Ten picks from the watch and jewelry’s glitterati.
Summer is officially in full swing and it’s no secret that the sun is out and the style is shining. Always intrigued by what’s in the beach bags and carry-ons of today’s top curators I’ve asked my closest couture confidants traveling near and far this August: What can’t you live without? Extra points for baubles brighter than the sun, of course but all essentials from the precious to the practical are accepted in this month’s top ten. From a sixth-generation vintage expert’s Van Cleef to Dimepiece’s necessary “ice” and one specialist’s intangible essential, here are their must-haves for wherever the season takes them from the sea to the surf to the Spritz:
Julia Hackman Chafe, founder of JewelswithJules
Fresh off the heels of the Ambani wedding, the jewelry influencer is focusing on adding yet another crown jewel to her already impressive collection — and it’s one she designed herself. Chafe created a piece that hasn’t left her neck all summer long, putting a modern twist on the tennis chain, “My rainbow choker is my #1 summer staple. The array of hues means that it’ll match all of my colorful clothes and add the necessary pop to all of my neutral looks”.
Liz Eswein, founder of @newyorkcity
Eagle-eyed followers of the ever-popular New York City Instagram page might have taken note that the beauty and brains behind the account, Liz Eswein, is not only a lover of New York but also of all things shiny. Her latest summer essential is no exception. “It’s my new-to-me tiny two-tone Tiffany stamp Datejust. They launched the ‘women’s’ AKA the 26mm Datejust in 1957 and there’s a reason it’s just simply never gone out of style — you’ll see it on girls in their 20s to women in their 70s. Some might call it basic but I think it’s just…right. And even more so with the small Tiffany stamp detailing.”
Trang Trinh, founder of Girl’s O’Clock
Though having a bag bigger than you was made famous by Nicole Richie in the early 2000s, TikToker Trang Trinh is determined to bring that back this summer, “I am a maximalist to my core. That means I will try to haul as much around with me as I possibly can at all times whether I’m going to Paris for work or just across town to spend the day at my boyfriend’s apartment. Do I really need three books, my full skincare routine, and a bikini? Probably not, but I’ll pack it anyway. I swear by my Longchamp Le Pliage Travel bag: it’s light so you aren’t strained as you haul, it’s foldable and compact when it’s tucked away, and most importantly, it’s Mary Poppins-level roomy. I have the expandable version just in case I need to squeeze in an extra pair of shoes (or two).”
Charles Gross, Influencer
An icon of all things beauty and Birkins, the influencer is beginning to “talk about” watches and jewelry in a big way. After adding pieces from Chopard and Rolex to his collection in the last few months, it’s no shock his top essential is a timepiece, “I can’t go through a hot summer day in the city without my effortlessly chic Cartier Panthere Mini, It’s so easy and perfectly pairs with every outfit.”
Brynn Wallner, founder of Dimepiece
No stranger to sparkles, watch influencer Brynn Wallner’s summer savior is not the typical beaming bezel, “I can’t live without ice. This is not a euphemism about diamonds… I’m literally talking about ice, which I make using my #1 summer essential: a countertop ice maker that keeps my beverages cool when the temperatures get hot.” (Pictured with familiar ice in Geneva, wearing the famed Jacob & Co watch choker)
Christine Fisher, Managing Director at Paul Fisher, Inc.
The incredibly chic sixth-generation vintage dealer is a living testament that baubles can indeed be worn in the sun — maybe not on the beach but most certainly on the boat, “My summer accessory is the 1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Pelouse Hawaii ear clips. Their elegant, lightweight design and floral diamond, ruby, and sapphire accents effortlessly elevate any summer outfit with timeless sophistication and versatile style.”
Kristen Shirley, founder of La Patiala
Having recently chosen this mini dress from the brand for her birthday, it’s safe to say luxury expert, Kristen Shirley, has found her summer staple a few times over!, “Simkhai makes my favorite summer dresses. You can dress them up or down, they have an amazing fit, and some have pockets! I bought three for the summer.”
Sneh Diwan, Destination Event Planner
Luxury event planner by day and watch connoisseur by night, Diwan curates her collection the same way she curates an event: the intersection of effortless and elegance, “My go-to summer essential is my Hermès Medor! Not only is it a bracelet, but it also doubles as a watch. Perfect for those summer days where less is more.”
Zoe Abelson, founder of Graal
Known on Instagram as @watchgirloffduty, the watch dealer embodies the laissez-faire summer spirit and style from Long Island to Thailand. Not surprisingly, Zoe’s summer essential is none other than a bold timepiece, “As a New Yorker, my typical outfit is either black or neutrals but in the summer I want something bright. There’s nothing better than matching a colorful Rolex ‘Stella’ dial to the ocean or sunset on vacation.” (Pictured in Paris with her vintage Rolex Stella Dial)
Joanna Gong, Art and Rarities Specialist
With a year filled with some of the most beautiful antiquities and estate jewels in existence, Joanna takes a different approach when deciding what to relax with, “Summer is for self-love. With increased leisure time, it’s essential for me to carve out moments to be introspective on how I can grow and be a better member to my community both professionally and personally. Time is the biggest summer luxury!” (Pictured in Sri Lanka with her vintage Audemars Piguet Royal Oak)
