Summer Jewelry Trends & How to Make Martha Calvo Dupes

Have you seen the fun and colorful beaded jewelry items taking over the internet? If you have it’s very likely they’re all pieces from the same designer... Martha Calvo

ABOUT THE BRAND 

Martha Calvo is a jewelry designer based in Miami Florida. She first created her brand in 2006 and has been growing ever since. On her store site she describes her pieces as the “perfect balance of edgy elegance to street chic sophistication with a sprinkle of glam to any accessory that can be worn for any occasion, day or night” 

MARTHA CALVO’S RISE TO FAME

Yes, the brand has been around since 2006 and is a brand “worn by many celebrities and adored by the Kardashians,” we cannot negate the influence of young Tik Tokers that are on the hunt for new unique pieces and their more affordable alternatives. In the case of Martha Calvo, finding alternatives is easy. I think the reason her necklaces are so popular right now is because they give the impression of being fun and carefree. As things start to open up here in the US, everyone is embodying this mentality, and it's clear through their way of dressing. 

When I look at her pieces I can't help but remember my days going to summer camp and making embroidery thread friendship braces and chunky beaded necklaces or bracelets. Given that Summer 2021 has fewer restrictions than Summer 2020, people also want to make fashion statements. Accessories are the easiest way. Still not sure if you could pull off Martha Calvo designs and don't want to drop 150+ dollars, make your own. The process is simple! You only need the following materials: 

Pearls 

Colorful Beads/Filler Beads 

Crimp 

Wire or Elastic 

Jewelry Making Pliers 

• This is optional. You can easily use tweezers and the scissors open/close jump rings and crimp beads.

WHERE TO BUY MATERIALS 

You can easily find fun beads at your local craft stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or Joann’s. I even recommend checking your thrift stores for fun & vintage beads. 

HOW TO MAKE A BEADED BRACELET

The instructions from the video below are pretty simple and much clearer than if I were to give written instructions

Not only does Emily give great instruction, but also provides a good review of the materials she used and material recommendations.

One important tip you definitely should keep in mind is to visualize the bead pattern you want for your necklace before stringing them so you don't have to remake the necklace, but feel free to just go with the flow that is part of crafting after all. 

MAKE IT AN EVENT

When you go to your craft store to buy materials, you will see that most of the beads come in packages of larger quantities. Definitely more than what you will need for the 1 or 2 necklaces you may want to make. I recommend that you make it an opportunity to make bracelets or necklaces with your friends the same way you might have done when you were younger. 

MAKE EVEN MORE JEWELRY ITEMS 

In general, Martha Calvo isn’t the only brand that has grown a lot over the past few months. A ton of other brands with fun beads and more eclectic designs have started to appear more and more on my Instagram Feed via fashion influencers and on Pinterest. Some of the brands I have been particularly been loving are 

Hola Amor Estudios 

Lil Things Shop 

Lazy Disco

The Sage Vintage 

Take a look at their accounts and you will see that they also include funky beads, bright colors, and unique charms, so you can use your leftover beads from making your Martha Calvo dupes to make dupes of the brands I mentioned above

The best part about making these pieces yourself is that you will know they are unique and because they are such statement pieces they are great conversation starters and elevate any outfit. While these pieces remind me of summer camp, I definitely picture myself wearing these pieces in the winter because once the seasonal sadness of dark skies and cold weather hits I can rely on the fun colors to try and brighten my mood. 

HOW TO MAKE BEADED EARRINGS 

To make beaded earrings, just follow the instruction from the video below

Personally, these earrings look a little outdated but swap out the beads featured in the video for trendier options and you’re all set. Also, FP User Alyvia is right hoops are in! Read her post here. So instead of using the hooks find some from jewelry-making on Etsy

Let me know if you try making any of these pieces or other fun jewelry brands!