Orange Jewels That Make You Glad It’s Summertime

If there is a color that defines summer to me, it has to be orange: Picture bright sunsets, farmers markets filled with fresh fruit, and overflowing gardens where flowers blossom under the sun’s warmth.

In jewelry, orange is somewhat rare, but it showed up and showed out during the JCK and Couture shows. Brands of all kinds from the venerable Oscar Heyman to relative newcomers such as ZAHN-Z showed how orange can symbolize vitality as well as luxury.

Color psychology around orange is intriguing, as it is considered “an energetic color,” according to Verywell Mind. Sports teams will use orange on their uniforms or on mascots because its mix of red and yellow expresses excitement and confidence.

While doing further research into orange and its meaning, I found that orange also is associated with spirituality. Buddhist monks wear orange to show that they have embraced a simple life and let go of material things. Their signature robes are a throwback to garments dyed with saffron and turmeric.

So if you’ve been hesitant to wear orange because of its association with Halloween or fall, it’s time to think again about orange. Its many shades—from bright coral to calming peach to burnt orange, which conjures images of fire and passion—create a compelling look in jewelry.

Here are some orange jewelry selections I saw at the Las Vegas jewelry shows. I hope just looking at these stunning gemstones makes you feel ready for summer. June 20 is the official start to this season, so it seems a fitting time to celebrate orange.

One-of-a-kind earrings with 7.36 cts. t.w. briolette Mexican fire opals and 1.66 cts. t.w. diamonds in 18k yellow gold, $25,245; Parlé

Saint-Tropez ring in 18k yellow gold with 5.95 ct. oval coral cabochon, 0.14 ct. t.w. diamonds, and hand-cut turquoise polka dots, price on request; Seal & Scribe

Charm in 18k yellow gold with natural shell and diamonds, $4,800; Jenna Blake

Sadaf Mosaic square signet ring in 14k yellow gold with mother-of-pearl, black enamel, orange princess-cut sapphire, and round white diamonds, $6,310; ZAHN-Z

Earrings with 8.71 cts. t.w. mandarin garnet and diamonds in platinum and 18k gold, $65,000; Oscar Heyman

Oval and trillion chunky Nomad ring in 14k yellow gold with 3.5 ct. spessarite garnet and 2 cts. t.w. pink sapphires, price on request; Claudia Mae

Cosmos multi tourmaline dome ring in 18k yellow gold with 1.59 cts. t.w. tourmalines, $2,645; Lionheart

Zaha ring in 14k yellow gold with orange citrine and onyx inlay, $4,510; ZAHN-Z

Necklace with 4.37 ct. clover citrine and 0.14 ct. t.w. diamonds in 18k rose gold, $3,070; Yael Designs

Top: Platinum ring with 10.68 ct. oval orange sapphire and diamonds, $70,000; Oscar Heyman