Everything you need to know about taking your jewellery on holiday

We've all been there: you're standing over an open suitcase, deciding what makes the cut for your trip, and your eyes land on your jewellery box. Suddenly, you're faced with a million questions about how to keep your favourite pieces safe from the sun, sand, and sea. To make things worse, online advice can often be conflicting or vague, leaving you unsure about whether you're best leaving them at home.

We've scoured public forums to find your most common queries. In this guide, Nick Withington, CEO of William May, breaks down everything you need to know about taking your jewellery on holiday.

Do I need separate jewellery insurance when travelling abroad?

This is usually a question people only think to ask after something has gone wrong, but checking your insurance coverage is one of the most important things to do before you travel with any jewellery. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most widely overlooked aspects of holiday prep.

When packing for a trip, many assume their standard travel insurance will cover any lost or stolen luggage, including the items inside it. However, standard travel insurance policies usually only cover jewellery up to around £1,500 per item, and sometimes even less.

This means any high-value jewellery is typically excluded from the policy, needing extra cover to be fully protected.

If you're travelling with pieces that hold significant financial or sentimental value, relying on basic travel cover is a gamble, as Nick explains:

"Standard travel insurance policies usually include some cover for personal belongings, but fine jewellery is different. Most policies impose a single-item limit that doesn't cover pieces like an engagement ring or family heirloom. Before you travel, it's worth making sure your policy explicitly includes jewellery, and what that per-item limit actually is."

Surprisingly, your home cover might be the answer you're looking for, provided you check the fine print first.

"It's also worth looking at your home contents insurance, as some policies do extend to cover belongings taken abroad. But again, high-value jewellery often needs to be declared as a named item rather than assumed to be covered. If you have any doubt, a specialist jewellery insurance policy or a travel insurance add-on designed for valuables gives you the most reliable protection."

Is it safe to wear jewellery at the beach and in the ocean?

There are two questions we see asked time and time again when it comes to taking your jewellery on holiday: what's the impact of sand and seawater, and is it safe to wear pieces in the sea at all?

The short answer is that both the beach and the ocean carry a real damage and loss risk, and the specifics of how dangerous the sea is for your jewellery vary depending on the piece in question.

A solid gold band will react very differently to the beach environment than a silver-plated chain or a ring with a delicate gemstone setting.

Let's break down the two main elements you'll encounter on a beach day:

Sand

While sand might seem harmless, at the microscopic level, it's highly abrasive. When you remember that sand is used to blast paint off metal and smooth down hard surfaces, it makes sense that it poses a threat to delicate jewellery.

"Sand is an abrasive material that can easily scratch softer metals and gemstones. While a single trip to the beach is unlikely to cause noticeable damage, repeated exposure over the course of a holiday can dull the piece's surface over time," Nick warns.

This is especially true for softer stones, like pearl, amethyst, opal, and turquoise, as well as certain metals — including gold-filled pieces, sterling silver, or unprotected steel. The friction of sand rubbing against the jewellery surface can slowly strip away the polish you're used to seeing, leaving an overall dull look or even visible scratches.

Seawater

Taking a dip in the sea feels great on a hot day, but it's a completely different story for your accessories. The salt content in the ocean is a notorious culprit for causing long-term wear to certain metals.

"Salt in seawater can cause tarnishing, particularly for sterling silver and plated gold pieces, which should be removed beforehand," Nick advises."High-purity metals such as platinum and 18ct gold are more resistant, but no metal is fully immune to saltwater."

Aside from the chemical reaction of the salt, the water temperature also poses a risk of losing your favourite ring to the murky depths.

"Cold seawater makes your fingers contract, meaning a ring that fits perfectly in the heat can become loose unexpectedly. This is a common way people lose rings while swimming in the sea," Nick explains.

Which metals are most at risk?

