Jewelry History
Swing Into Summer Style: The Elkhart Jazz Festival + What Jewelry to Wear
Published: Jun 16, 2025

Swing Into Summer Style: The Elkhart Jazz Festival + What Jewelry to Wear
Every June, the streets of Downtown Elkhart come alive with the soulful sounds of saxophones, trumpets, and smooth vocals. The Elkhart Jazz Festival has become a summer staple, drawing music lovers from all over the region—and it’s right in our backyard!
A Note of History
The Elkhart Jazz Festival began in 1988 as a small community event to celebrate the city’s rich musical heritage. If you didn’t know, Elkhart was once considered the “Band Instrument Capital of the World,” home to iconic manufacturers like Conn and Selmer.
Over the decades, the festival has grown into one of the premier jazz festivals in the Midwest, featuring over 100 performers across multiple stages. Past performers have included jazz legends like:
Jazz Up Your Look: Jewelry Picks for the Festival
Whether you're swaying to the beat or enjoying a local bite in Central Park, you’ll want your festival style to be as smooth as the music. Here are some jewelry picks perfect for an outdoor jazz weekend:
1. Sterling Silver Hoops or Statement Earrings
Lightweight, elegant, and breezy—perfect for keeping cool while adding sparkle to your look. Try pieces from Sif Jakobs or LaFonn for a mix of classic and bold.
2. Layered Gold Chains
Nothing says effortless summer chic like layered gold or sterling silver chains. Mix a Figaro with a paperclip chain for a modern twist that pairs with everything from sundresses to denim.
3. Stackable Bracelets
Jazz is all about rhythm—and so is your jewelry stack. Combine bangles, tennis-style bracelets, or stainless steel cuffs for a versatile, all-day look.
4. Estate Jewelry with Vintage Vibes
Jazz and vintage go hand in hand. Add a touch of nostalgia with estate brooches, cameos, or Art Deco-style rings that echo the golden era of jazz.
5. A Pop of Color
Channel the energy of the music with gemstones like turquoise, citrine, or multi-colored sapphires—available in pendants, earrings, and rings for every budget.
Whether you’re dancing in the streets or relaxing with friends, the Elkhart Jazz Festival is the perfect excuse to show off your personal style. Stop into Hopman Jewelers before the festival to find a piece that sings.
Hopman Jewelers | Downtown Elkhart | Jewelry For Every Engagement
Every June, the streets of Downtown Elkhart come alive with the soulful sounds of saxophones, trumpets, and smooth vocals. The Elkhart Jazz Festival has become a summer staple, drawing music lovers from all over the region—and it’s right in our backyard!
A Note of History
The Elkhart Jazz Festival began in 1988 as a small community event to celebrate the city’s rich musical heritage. If you didn’t know, Elkhart was once considered the “Band Instrument Capital of the World,” home to iconic manufacturers like Conn and Selmer.
Over the decades, the festival has grown into one of the premier jazz festivals in the Midwest, featuring over 100 performers across multiple stages. Past performers have included jazz legends like:
- Wynton Marsalis
- Dave Bennett
- The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
- Béla Fleck
- Terell Stafford
- And many regional and national artists keeping the spirit of jazz alive
Jazz Up Your Look: Jewelry Picks for the Festival
Whether you're swaying to the beat or enjoying a local bite in Central Park, you’ll want your festival style to be as smooth as the music. Here are some jewelry picks perfect for an outdoor jazz weekend:
1. Sterling Silver Hoops or Statement Earrings
Lightweight, elegant, and breezy—perfect for keeping cool while adding sparkle to your look. Try pieces from Sif Jakobs or LaFonn for a mix of classic and bold.
2. Layered Gold Chains
Nothing says effortless summer chic like layered gold or sterling silver chains. Mix a Figaro with a paperclip chain for a modern twist that pairs with everything from sundresses to denim.
3. Stackable Bracelets
Jazz is all about rhythm—and so is your jewelry stack. Combine bangles, tennis-style bracelets, or stainless steel cuffs for a versatile, all-day look.
4. Estate Jewelry with Vintage Vibes
Jazz and vintage go hand in hand. Add a touch of nostalgia with estate brooches, cameos, or Art Deco-style rings that echo the golden era of jazz.
5. A Pop of Color
Channel the energy of the music with gemstones like turquoise, citrine, or multi-colored sapphires—available in pendants, earrings, and rings for every budget.
Whether you’re dancing in the streets or relaxing with friends, the Elkhart Jazz Festival is the perfect excuse to show off your personal style. Stop into Hopman Jewelers before the festival to find a piece that sings.
Hopman Jewelers | Downtown Elkhart | Jewelry For Every Engagement