This summer has brought forth a few really good necklace trends – all something a lil’ different – and it’s been really fun playing around with the styling. I’ve already talked about my deep love for the colorful, beaded necklace trend – arguably summer’s biggest – but there’s a few others worth mentioning, if you, too, happen to be looking for another way to style that doesn’t involve layers of clothing in 90 degree heat. 🙂
In general, I’m attracted to the idea of a really serious, substantial necklace – like this chunky charm necklace worn by Dua Lipa – but I’m more often a delicate jewelry kind of girl. I suspect I’m not the only one into extremes right now – WhoWhatWear claimed that both chunky and suuuuper delicate necklaces are trending this summer, and I think…I think Abby and I inadvertently came up with the coolest answer:
Our Summerchime necklace, handmade locally in Philadelphia.
similar dress (or secondhand) | summerchime necklace
This necklace is probably the most-complimented necklace I own, and I get a little thrill every time someone leans in to take a closer look (we did good, Abby!). It’s one part chunky charm necklace, one part pendant necklace, but in a very delicate-jewelry-girl kind of way.
By design, this necklace isn’t overwhelming, can be worn with silver or gold earrings, and, while it can be worn with a dressy dress…it sure as shit isn’t fussy (haha).
bikini top (more sizes in this color + bottoms) | dress | summerchime necklace | earrings
Real Charms vs. Trend Charms: Why It Matters
Per usual, we only wanted to work with real, natural materials. Most charm necklaces are enamel, resin, or plated base metal – which is why they often feel lighter than expected, and cheap to the touch. Our necklace is made with genuine tiger’s eye, real dyed red coral, genuine jade, and a solid sterling silver rose charm, all strung on an 18-inch gold-filled curb chain (with a 1.25-inch extension), finished with a lobster clasp.
Abby and I deliberately wanted something off-beat, irreverent. We kept messing around over and over until we got exactly what we were looking for and we couldn’t be happier with the result – especially after putting it through its styling paces. Not only have Abby & I been wearing it a ton, but this necklace happened to be my Mom’s(!!!) top pick! It looks so cute with all of her boxy linen tops. 🙂
A Few Ways To Wear Our Chunky Charm Pendant Necklace
With A Maxi Dress, Heading Out to Dinner….
similar dress (or secondhand) | sandals | bag | summerchime necklace | watch band bracelets
This is what I wore the other night, out to dinner. You can’t see in this photo, but I’m wearing this outfit with our vintage silver shell stud earrings, and it was perfect. (We’re on the ‘Green Coast’ in Albania right now.)
With A Little Dress (And A Bikini?) To Have Pizza At A Beach Bar
bikini top (more sizes in this color + bottoms) | dress | summerchime necklace | earrings
I don’t wear this necklace in the water (especially not salt water!) but we were doing a little bit of wandering before heading down to Gjipe Beach and this necklace was the perfect finishing touch with a vacation dress.
Layered With A Leather Cord Necklace
summerchime necklace | pearl necklace
Abby’s been layering hers with our Oh My Pearls necklace lately, and honestly, it might be our favorite combo of the summer — the pearls keep things soft, and the charms add just enough movement and story.
With A Playful White Tee, Running Around Town
I love this one because it proves the necklace isn’t just a fancy-outfit piece!! It looks just as good against a graphic tee. I’m pretty sure her “OLIVE” tee is personalized – or even handmade?? – but any playful tee with a white base would vibe the same!
With A Little Black Tank (For Dinner Or Daytime)
summerchime necklace | silver hoops
One thing we’ve learned from wearing this necklace all summer, it loves a simple black tank. I wore mine to dinner with a spritz in hand, Aliya wore hers with silver hoops (mixed metals, we don’t care). Toss this necklace on with any black tank you own and just…don’t overthink it.
Over Stripes, Weekend At The Shore
similar top | similar sweater | pants | summerchime necklace
For playing “I’m A Local” exploring the shore town: striped top, a sweater oh-so-casually thrown over the shoulders, and drawstring pants. For the finishing touch – a garnish of chimes. Love it.
With A Pop Of Red (Lean Into It!)
similar sweater | similar pants | summerchime necklace
Okaaay so this wasn’t planned, but it should have been: the red coral charm and a pair of red pants is such a good combo. Sometimes with a “pop of color” necklace, the instinct is to keep everything else neutral so it doesn’t compete…but honestly? Matching energy works too. If you’ve got a red piece sitting in your closet that you’ve been “saving” for the right moment, this is the moment.
Hope you love it as much as we do. Thank you for shopping small!!!
xo,
S