We've put together a metal breakdown below so you can see exactly how your favourite pieces might fare against the elements on your next beach trip:

Metal type	Resilience to water damage	Potential risks
Platinum and 18ct gold	Most resilient, able to handle salt and water well with little risk of damage.	Could be lost in the water due to fingers shrinking in cold temperatures.
9ct gold	Moderate resilience.	More susceptible to damage from repeated saltwater exposure due to the higher alloy content mixed in with the gold.
Sterling silver	Low resilience to seawater.	Tarnishes quickly in saltwater. The chemical reaction with the salt causes dark spots and dullness on the jewellery surface. It’s best to remove before swimming in the sea.
Plated pieces	The least suitable for seawater exposure.	Saltwater can strip the plating very quickly, revealing the base metal underneath and ruining the piece.

Should I remove jewellery before swimming in the pool?

There's nothing more relaxing than a day spent lounging by the pool while you're abroad. But is it safe to accessorise your swimwear with your favourite jewellery?

Jumping into the pool carries different risks than a dip in the ocean, largely due to the high chlorine content. It's generally best to remove any jewellery before you head for a swim, regardless of what metal you're wearing.

"No matter how long you're planning to be in a pool, I'd always recommend removing your jewellery as chlorine is one of the more damaging chemicals your jewellery can come into contact with," Nick warns.

"What might seem like a few harmless laps each day over the course of a two-week holiday can cause severe structural damage. The chlorine acts as a powerful oxidiser that attacks any metals mixed with alloyed gold and silver pieces, making them brittle and prone to breaking. Lower-carat gold, such as 9ct, is especially vulnerable because the higher proportion of other metals in the alloy makes it more susceptible to chemical reactions. 18ct gold and platinum generally handle chlorine better, but I wouldn't say any piece is truly safe with repeated exposure."

The issues don't stop at the metal itself. If you're wearing pieces with stones, chlorine can cause trouble there, too.

Nick explains, "For pieces with gemstones, chlorine can break down the adhesive in the settings, causing the stones to potentially fall out."

Can sun cream damage jewellery?

Protecting your skin from sun damage should always be your number one priority, but it's also worth being aware that certain sun cream formulations can affect your pieces in ways you don't expect.

When you slather on a thick layer of SPF, it transfers onto any rings, bracelets, or necklaces you might be wearing.

"The most immediate effect of sun cream most people notice is a build-up of residue on their jewellery, especially on pieces containing diamonds or other gemstones, where the cream can sit in the cuts and reduce its appearance," Nick says."This is frustrating but fixable with a professional clean."

However, a dull diamond isn't the only thing you need to worry about when it comes to the contents of your holiday washbag.

"An even bigger concern is that certain ingredients found in some sun cream formulations can react with the metals and stones in your jewellery," Nick explains. 

"Repeated sun cream exposure can accelerate the breakdown of plated jewellery, which means pieces start to show wear far sooner than they usually would. The same principle applies to fake tan, body lotion, and perfume, which can have similar effects."

So, how do you wear sun cream and jewellery safely without having to sacrifice one or the other? It comes down to the order in which you get ready.

"Always apply your sun cream first, let it fully absorb, and then put your jewellery on," Nick advises."Where you can, remove any jewellery before reapplying throughout the day. And when you're getting ready for bed in the evening, giving your pieces a gentle rinse with warm water can remove any residue before it has a chance to cause lasting damage."

Can insect repellent tarnish jewellery?

If you're heading to a warmer or tropical climate, insect repellent will likely be a daily essential. Many people use it without a second thought, completely unaware of the effect it could have on the jewellery they're wearing.

The devil lies in the details, or in this case, the ingredients list. The key active ingredient in many popular bug sprays is DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide). This is a powerful solvent that, while great at keeping mosquitoes away, can also react with certain jewellery materials.

"Silver is the most at risk from the chemicals in insect repellent," Nick warns. "DEET can cause tarnishing and surface damage surprisingly quickly with direct and repeated contact. Plated pieces also have a high chance of damage as the solvent properties can strip or degrade plating in a way that's very difficult to reverse."

If you're wearing solid metal pieces, you have a bit more leeway, but you still shouldn't throw caution to the wind.

Nick continues, "For higher carat gold and platinum, the risk is lower, but I would still advise against letting repellent sit directly on any fine jewellery for prolonged periods."

The fix for this problem is very similar to how you should handle your sun cream routine.

