find me setting up a backyard beehive anytime soon, I'll happily show my appreciation for pollinators with Storrow's gorgeous pearl, pink sapphire, opal, and diamond bee charm.”
Storrow "Beatrice" charm in 14k gold with gemstones and diamonds, $1,695 at Storrow

Johannah Masters — Market Editor

“Fun, colorful summer jewelry is kind of my thing! The original inspiration for my own jewelry brand, Johannah Masters Collection, was vibrant charms with a throwback beachy focus. One of my all-time favorites is from the debut “Bell Charm” collection. Even though (or maybe because) I’m sadly allergic to shellfish, I love to wear this crab solo on a gold chain link necklace or piled on with a variety of other sea-themed charms.”
Johannah Masters Collection “Crab” charm, $35 at Meet the Jewelers

Samantha Durbin – Editor at Large

"I have a charm bracelet that, sadly, only has one charm on it. I promised myself I'd add more sentimental charms and thought a banana could symbolize my first French bulldog, Annabelle. Her favorite fruit was bananas, and I used to call her ‘Annabanana.’ This gold and diamond banana from Mociun is glamorous and charming, just like Annabelle was."
Mociun “Peeled Banana” in 18k yellow gold with diamonds, $3,200 at Mociun

Editor: Rebecca Daly
Market Editor: Johannah Masters

Every item featured is personally selected by our writers and editors (read: we're totally into it). Please know that when you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission (read: we get to keep doing what we love).