Festival Chic
The vibe? Headliner-worthy jewels
Festival season. Is. Coming. After a pandemic-induced two-year hiatus, music and arts festivals promise to be back with a bang when the season unofficially kicks off on April 15 in Indio, California.
But “music and arts festival” doesn’t quite capture it. When you think “music festivals,” the wildly-fun statement style of the crowd comes to mind just as much as the buzzy roster of performers. These are events with their own “runways,” including every sartorial sensibility from over-the-top hip hop to classic rocker to, naturally, those festival-requisite throwback hippie looks.
If you’re heading to Indio this year, now’s the time to pile on the jewels—the bigger the better—whether from your jewelry box, borrowed from a friend, or bought brand new for the occasion (as if you needed an excuse!). Here are our top picks to help you amp up your festival style.
Thunderbird
Crystals are a big part of what designer Jacquie Aiche is known for, but talismans can also be found throughout her collection. The Thunderbird is a spiritual animal that symbolizes many different meanings, including truth, renewed energy, and life—strengths we could all use a little more of these days.
Jacquie Aiche “Thunderbird” necklace in 14k gold with chrysoprase and diamond, $6,750 at Jacquie Aiche
Element Orb
Husband and wife team Murat and Beth Bugdaycay created Foundrae in 2015 and have been gracing jewelry lovers around the globe with their spiritual and symbolic designs ever since. This lapis anklet is a perfect addition to their easily layered pieces, but it also looks just as special worn alone.
Foundrae “Air-Astrology Element Orb” anklet in 18k gold and lapis lazuli, $8,130 at Foundrae
Yin Yang
Retrouvaí designer Kirsty Stone centers many of her collections around statement-making stones, including her “Yin Yang” pendants and rings. The yin-yang—symbolizing the harmony and balance of opposites—is a welcome sign that lets everyone know you come in peace.
Retrouvaí 14k yellow gold, turquoise and diamond “Yin Yang” ring, $3,430 at Retrouvaí
Jadeite and Onyx
While Market Street Diamonds may focus on offering distinct, conflict-free and eco-conscious diamond engagement rings, they also have a plethora of other unique pieces in a variety of stones. With a surprisingly complementary mix of jadeite and black onyx, these showstopper chandelier earrings are just one example.
Market Street Diamonds earrings in sterling silver with jadeite, onyx, and pearls, $1,195 at Market Street Diamonds
Opal Heart
Samantha Tsiagalis, a first-generation Greek-American jewelry designer, created Sam Tsia in 2015. Inspired by the Greek Islands, her NYC-based brand uses raw materials to make handmade pieces with stones and metals that reflect the landscapes and people of Greece. You’ll find gold that’s been textured to mirror topography, and fiery opals, like this one, that evoke the ocean.
Sam Tsia opal heart necklace, $3,000 at Love Locked
Venus
Samantha Tea created her eponymous brand of thoughtfully unique jewelry with inspiration that spans astronomy to world travel. Each piece is intended to last a lifetime, and to continue to build memories for the wearer.
Samantha Tea “Venus” ring in 18k rose gold with Persian turquoise and diamonds, $1,597 at Samantha Tea
Coco
The concept of playful luxury inspired Leslie Chetrit’s Paris-based Timeless Pearly collection. From mix-and-match earrings to beaded bracelets, you name it, she’s designed it, including this turquoise heart hair clip—the cure for the common scrunchie.
Turquoise hearts “Coco” hair clip, $126 at Timeless Pearly
Constellation
Leehe Segal of Bleecker & Prince creates custom jewelry for clients, but one would be remiss not to take a gander at her many amazing statement stone offerings. This “Constellation” necklace is inspired by the stars, with scattered diamonds that shine just as bright.
Bleecker & Prince “Constellation” necklace in 14k gold with lapis and diamonds, $1,688 (was $2,110) at Bleecker & Prince
Editor: Rebecca Daly
Market Editor: Johannah Masters
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