As always, the start of summer has us conjuring up visions of frolicking on the beach, sipping frozen, fruity beverages on a boardwalk and dining al fresca under the stars. While we wish our fantasy was an everyday reality, for most of us, the aforementioned scenes might take place a week or two of the summer (if we’re lucky!). The rest of the time, we’re still going about our business, working our jobs, running our businesses, managing summer schedules for kids on summer break, and (again, if we’re lucky) squeezing everything we can out of Summer Fridays.

This whole scenario is yet another reminder of the transcendental powers of jewelry. While white sand beaches and ocean blue water may seem worlds away while we sit on zoom calls or run from meeting to event, with the right adornment, we can channel easy, breezy summer vibes. Colorful pieces worn against the skin provide both an object upon which to gaze, as well as the metaphysical properties of precious metals and gemstones.

Turquoise has long been considered a “default” stone for summer, and following the shows that just took place during Las Vegas Market Week, it appears as if turquoise is making an even bigger splash this season. From high jewelry estate pieces that feature turquoise surrounded by diamonds and other precious metals, to cabochon cut turquoise charms mixed with other opaque stones such as coral as seen at Aspery & Guldag, turquoise is that perfect splash of color that reminds us of another kind of splashing around.

Options of blue and blue/green gemstones are nearly limitless, and they take on a completely different look when paired gemstones of other hues. Sapphires come in all shades of the rainbow except for red, when the corundum mineral is known as Ruby. At the Spring JA New York Show, Royal India USA/RIU Jewels debuted a vibrant blue sapphire paired with paler blue aquamarine accented with diamonds for a look that brings us straight to the sea. Tourmalines are also available in a variety of colors, and the Paraiba tourmaline surrounded by rubies in an estate piece from Greenwich Bazaar somehow evokes that perfect combination of serenity and sensational.

We’re not going to pretend that a fabulous piece of jewelry is a substitute for a beach vacation, yet the emotions inherent in fine jewelry coupled with the visceral reaction elicited by colored gemstones can go a long way towards shifting one’s mood. And let’s admit it, a week or two spent at the beach is fleeting, but beautiful, well-crafted fine jewelry can last a lifetime and beyond.