Allow us to introduce you to the postmodern pearl. More likely to sit alongside sneakers and streetwear than a cashmere twinset, and championed by everyone from Mr Harry Styles to A$AP Rocky, these jewels of the ocean are not the clutching kind. Among our favourite purveyors is POLITE WORLDWIDE®, whose wares aren’t nearly as prim as the name might suggest. Think psychedelic strands of freshwater pearls in unconventional colourways that tie perfectly into the laid-back LA label’s offering of tie-dyed T-shirts. Meanwhile, earring wearers might consider swapping out their everyday hoop or stud for a single hand-painted baroque pearl by éliou for a touch of dandyism after dark.

Fans of unapologetic bold block colour will find themselves positively spoilt for choice in the jewellery department. For one, Bottega Veneta has extended its instantly recognisable shade of electric green and this season’s punchy sunset orange to its finer fare, with minimally constructed enamel and gold-plated signet rings and understated pendants that feel fresh yet timeless. But be sure not to sleep on the smaller names, either: take New York brand Fry Powers, whose candy-hued “ombre” rings, chains and ear cuffs in enamel and silver are as delectable as they are collectible.

No prizes for guessing who’s leading the charge here. Tokyo’s tongue-in-cheek streetwear label KAPITAL has long been on a crusade to lift our moods with its penchant for sunny yellow smiley faces, and its joyous selection of gunmetal and enamel bracelets proves no different. You’ll also find devilish grins peppered throughout the always-playful pieces of Lauren Rubinski, while Alec Doherty’s anthropomorphic sterling silver, sapphire-studded rings, which are hand-cast in London’s legendary Hatton Garden jewellery district, will make for excellent heirlooms.

Hippies, surfers and globetrotting gap-yah types – such were the standard-bearers of beaded jewellery past primary school in years past. But no longer. Beads are all grown up, you see – cast from glistening crystals and semi-precious stones, and polished off with weighty clasps in gold and silver (not a tattered string in sight). Still not convinced? Turn to Luis Morais for a change of heart: the Brazil native’s bracelets are interspersed with sapphires and gold charms, and feel like a solid step up from the friendship bracelet. Likewise, fourth-generation Florentine jeweller Carolina Bucci has become one of the bead’s biggest advocates, fashioning pieces from malachite, turquoise and amethyst that can be heaped on to infuse outfits with an itinerant edge.