Dopamine Dressing

May 18

Mood-boosting baubles, joyful gems

What is dopamine, you ask? Aside from being the brain chemical that makes you feel good, it’s the biggest buzzword in fashion right now. “Dopamine dressing” is a sartorial show of joy, intended to express (or even influence) the wearer’s mood. The key tenets of this trend? Anything fiercely fun and crazily colorful (as spotted throughout designers’ Spring/Summer 2022 runway collections). And for those not quite ready to don a trippy look top to toe, jewelry—from statement chic to petite and personal—offers the perfect low risk, high impact option for entrée, like a mood ring permanently set to “Very Happy.” Don’t worry, be happy—and bliss out on this bling!

**Smile**

For Claire Webb, studying metal and ceramics at the University of Houston and earning an MFA in metalworking were just the starting point in a career of creating pieces that project a uniquely whimsical air. These smiley studs are gleeful standouts among her many cheerful creations.
Yours by Clair Webb “Smiley Studs” earrings with rhinestones, $125 (were $150) at Yours by Claire Webb

**Swirl**

A signature combo of eye-catching enamel and to-die-for diamonds results in Melissa Kaye’s modern-luxury-meets-updated-classics aesthetic. This ring is a perfect example, with its mesmerizing neon yellow enamel and glittering diamond swirl.
Melissa Kaye “Riley” ring in 18k yellow gold and neon yellow enamel with diamonds, $7,950 at Melissa Kaye

**Pearl Party**

NYC’s Roxanne Assoulin is no stranger to color (in fact, it’s kind of her thing). Whether it’s stacked tile bracelets, oversized crystal earrings, or bright beaded necklaces, the rainbow is a key motif in her creations. New to the mix? Glass pearls, alternated with enamel-coated beads—a sophisticated take on the dopamine trend, for sure.
Roxanne Assouline “Pearl Party” necklace, $90 at Roxanne Assoulin
*This item is sold out.

**Bright Bubbles**

Meral Tahincioglu Peltekçi and Aylin Tahincioglu established Mer’s, a brand based in Turkey, in 2008. The two creators’ personalities work in tandem to form jewels that are “elegant and creative fashionable designs with high quality silver craftsmanship.” These earrings are a shining—not to mention colorful—example of just that.
Mer’s “Bubble Gum” earrings, $112 (sold singly) at Mer’s

**Turquoise Hearts**

Jewelry veterans Michael and Daniel Dabakarov are the design minds behind Lūvente. The cornerstone of their creativity is making something for everyone, from traditional to trendy, from classic to unconventional.
Lūvente ring 14k yellow gold with turquoise and diamonds, $1,750 at Venus Jewelers

**Rainbow**

Venessa Arizaga’s colorful pieces are inspired by New York and Puerto Rico, so it’s no surprise that her pieces are infused with tropical influences, tempered with truly cosmopolitan flair. This brightly-hued puka shell bracelet would be a welcome rainbow after any storm (tropical or not).
Venessa Arizaga “Sugaree” bracelet with freshwater pearls and puka shells, $100 at Venessa Arizaga

**Teddy Bear**

Salvador Tous Ponsa and Rosa Oriol Porta created TOUS Jewelry in 1965. Both came from family businesses and decided to use their skills and creativity to form their own brand, centered around “passion, creativity, commitment, team, and globality.” The results are quality pieces with an international appeal, including their signature “Teddy Bear,” first wrought in gold in 1985.
Tous “Teddy Bear” pendant in sterling silver and enamel, $125 at Tous

Editor: Rebecca Daly
Market Editor: Johannah Masters

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