The sun-drenched days of summer are approaching, and we can't wait to soak them up while wearing our favourite sustainable jewellery. But when does summer officially start in 2026 in the UK and across the globe?
Read on to learn exactly when to reach for your suncream and summer jewellery favourites (if you haven't already!) with our in-depth breakdown of when astronomical and meteorological summer begins this year, plus our best sustainable jewellery pieces that glow, glisten and last throughout the season.
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When is summer? All the dates you need to know
If you're in the UK, summer 2026 is nearly here - yes, we also can't believe it's not officially summer yet after that May heatwave - with it officially starting on Sunday 21st June, and ending on Wednesday 23rd September 2026. These are the astronomical dates (more on what this means below), and the one most recognised as the actual 'start' of summer.
Meteorological summer vs astronomical summer: what's the difference?
There are two ways summer gets defined, and they start on different dates.
Astronomical summer is the one we just mentioned, and the one most recognised as the 'official' start of summer. It kicks off on the summer solstice - the longest day of the year - and runs until the autumnal equinox. In 2026, that's 21st June through to 23rd September.
Meteorological summer is the version used by the Met Office and weather services. Instead of following the sun, it splits the year into four tidy three-month blocks purely to make climate data easier to track. Meteorological summer always starts on the 1st June and ends on the 31st August, every single year.
Both are technically correct, and they exist for different reasons.
Summer dates at a glance: 2026
| Summer starts | Summer ends | |
| Astronomical (UK/Northern Hemisphere) | 21st June 2026 | 23rd September 2026 |
| Meteorological (UK/Northern Hemisphere) | 1st June 2026 | 31st August 2026 |
| Astronomical (Australia/Southern Hemisphere) | 21st December 2026 | 20th March 2027 |
| Meteorological (Australia/Southern Hemisphere) | 1st December 2026 | 28th February 2027 |
When is the summer solstice 2026?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice falls on Sunday, 21st June 2026. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, with the most daylight in a single day that we'll experience all year. After the summer solstice, the days gradually start getting shorter, but the weather generally stays warm throughout July, August and into September, with average temperatures usually reaching their peaks in July and August.
Does summer start on the same date everywhere?
No - in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed, as noted above. That means while it's our winter, it's their summer, and vice versa. Places like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa enjoy their summer throughout December, January and February.
So, now you know when summer starts; the only question is, are you ready for it? From sun-shaped charms that feel made for the season to anklets built for sandal weather, lab-grown diamonds that catch every ray and solid gold and silver pieces that'll see you through every swim, splash and sunset, discover our summer jewellery edit below.
Our favourite summer jewellery pieces
Sun shapes
Like florals for spring, sun shapes aren’t groundbreaking, but we simply can’t resist jewellery pieces inspired by the star that warms our summer days. Our Bloom collection was created in ode to the beauty found in nature around us, and many of the pieces were shaped by the sun. Go bold with our Silver Large Sun Earrings and Silver Statement Sun Necklace, or for a daintier love letter to the sunshine, discover our 9ct Gold Tiny Sun Charm Necklace and Sunburst Studs.
New for 2026: We recently launched daintier versions of our Large Sun Earrings and Statement Sun Necklace, perfect for understated summer days. Discover our new Mini Sun Earrings and Mini Sun Necklace in solid recycled sterling silver, warm 9ct yellow gold and vibrant 9ct white gold.
Shop the full Bloom collection
Anklets for sandal season
After patiently waiting for warmer days, our anklets are now out of our jewellery boxes, and we couldn’t be happier. Sandal season means you can wear glistening golden tones from head to toe (or ankle). We adore a simple style that you don’t need to take off, like our 9ct Gold Hayseed Chain Anklet; a subtle staple that unexpectedly catches the light in the most beautiful way - wear it day to night, beach to bar, all season long.
Glistening lab-diamonds
For a sparkle that rivals the sunlit ripples of the sea on a summer day, bring lab-grown diamond jewellery into your rotation. Diamonds aren’t just for special occasions; they’re perfect for adding a gentle glisten to your everyday, and our new lab diamond studs do just that. Designed to celebrate life’s milestones, moments or simply yourself, these dainty studs sparkle as they catch the sunlight, quietly adding something special to your summer days.
Shop lab-grown diamond earrings
Learn more about the collection
Solid metal summer staples
You want to be confident your jewellery is comfortable to wear, and able to withstand elements like UV rays, sun-protecting products, and seawater that come into contact with your skin throughout summer. Avoiding plated pieces and opting for high-quality, solid gold or silver jewellery is essential to ensure your earrings, necklaces, rings, and anklets retain their shine all summer long (and beyond!).
Everything we make at Wild Fawn is made from either recycled solid gold or sterling silver, making them suitable for every summer moment.
Read all you need to know about gold jewellery and water in our in-depth guide here
Read more on the benefits of solid gold vs plated jewellery
How to style your jewellery for summer
For golden hour in the city
Being based in London ourselves, we know there’s nothing better than enjoying golden hour in the city, grabbing al fresco dinner and drinks with friends at the end of a long summer day. For these moments, choose pieces that’ll look buttery and bright as the sun sets, like your favourite solid gold rings, sun-shaped studs and simple gold bracelets.
For beach days
Choose lightweight, dainty, solid gold jewellery to add some golden goodness to your beach day. Stack up your ears with huggies and everyday studs, layer chains and sun-stamped necklaces, and pair with a matching anklet for a beautiful beach jewellery combination.
For summer birthday celebrations
If you’re a summer baby, celebrate another year around the sun with eye-catching bold shapes. Think statement earrings, a chunky bangle or a statement pendant necklace, accompanied by daintier pieces to add balance to your look.
For your summer graduation
For a summer graduation stack, choose jewellery that makes you feel special, proud and confident as you celebrate your achievements. Nothing says ‘special’ quite like diamonds, and when you choose lab-grown ones that haven’t harmed the planet or its people, they’re a perfect ethical choice for adding a quiet sparkle to the occasion. Whether your diamond jewellery is a long-term favourite or a graduation gift from a loved one, wear with pride as you celebrate!
Read more on how to choose the perfect graduation jewellery gift
How to care for your jewellery in summer
The good news is, if you're wearing solid gold or sterling silver pieces (e.g. your favourite Wild Fawn pieces) you're already in a good position to effortlessly enjoy wearing your jewellery all summer long.
Unlike plated jewellery, which can fade, tarnish or peel when exposed to sun, sea water, chlorine and sweat, solid gold and sterling silver are built to handle all of it. Your pieces won't lose their colour or their quality. You can wear them into the ocean, through a festival, on a sun lounger and wherever your summer takes you.
A few simple habits will keep them looking their best throughout the season:
- Rinse your jewellery with fresh water after swimming in the sea or a chlorinated pool. Salt and chlorine won't damage them, but they can dull the surface over time, so rinsing can help keep your jewels looking shiny.
- Give them a gentle clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth every now and then, especially if you've been wearing them through suncream or sweat. Our Polishing Cloth is perfect for your silver staples.
- Store them somewhere dry when you're not wearing them, like a pouch or a jewellery box.
That's it! Solid gold and sterling silver are low-maintenance by nature and perfect for everyday wear, whatever the weather, which is exactly why they're worth investing in.
Discover our full jewellery care guide here
We hope this guide has given you inspiration for your summer jewellery styling. If you’re looking for something new as summer hits, you can shop our full summer jewellery edit online now, which features solid gold and silver jewellery that’s ethically made by hand in our London workshop. Or if you’d like to design something uniquely yours, speak to us about our bespoke jewellery service.
