No matter the season, gold jewellery is always the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. That said, now is the best time to experiment with your style a bit more: thanks to the summer fashion trends featuring lower necklines and shorter hems, you have way more exposed skin to adorn. Think of it as a blank canvas if you will.
The beauty of gold necklaces, earrings and bracelets is that they make everything look expensive, instantly, whether that's a plain white shirt or a summer dress, plus the metal is flattering on all skin tones.
Depending on whether you want to keep things simple or make a statement, there are endless combinations to style this trend.
I love a delicate gold necklace adorned with a coin pendant, or barely-there hoops, although for SS21 I'm loving the maximalist trend.
Think chunky chain bracelets, bold vintage-inspired earrings and stacked ankle bracelets and signet rings. Layering is also a way to make your style unique, and constantly reinvent yourself depending on your mood.
How to layer gold jewellery
I asked two of my favourite female jewellery designers for their tips on how to nail the layering trend this season. For Roxanne of Roxanne First, it's all about more is more.
'I think it’s a great opportunity to layer all kinds of necklaces, from beads to fine gold chains and chunkier statement pieces. Summer is great as we aren’t bundled up in jumpers so our décolletage is always on show! Adding beads allows you to add some colour! Our personalisation pieces are brilliant to layer, and ideally you’d want a few size options to layer (so they don’t get tangled). All in all, it’s about having some fun, mixing and matching – textures and golds,' she says.
Meanwhile, Rosh of Alighieri recommends mixing and matching different textures, 'I always wear four to five necklaces, all with different chains that can elevate a t-shirt and jeans, and really allow you to tell a unique story. The more different the chains, the better. At the moment, I'm wearing lots of gold charms and pearls.'
And the same goes with other kinds of jewellery, whether you're into rings, earrings or bracelets. Shop my edit of the best gold jewellery you can buy now, whether to be worn alone or layered.
Don't forget to check our Marie Claire vouchers site before you shop for the latest offers and discounts from your favourite brands - think Missoma, LUISAVIAROMA, Net-A-Porter and Browns.
Part of the new new Paradise collection from our fave Victoria McGrath AKA Inthefrow, this chunky 18k gold plated chain bracelet features a chic baroque pearl which elevates the chain to new heights. We're obsessed.
In co-founder Philippine’s native French, this sleek, softly undulating bangle is undeniably ‘intemporel’ – or timeless.
Part of Annoushka’s Tokens Birthstone collection, this effortless pendant is crafted in 14ct yellow gold and hand set with a 0.07ct Freshwater Pearl. An ideal gift for the minimalist in your life, style solo for maximum impact. Sponsored.
Wear alone, add pendant charms to the hinged links, or add to your wrist stack for a foolproof, wear-anytime-anywhere look.
Part of Lucy Williams' successful collection for the brand, this signet ring is great worn alone or stacked. Sponsored.
The plain wave ring is part of The Alkemistry's Aria collection. Light and playful, it borrows inspiration from the fluidity of air, one of the four elements of Alchemy. Crafted from solid 18ct yellow gold, this beautiful ring is made to last a lifetime.
This is one of my favourite labels for wanderlust-inducing summer jewellery and this bracelet is top of my wishlist.
Tohum’s Cuore collection is based around the notions of love, respect and empathy, which are all reflected through the vibrant orange Murano-glass heart pendant that adorns this 24kt gold-plated necklace. It’s made in Istanbul with an articulated bar chain – meaning it has fluid movement when worn – and fastens with a simple hook.
Lab-grown diamond and traceable gold brand Idyl has launched new hoop add-ons to its collection. Wear the hoops with the studs for a unique, innovative look.
This playfully nostalgic heart hoop is the perfect way to add a pop of colour to your summer wardrobe.
Alighieri’s L'incognito necklace is crafted in London through the process of lost wax casting – an ancient technique renowned for precision and integrity. It's composed of an asymmetric charm that pays tribute to the chapter The Land of the Lawless in Dante's Divine Comedy – the embodiment of the ‘joyful nature of doing the wrong thing’ – and is suspended between a fine 24kt gold rectangle chain.
Set on Missoma's signature bobble chain the Lena charm necklace is centred with an Amazonite gemstone. Style yours solo to keep the stone in focus or, layer with one of the labels beloved chains. Sponsored
The sleek geometric form ring is beautiful on its own or stacked, plus you can get it personalised too.
Designer Anissa Kermiche unites with global charity Sanitation First to design these these mismatched The Lady Days earrings – a collaborative project to raise awareness for Menstrual Hygiene Day and benefiting global communities in need. They’re crafted from 18kt gold-plated brass to a slender, elongated profile and can be hooked through onto one another, then secure onto pierced ears using butterfly post backs.
A perfect gift for a loved one, (or yourself!) Missoma’s pearl and choker necklace set takes the fuss out of curating the perfect, effortlessly layered necklace. Style yours solo or pair with a chunkier chain from their collaboration with Lucy Williams. Sponsored.
Inspired by the word 'God' in Arabic calligraphy, this 18-karat yellow gold chain necklace features lobster clasp fastening and an adjustable fit.
Save up to 50% in the Missoma sale this summer. With discounts on everything from the labels beloved Lucy Williams collection to their signature gold chains. (Sale June 23rd-July 15th). Sponsored.
Part of the London-based designers Zodiac collection you can personalise this duo coin necklace with yours and your loved one's star signs. With the option to engrave a date or motto on the back of each. A truly memorable gift.
A solid 14k yellow gold chain bracelet hand set with a 0.50 carat lab-created diamond.
Crafted from 18kt recycled gold vermeil Missoma's wavy huggies make a playful alternative to your go-to hoops. Sponsored.
Crafted on a dainty bobble chain, a genuine Amazonite gemstone is set into the pendant to give a timeless look.
The gold-plated earrings have a hammered texture and a simple, chic design.
This exquisitely chunky ring is formed of a thick back with three circular crystals.
Beautiful worn alone and dainty enough to be stacked with more huggies or studs for a curated ear.
We love the lock charm detailing on this super chunky bracelet by way of Oroton.
