The Riviera Edit: Jewellery and Watches for a Grand Tour Summer
Some aesthetics never really go away, and the Riviera is the proof: Slim Aarons poolsides, Amalfi lemons, linen that's earned its creases, an aperitivo the colour of sunset. Fashion rediscovers the Grand Tour look every summer — and jewellery is half of what makes it work. The formula is simple: sea colours, warm gold, and nothing that can't survive a beach club. Here's the edit.
Sea stones: aquamarine and friends
No gem says European summer like aquamarine — the “water of the sea” stone, literally. Its pale blue reads crisp against tanned skin and white linen in a way diamonds simply don't. Blue topaz plays the same tune at gentler prices, and opals bring the whole sunset with them. Vintage examples in yellow gold are the sweet spot: the warm metal is very Capri-in-1968, and the prices — as with most preloved jewellery — leave budget for the hotel. See our birthstone guide for March's aquamarine story.
The holiday watch: dive heritage, dress execution
The Riviera watch tradition runs through dive watches worn far from any actual diving — tanned wrists, steel bezels, poolside menus. A vintage or pre-owned diver delivers the look with history built in; a characterful fashion-house dive design does it with a wink. Either way, water resistance you can trust and a bracelet that shrugs off sun cream are the practical must-haves. Our watch collection spans both routes.
Travelling with jewellery, sensibly
Three rules from experience. Pack little: one watch, two pairs of earrings, one pendant, one ring covers a fortnight. Carry it on — jewellery never goes in the hold — in a soft roll or zipped pouch, pieces separated so nothing scratches. And know what you own: photographs and a note of hallmarks make insurance painless; our hallmarks guide shows what to record. Salt water, sun cream and chlorine are jewellery's summer enemies — rinse gold in fresh water after the sea, and keep opals and pearls for dinner. More in our care guide.
From Our Collection
Frequently Asked Questions
What jewellery suits a summer holiday?
Sea-coloured stones — aquamarine, blue topaz, opal — in warm yellow gold, kept to a small edit: one watch, two pairs of earrings, a pendant and a ring covers a fortnight elegantly.
How should you travel with fine jewellery?
Always in hand luggage, in a soft roll or pouch with pieces separated, photographed and noted for insurance. Rinse gold in fresh water after swimming and keep delicate stones like opal and pearl for evenings.
Can you swim in a vintage watch?
Only if its water resistance has been recently tested — vintage seals age. For pool and sea, choose a serviced diver or keep the vintage piece for dinner and wear it proudly dry.