For a Crisis-Weary Public, Jewelry Is Just the Thing

Apretty new bauble is just the thing to perk up an outfit — especially for pandemic-weary Americans on summer vacation.

“That dark, depressing time is behind us now, and we’re all getting out again,” observed Aleshia Serianni, owner at Pineapple Lain Boutique in Sarasota, Fla. “I’m seeing people going out and buying new jewelry for themselves.”

To match their exuberant mood, shoppers favor colorful jewelry in hues like hot pink, turquoise and chartreuse lime. “Your standard, basic gold and silver hoops are still selling, but right now I’m really moving all the brightly colored pieces,” noted Serianni. She opened Pineapple Lain two years ago, and credits Florida’s generally loose pandemic restrictions for the success of her business. Even as snowbirds headed north, Florida locals and tourists have streamed into her 900-square-foot shop.

“I buy pieces with accents, designs and patterns that you won’t see everywhere else,” said Serianni. Beaded and tassel styles are best-sellers this season, while the most common jewelry sale is a $15 pair of earrings.

“All of a sudden, people want more color, and that’s investment pieces, Shaw said Lotus is selling jewelry like hotcakes. Classic chains and gold pieces handmade in Italy are consistent top sellers for the store. On the less expensive end, the Chan Luu line is popular for delicate, quirky pieces under $200.

“We always do well with pavé diamonds and novelty pendants on chains,” Shaw said. This year, customers are making a beeline for anything with a bee motif — from inexpensive charms to diamond earrings. “I think it’s because there’s been such an emphasis on bee populations being endangered over the past few years,” Shaw suggested.

At the 5,000-square-foot emporium — which has sections for shoes, accessories, apparel, and fine jewelry — Shaw has seen an uptick not only in shoppers, but also in tourists, as Americans return to leisure travel. That’s also true at Salt Coastal Outfitters in Orange Beach, Ala, which caters to “ages 18 through 80,” according to Owner Doris Butler kind of across the board,” observed Manager Patty Shaw of Lotus Boutique, nearby in Sarasota. “Considering what we’ve all been through, it makes sense. People are in the mood to have fun things again, and designers have put more color into the current collections.”

From earrings that cost less than $100 to four figure

“We’ve got winter snowbirds, plenty of locals, more tourists in the summer,” Butler said. “Our jewelry selection is a real mix because our clientele is a mix, too.” The eclectic selection ranges from colorful beaded bracelets and metalwork earrings to pendant necklaces set with seashells, coins and pearls. Earrings mostly sell in the $20 to $60 range; necklaces cost from $15 to more than $200.

“I try to carry a wide variety, and things they won’t find in other stores on the beach,” said Butler. Sourcing wares from artisans both local and national, she aims for a refined look that wears well beyond the Continued on page 116