Heading off on holiday? Your jewellery collection deserves just as much consideration as your wardrobe. Yet packing jewellery often becomes one of those last-minute tasks that causes unnecessary stress. A tangled necklace, a missing earring back, or a scratched bracelet can quickly dampen your holiday spirit before you’ve even left home.
The good news is that with proper planning and the right techniques, travelling with your favourite pieces can be completely hassle-free. Here’s your comprehensive guide to packing, protecting, and styling your jewellery for any getaway.
Plan Ahead: Avoid The Panic Pack
If you’re like most travellers, jewellery packing tends to be relegated to those frantic final hours before departure. You’ve spent days deliberating over which shoes to bring, yet your jewellery selection gets tossed together in a rush. This panic packing inevitably leads to poor decisions—bringing eight pairs of earrings when four would suffice, or cramming everything into the bottom of your suitcase where pieces can tangle, scratch, or disappear entirely.
Instead, plan your jewellery selection alongside your outfits. Lay everything out a day or two before you travel, allowing time to make thoughtful choices rather than impulsive ones. This approach ensures you pack purposefully rather than desperately.
Match Pieces To Your Holiday Wardrobe
They say the less you pack, the less you have to untangle later…
The golden rule of travel packing applies to jewellery too: less can indeed mean more. However, this doesn’t mean limiting yourself to just basic studs and a simple chain. After all, accessorising your holiday outfits is one of the pillars of smart packing.
Rather than following generic advice to pack only “versatile basics,” consider your actual holiday itinerary. Are you planning beach days, evening dinners, cultural visits, or adventure activities? Each occasion may call for different pieces. The trick is striking the right balance—bringing enough variety to enhance your outfits without overpacking.
A word of caution—it’s all about balance when it comes to styling. Go with one hero piece to set off an outfit and style around it with smaller pieces so as not to distract. That said, accessorising for holidays should be fun and freeing, so wear what makes you feel good.
Say It With Souvenirs…
Consider this—when choosing what to bring, could that fourth pair of earrings be replaced by something special you discover during your trip?
Remember that packing light leaves room for souvenirs and spontaneous purchases. There’s always a charming market somewhere selling beautiful jewellery pieces that capture the essence of your destination.
Jewellery, we think, makes the best souvenir for several compelling reasons. Unlike clothing that may not suit your home wardrobe or trinkets that gather dust on shelves, jewellery becomes part of your personal story. Every time you wear that pair of silver earrings from Morocco or the delicate bracelet from a Tuscan artisan, you’re transported back to those precious holiday memories.
Moreover, from a practical standpoint, jewellery travels well, takes up minimal luggage space, and rarely has customs restrictions.
Embrace Holiday Jewellery Trends
There’s no such thing as being overdressed on holiday. When else will you have the perfect opportunity to wear those statement coral hoop earrings or that bold snake bracelet you’ve been saving? Holiday jewellery has a distinctly different energy from everyday pieces—it’s your chance to be more adventurous with your style choices.
Current trends favour maximalist approaches, making holidays the ideal time to experiment with layered necklaces and statement pieces. Double-strand necklaces with elegant charms offer an effortless way to elevate beach attire, whilst chunky bead necklaces and bracelets perfectly complement the bohemian aesthetic that’s particularly popular for warm-weather destinations.
This year marks the year of the snake in fashion, and serpent-inspired jewellery has made a powerful comeback. Snake bracelets, in particular, offer the perfect blend of ancient symbolism and contemporary style. Traditionally associated with protection, rebirth, and transformation—feelings that resonate perfectly with the holiday mindset—these pieces channel a distinctly Hellenistic aesthetic that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern.
Pearls are also having a major moment this year, but not in the traditional sense. Modern pearl designs are breaking away from classic string formations, instead appearing in unexpected asymmetrical arrangements, bold baroque shapes, and mixed-metal settings. Pearl earrings in particular are making a statement—think oversized baroque pearls, mismatched pairs, or contemporary designs that combine pearls with gold or silver elements. These pieces bring sophistication to holiday looks whilst feeling fresh and current.
Don’t overlook the power of dramatic earrings for holiday styling. Whether you choose shell-inspired designs for coastal trips or geometric shapes for city breaks, statement earrings can instantly transform a simple outfit.
Read: Ethical Elegance: 2025’s Sustainable Jewellery Trends
Invest In Proper Storage
Jewellery requires careful handling during travel. Simply tossing everything into a single pouch is asking for trouble—you’ll likely arrive at your destination with scratched metals, tangled chains, and potentially broken clasps.
A compact travel jewellery case with individual compartments is essential. Look for soft-lined organisers that prevent pieces from knocking against each other. If you’re travelling with a luxury jewellery collection, invest in a sturdy, padded case designed to shield delicate pieces. Investing in proper storage is a simple step that offers peace of mind and keeps your finest accessories in top condition.
Preparation Is Key
Before packing, take time to clean your jewellery properly. Daily residue from lotions, perfumes, and natural oils can cause tarnishing if left unaddressed during travel—nobody wants to arrive looking like they’ve been wearing their necklaces in a chemistry lab! This is particularly important for silver pieces, which have an unfortunate tendency to throw tantrums and oxidise at the first sign of neglect.
Fasten all necklace clasps before packing to prevent tangling. For longer chains, consider threading them through small pieces of cardboard or using individual pouches—think of it as giving each piece its own first-class seat rather than cramming them all into economy together. Pack a lightweight polishing cloth for quick touch-ups during your trip—this is especially valuable in humid destinations where metals react more readily with moisture in the air.
Extreme temperatures and humidity can affect certain materials. Research your destination’s climate and pack accordingly. Some gemstones and metals are more sensitive to environmental changes than others—they’re basically the divas of the jewellery world.
Salt water and chlorine can be particularly harsh on certain metals and gemstones. Pack pieces specifically chosen for water activities—think waterproof options or inexpensive alternatives you won’t mind exposing to harsh conditions. Save your precious metals for evening wear.
Security Considerations
Never pack expensive or sentimental pieces in checked luggage. These items should always travel with you in your carry-on bag, where you can keep them secure and monitor their whereabouts.
Airport security can be a bit of a faff when you’re laden with jewellery. Make life easier for yourself (and the security staff) by keeping your metal pieces in an easily accessible pouch. If you’re channeling your inner Elizabeth Taylor with multiple statement pieces, consider removing them before you reach the scanner—nobody wants to be that person holding up the queue whilst frantically removing seventeen bangles.
For your valuable pieces, double-check that your travel insurance actually covers jewellery—you’d be surprised how many policies have sneaky exclusions. A quick photo session before you travel isn’t just good for the Instagram memories; it’s solid documentation should you need to make a claim. Think of it as a jewellery passport!
The Bottom Line
Your jewellery should enhance your travel experience, not complicate it. With these strategies in place, tangled necklaces and lost earrings will become a thing of the past, leaving you free to focus on what matters most—enjoying your well-deserved holiday.
