Summer Jewelry Inspiration for Handmade Accessories
Like all seasons, summer holds many inspiring sights, sounds, and feelings, especially for artists. As I enjoy the longer days and slower pace of summer, I find myself deeply drawn to the beauty that surrounds me. From bold, golden sunshine to the deep rich cool hues of twilight, summer is filled with moments that ignite and inspire my creativity. Here are my inspirations for handmade accessories during the warmer months.
Water
It seems that no matter the season, I’m captivated by water. But in summer, its influence becomes even stronger. From morning runs along the river to lazy weekends spent beside shimmering lakes, water has a calm yet invigorating energy that I love to channel. Over the years, I’ve designed several aquatic-themed collections—including Sirens Call in 2020 and Tranquil Waters in 2019—both inspired by the movement, color, and reflective beauty of water in the summertime.
Twilight
That magical time after the sun sets but before darkness fully sets in—the golden hour—holds a special place in my imagination. There’s something otherworldly about twilight. It evokes cozy summer evenings, flickering fire pits, laughter on the patio, and stars beginning to emerge in a deepening sky. I often use a mix of dusky purples, inky blues, and soft golden yellows to translate that feeling into jewelry. The mystery and serenity of twilight helps shape designs that are both bold and romantic.
Dumortierite gemstones have blue, purple, and black hues that emulate the galaxy in a subtle way. Paired with a silver star charm, these earrings are subtly elegant and transition perfectly from daytime to evening wear.. These dangle earrings measure at 2.75 inches long. This earring set was released as part of the Starry Night Volume II jewelry collection in April 2025.
This accessory features an blend of beads that make this necklace shine. Metal beads pair with large crystal beads, rhinestone adorned beads, and hollow glass beads come together in deep, celestial hues of dark blue, purple, and turquoise, evoking the mesmerizing colors of the cosmos. Secure this necklace with a convenient magnet clasp. Whether paired with an evening gown or worn to elevate everyday style, this statement necklace invites you to carry a touch of the universe wherever you go. This necklace was released as part of the Starry Night Volume II jewelry collection in April 2025.
Sunsets
It shouldn’t be a surprise that summer sunsets are one of my favorite sources of inspiration. In 2019, I dedicated an entire jewelry collection to the breathtaking Summer Sunsets I see nearly every night in Colorado. The skies turn into vibrant palettes of reds, pinks, oranges, and golds, and those warm, glowing hues constantly find their way into my designs. I’ve since reivisited the sunset theme with Volume II of this collection. Whether I’m working with gemstones in blush and red tones or pairing these warmer hues with golds, sunsets always spark something in my creative mind.
The Sun
One of my favorite parts of summer is simply the sun itself. There's a distinct golden hue that only summer light can bring—rich, glowing, and full of warmth. I love interpreting this into my designs by leaning into all-gold jewelry during the summer months, as seen in the Golden Goddess collections I’ve crafted. Gold metal reflects the brilliance of sunlight and adds a timeless, radiant energy to any piece. Whether it’s minimalist gold layering chains or bold statement earrings, I often design with the sun in mind during this season.
Stun with this pair of accent earrings that features a stylish frame and pyrite gemstone bead accents. Transition from day to night with this versatile pair of accent earrings. These earrings were released as part of the Golden Goddess Volume II collection in July 2024.
A gold fan filigree is accented with gold crystal beads in this striking accent necklace. Dazzle with this monochromatic necklace that perfectly celebrates the warm summer season. This necklace was released as part of the Golden Goddess Volume II collection in July 2024.
The American Southwest
Another powerful source of inspiration during the summer is the rugged beauty of the American Southwest. The warm desert landscapes, dramatic rock formations, and iconic color palette all speak to me in a unique way. These tones find their way into my summer jewelry through gemstones like carnelian, jasper, and sunstone. My Southwestern Trails collection and Volume II both explored the motifs of the American southwest and were inspired in part due to the summer season.
Add a bit of style to your look with this lovely long necklace. An accent filigree that emulates a dream catcher is accented with a longer leather tassel necklace. This dramatic necklace will work perfectly for a casual afternoon out, layered with other looks. Add a bit of boho southwestern flair to your look with this handmade necklace. This necklace was released as part of the Southwestern Trails jewelry collection in August 2023.
Metal beads with a blue patina are paired with arrow charms in this stylish southwest inspired earring set. This earring set was released as part of the Southwestern Trails Volume II Jewelry Collection in August 2024.
Summer Inspirations for Handmade Accessories
Summer, like all seasons, is filled with inspiration. This year I’m especially inspired by my trip to Hawai’i so I’ve been visiting that tropical destination in my mind including crystal clear oceans, volcanos, and rain forests. I can’t wait to debut these creations in a few weeks.