Dingle-Dangle
I’ve often hinted at my affinity for jewels that dangle, the most stunning of which remains this Belperron ring. There’s something satisfying about jewelry with movement, both from a fidgeting and a joyfulness perspective. Not to mention a dingle-dangle often makes a jingle-jangle (too much?), that undeniably satisfying clinking noise of jewelry being worn and, most importantly, enjoyed.
The queen of the dangling gemstone is Nina Runsdorf and her trademarked Flip Ring. This simple, elegantly hinged tear drop is incredibly versatile and wearable, and feels significant because of the movement and swing. This design comes in tons of iterations, from the opal version Oprah wore to Meghan and Harry’s wedding, to these smaller, stackable styles that would make an excellent I’m proud of myself! purchase.
Flip rings in opal ($9,750) and blue zircon ($2,550).
Unsaid, a company making jewelry using renewable energy, recycled rainwater and natural gasses, uses lab-grown diamonds to create innovative, riskier designs that are simple, but playful. Their assortment of glistening pear-shaped droplets are well priced and alluring, in fact, as I type this, I’m certain my creative process would be improved if one of their diamonds was dancing on my finger with every key stroke!
Unsaid Tear Duo Diamond Ring ($1,350), Tear Chain Earrings ($1,300), and Tear Drop Ring ($850).
You know what elevates one of the most traditional jewelry designs into something way more fun? You guessed it, a dingle-dangle! Enter Monica Rich Kosann’s Tennis Bracelet-CE, a collection of diamond, emerald, sapphire and rock crystal bracelets designed with Chris Evert, the pro who in 1978 gave the line bracelet it’s new moniker.
Fancy Cut Diamond Tennis Bracelet ($31,750), other styles start from $725.
Every bracelet features a diamond droplet, representing what Ms. Evert calls "the perspiration of competition.” Sweat has never been more beautiful!
For a more literal take on droplets look no further than Rachel Quinn. I’m partial to the pearl rain clouds complete with topaz rain drops. Nothing dreary about these designs!
Clockwise from top left: Rainy Day Earrings ($480), Bleeding Heart Charm ($925), Artemis Studs ($550), Bullseye Bracelet ($1,380).
And if you want even more dangle for your dollar, the fringe necklace is available in just about every gemstone combination imaginable. This style is wearable, looks great layered, and is a playful alternative to the solitaire.
Jenna Blake Fringe Necklaces, Suzanne Kalan Cascade Necklace ($6,000), Jennifer Meyer Turquoise Mini Bezel Dangle Necklace ($1,250), Kataoka Tapered Diamond Necklace ($3,580).
Is this my plea to free gemstones from their restrictive prongs and stiff settings? Maybe. But I think it’s also a reminder that wearing jewelry can be a multi-sensory experience. And hey, if I can fidget with a big opal to release nervous energy, that seems like a win-win to me.