Holiday jewellery: what to pack and what to leave at home

Packing for a holiday always involves a version of the same conversation with yourself about jewellery. You want options. You don't want to overpack. You definitely don't want to arrive at the pool and realise you've brought jewellery you can't swim in without risking dulling it.

Here's a practical guide to getting it right.

The golden rule: pack less, layer more

The instinct is to bring options: an outfit's worth of jewellery for every day you're away. In practice, five or six well-chosen pieces that work across multiple looks will serve you better than fifteen that don't go together.

Think in terms of a core stack rather than individual pieces. Two or three bracelets that sit well together, a necklace that works with everything, a pair of earrings for daytime and one for evening. That's genuinely all you need, and it takes up almost no space.

What to consider before you pack

Will it survive the water? This is the first question for any holiday jewellery, and the answer determines almost everything else. Gold-plated jewellery and sterling silver can handle occasional water exposure, but prolonged contact with salt water, chlorine and sunscreen could shorten their lifespan noticeably. If you're planning to swim every day and want to keep your jewellery on, look specifically for waterproof jewellery or pieces made with PVD-coated stainless steel because these are designed for exactly this kind of wear.

Is it easy to pack safely? Delicate chains can tangle. Stud earrings might disappear. Anything with a fragile stone can get damaged in a bag. A small jewellery roll or a jewellery storage case makes a real difference, and is worth the minimal space it takes up. If you're checking luggage, keep jewellery in your carry-on.

How do you feel about losing it? This sounds harsh, but it's worth being realistic. Rings especially have a habit of slipping off in the sea. If a piece has significant sentimental or financial value, leave it at home and wear something you'd feel less devastated to lose. The exception is usually your wedding jewellery. But if you are worried about taking your beloved engagement ring abroad, consider the travel ring or 'holiday diamonds' idea. Wear an affordable ring that looks like your engagement ring but is easily replaceable, like this D.Louise travel ring.

The case for waterproof jewellery on holiday

Waterproof jewellery is particularly good for holidays because it removes the decision-making entirely. Brands like D.Louise, Katie Loxton and Boho Betty make pieces in PVD-coated stainless steel that genuinely don't mind salt water, swimming pools or the shower. You put them on when you arrive and don't have to think about them again.

For a more detailed look at what sets these brands apart, you'll want to see our upcoming guide to waterproof jewellery: how to choose the right brand for you.

Building a holiday jewellery kit

The necklace: One fine chain necklace at a length that works under a kaftan, over a swimsuit or with a sundress. If you want more than one look, a second pendant at a slightly longer drop gives you a layered option without adding bulk. A D.Louise snake chain or Daisy London delicate pendant are both good choices.

The bracelets: Two or three that sit well together and can be worn in the sea. A Boho Betty bracelet alongside a D.Louise bangle is a simple combination that works all day without adjustment. Or take your Annie Haak stretch bracelets to mix and match for different parts of the day and evening.

The earrings: Small hoops or huggies are the most practical holiday earring because they stay put, don't catch on things and work with everything. Ania Haie small gold hoop earrings are ideal. If you want a pair for evening, a slightly more detailed drop earring in the same metal takes you to dinner without needing to change anything else.

The ring: One comfortable band-style ring that you can leave on or take off easily depending on the activity. Other than an engagement ring, avoid anything with a stone that protrudes so you're not knocking it on bags or catching it on towels.

What to leave at home

Anything with significant sentimental or financial value, such as family heirloom pieces or anything irreplaceable. Not because holidays are particularly risky, but because the combination of sun, sea and relaxed awareness makes it easier to lose things without noticing.

Sterling silver that you love and wear regularly is also worth leaving behind unless you're committed to removing it before every swim. It won't be ruined by a week away, but it will need polishing on return and may have reduced shine after heavy sun and water exposure.

A note on airport security

Jewellery doesn't need to come off for airport security in most cases. The rules are about large metal items, not fine jewellery. That said, if you're wearing a lot of layered pieces, taking them off before the scanner saves time and the mild anxiety of watching your favourite necklace go through alone in a tray.

Packing it all safely

A flat jewellery roll is the most space-efficient option and keeps everything separate and untangled. If you don't have one, small zip-lock bags work for individual pieces. One chain per bag stops tangling, and earrings can be pushed through a small square of card to keep pairs together.

If you're checking luggage, keep all jewellery in your carry-on. Not because checked luggage is particularly risky, but because if the bag is delayed you'll have something to wear.

The best holiday jewellery is the kind you don't have to think about once you're there. Pack light, choose pieces that can handle whatever the day throws at them, and enjoy the rest.

Ready to build your holiday kit? Browse our waterproof jewellery collection, or shop by brand: D.Louise · Katie Loxton · Boho Betty · Annie Haak · Ania Haie