Katie Dean Jewelry Featured on WFLA Daytime: Colorful Pastels, Pearls & Summer Style
There are moments as a small business owner that feel surreal, and appearing on WFLA News Channel 8's Daytime was definitely one of them.
On June 12th, I had the opportunity to join the Daytime team to talk about one of my favorite topics: jewelry that feels like summer.
From colorful gemstone necklaces and freshwater pearls to handmade pieces inspired by the coast, it was such a joy to share the designs I've been creating in my Florida studio and the inspiration behind this year's collection.
If there was one takeaway from the segment, it was this:
Summer 2026 is all about color.
The Jewelry Trend Everyone Is Wearing This Summer
This season is all about playful, personality-filled accessories.
We're seeing women embrace:
- Soft pastel gemstones
- Rainbow-inspired color palettes
- Freshwater pearls
- Handmade artisan jewelry
- Layered necklace looks
- Meaningful statement pieces
What I love most about this trend is that it works for everyone.
Whether your wardrobe is filled with breezy white dresses or classic black basics, adding a colorful statement necklace instantly changes the entire feel of an outfit.
You don't need to wear head-to-toe color to embrace the trend.
Sometimes one beautiful piece is all it takes.
Why Colorful Rainbow Jewelry Is the Defining Trend of Summer 2026
One of the highlights of the Daytime segment was discussing colorful jewelry and how a rainbow-inspired design can work with virtually any outfit.
Many people assume that colorful jewelry is difficult to style, but I've found the opposite to be true. When thoughtfully designed, colorful pieces become the focal point that pulls everything together.
Two of my favorite examples from this collection are:
The Beaded Rainbow Necklace
Hand-strung with colorful gemstone beads and accented with freshwater pearls, this piece brings together some of the season's biggest trends in one joyful design.
The Rainbow Coast Necklace
Inspired by sunny beach days and vibrant coastal colors, this necklace captures the playful spirit of summer while remaining sophisticated enough for everyday wear.
Both designs bring that playful pop of color while still feeling elevated and wearable. They're the kind of pieces that instantly make you smile when you put them on.
Pearls, Reimagined for Summer
Another topic we discussed during the segment was pearls.
Pearls have always been timeless, but today’s pearl jewelry feels more relaxed, colorful, and wearable than ever before.
Instead of reserved, traditional styles, modern pearl jewelry embraces unexpected color combinations and fresh design elements that make pearls feel fun and contemporary.
That’s exactly what inspired pieces like:
Green Goddess Pearl Necklace
This design combines the timeless beauty of freshwater pearls with vibrant green tones, creating a statement piece that feels both elegant and playful. It's a perfect example of how pearls can still feel classic while embracing the colorful spirit of summer.
As a fun bonus, pearl is also June’s birthstone, making pearl jewelry especially meaningful this time of year.
The Handmade Process Behind Every Piece
One of my favorite parts of appearing on Daytime was demonstrating how these pieces are actually made.
Many people don't realize that every necklace begins as individual beads carefully selected and laid out by hand before ever becoming a finished piece of jewelry.
In my studio, each design is thoughtfully assembled using professional jewelry techniques and materials chosen for both beauty and durability.
The process includes:
- Hand-selecting gemstones
- Designing color palettes
- Stringing each bead by hand
- Securing every piece with professional jewelry findings
- Carefully inspecting each finished design
Creating handmade jewelry requires patience, attention to detail, and occasionally recovering tiny beads that decide to roll off the table.
But that's part of what makes handmade work so special.
Every piece tells a story and carries the human touch behind its creation.
Inspired by Summer Color
When designing this collection, I kept coming back to the colors that make summer feel magical.
The soft pinks of a sunset.
The bright blues of the ocean.
The pastel hues of beach umbrellas.
The colorful energy that comes with longer days and warmer nights.
Those inspirations led to some of my favorite designs this season.
Cotton Candy Sky Necklace
Inspired by dreamy pastel skies and soft sunset colors, the Cotton Candy Sky Necklace captures the playful side of summer. It's delicate, colorful, and designed to add a cheerful pop to any outfit.
Together with the Rainbow Coast Necklace and Beaded Rainbow Necklace, it reflects the joyful color story that inspired this year's collection.
Why Supporting Handmade Matters
One thing I always try to share whenever I have the opportunity is how much supporting handmade businesses truly means.
When you purchase handmade jewelry, you're not simply buying an accessory.
You're supporting:
- Independent artists
- Small businesses
- Thoughtful craftsmanship
- Original design
- Slow, intentional production
Every order placed with Katie Dean Jewelry supports a dream that started at a workbench and continues to grow because of an incredible community of customers.
That support is something I'll never take for granted.
Thank You, Tampa Bay
A huge thank you to the entire team at WFLA Daytime for welcoming me onto the show and giving me the opportunity to share my passion for handmade jewelry.
It was such a joy to talk about summer style, demonstrate part of the jewelry-making process, and connect with viewers who appreciate artisan craftsmanship.
And to everyone who watched the segment, visited my booth at Markets for Makers, shopped online, or shared kind words afterward—thank you.
Your support allows me to continue doing what I love every day.
Final Thoughts
Appearing on WFLA Daytime was such a meaningful experience, and it reminded me why I love creating jewelry in the first place.
Jewelry has the power to tell a story, celebrate a season, and help us express ourselves in a way that feels personal and joyful.
This summer, don't be afraid to embrace color, mix in a few pearls, and wear the pieces that make you feel most like yourself.
Whether you're drawn to rainbow hues, pastel gemstones, or modern pearl designs, the best jewelry is the kind that makes you smile every time you put it on.
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