Summer Jewelry Making Inspiration: Designs, Colors, and Other Ideas

Are you looking for new inspiration for summer jewelry designs this year? Whether you're simply designing a couple pieces for yourself and aren't sure where to start or you're developing new lines for your jewelry business and want to mix up the routine a little, it can be refreshing to look at brand new palettes and ideas. As you can find inspiration virtually anywhere, you shouldn't limit your searches to pictures of jewelry and supplies. This article will get you started in your search to find summer jewelry making inspiration in new places.

Nothing says summer quite like bright colors. After months of gray skies and bare brown tree branches, everyone is starved to see a little color. Jewelry is no exception. This year challenge yourself to use a few bright colors that don't usually make their way into your supply box. Don't forget to consider neon shades. There are lots of ways to use neon in jewelry that offer a sophisticated, modern aesthetic.

It is easy to think about bright sunlight and gravitate toward rich vivid yellow shades for summer jewelry designs. While this color is perfect for summer, you can use images of the sun for inspiration far beyond the bright yellow. Study sunrises and sunsets. You may even want to pull up long exposure images of sunrises and/or sunsets. Consider the way the sun affects the colors in a given scene and then think about how you can depict them in a piece of jewelry.

As you think about beach and ocean elements to include in your summer jewelry, look for seashells, sand dollars, turtles, starfish, and seahorses. You can choose from beads, charms, and more. Consider different materials and what they add to the piece. For example, you may select wooden beads for their natural aesthetic or you may choose glass beads because their texture is similar to smooth water.

As the flowers start to bloom in the spring, make an effort to get out and let the natural source inspire your new summer jewelry designs. Pay attention to the colors as well as shapes, sizes, and textures. You may be able to pull inspiration in ways that you never expected. Of course there is no shortage of flower photos to check out online as well.

If you've spent any time planning a wedding or researching home décor in the past few years, you've most likely been overwhelmed with an abundance of nautical inspiration. Look for ways to keep the theme simple and understated such as a nautical color combination or a single silver or gold charm for a bracelet or necklace. Study harbor scenes, paying special attention to the boats, anchors, and life preservers.

• June: pearl, moonstone, alexandrite
• July: ruby
• August: peridot, sardonyx

There is always going to be a market for birthstone jewelry. From birthday presents to anniversary gifts to wedding jewelry, birthstone jewelry is a beautiful, timeless option. Make sure to start planning early so that you have your new pieces ready a few months ahead of time.

Seemingly overnight it became popular to wear and display flip flops in every form imaginable from jewelry to wreaths to dish towels. The trend is still going strong. In the jewelry world, it spans the entire spectrum from stretch bracelets with plastic beads to sterling silver Tiffany pendants. Consider how you can work flip flops into your designs so that they fit with the work that you already do.

Stones are another jewelry material that is never going to go out of style. There will always be a time and place for a simple turquoise bangle or a sea glass necklace. The following includes just a few of the most popular stones for summer. Of course you don't need to feel limited to these options.

• Turquoise
• Coral
• Sea / beach glass

Search Pinterest or Google for summer color combinations, and you'll find a wealth of possibilities. Whether you're looking to mix up your regular routine or you're searching for the perfect combination for one of the previously mentioned ideas, you'll be able to find something that fits the bill. Don't forget to consider neutrals including metallic shades. Silver, gold, and bronze make perfect accents for brighter summer shades such as lime green and turquoise blue.