"The easiest fix for avoiding bug spray damage is pretty similar to the advice for sun cream," Nick says. 

"Apply your insect repellent first, allow it to dry fully before putting any jewellery on, and try to avoid direct contact where you can. If you know you'll be in an environment where repellent is a daily necessity, it's worth thinking carefully about which pieces you take with you and whether high-value or delicate items might be better left at home or in the hotel."

Does heat affect jewellery?

When we think about holiday hazards, we tend to picture the beach, the pool, or the contents of our toiletry bag. Heat and UV exposure are usually the last thing that jewellery owners are thinking about.

Most of us are guilty of ignoring the impact that hours of direct sunlight and high temperatures can have on the pieces we're wearing day in and day out.

"For solid precious metals like gold and platinum, everyday holiday heat isn't going to cause any structural damage under normal circumstances," Nick notes.

However, there are some exceptions. "Where it becomes more of a concern is if you wear a lot of plated pieces. Too much heat can speed up the wear and tear process, breaking down the plating and revealing the base metal underneath. Similarly, if you wear jewellery with sticky adhesive settings, long-term exposure to high temperatures can cause the bonds to weaken over time and cause the stones to fall out."

The sun can also have an impact on the colour of your gemstones, as Nick explains: "Certain gemstones are genuinely photosensitive, meaning prolonged UV exposure can cause them to fade or change colour. Amethyst, rose quartz, and topaz are well-known examples."

While you might feel safer taking off your engagement ring while you swim, you still need to be mindful of where you leave it.
Nick says, "Diamonds tend to hold up better in sunlight, although this doesn't mean they're immune. My advice would be to avoid leaving any jewellery in direct sunlight for long periods where possible, and especially avoid leaving them in sun-spots like a sun lounger, windowsill, or in a hot car."

What is the best way to pack jewellery?

We've all been guilty of it at some point. You're packing your bags at the last minute, and instead of carefully organising your accessories, you throw your jewellery into a side pocket of your suitcase and hope for the best.

Unsurprisingly, this is usually how pieces end up tangled into impossible knots, scratched by the items next to them, or lost to the lining of your suitcase for good before you even reach your destination.

When it comes to deciding where your jewellery should live during the journey, Nick is very clear on the rules.

"The most important piece of advice is that fine jewellery should always travel in your hand luggage," Nick says. "Checked bags are handled roughly; they can be delayed, misdirected, or even lost, and they offer far less security against theft. If a piece has financial or sentimental value, it should be kept in a bag that stays with you at all times."

Even if you're already packing your jewellery in your carry-on, you still need to think about how to stop everything turning into a chaotic knot.

Nick suggests investing in something fit for purpose: "To keep pieces organised and protected, a dedicated jewellery roll with individual compartments for different pieces is the most effective solution. It keeps everything separated, prevents scratching, and means you're not rummaging around to find what you're looking for."

Jewellery organisation hacks

If you don't have a jewellery roll, there are plenty of household hacks you can use to keep things secure.

"For necklaces specifically, use a simple trick of threading each chain through a plastic drinking straw before fastening the clasp to keep them straight and prevent tangling. Just make sure you recycle the straw once you’re done using it," Nick advises. 

“Alternatively, you can also take a zip-lock bag and put the bulk of the necklace into the bag, leaving the fastening out. Seal the bag most of the way around the fastening, and this will stop the piece becoming tangled.”

Nick adds, "Small resealable bags or individual soft pouches work well for rings and earrings, and a pill organiser is surprisingly effective for separating stud earrings if you don't want to invest in a jewellery case."

Ultimately, keeping your pieces separate and preventing them from rubbing against each other is the best way to avoid scratches and tangles.

"Each piece should have its own space, however you choose to do it. It takes an extra few minutes to pack this way, but it's far more convenient than spending the first evening of your holiday trying to unpick a tangled chain or discovering a stone has come loose while travelling," Nick says.

Get your jewellery travel-ready at William May

Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and packing your bags shouldn't be a source of stress. With the right knowledge and a little bit of care, there's absolutely no reason why your favourite pieces can't be part of the experience and travel with you safely.

If you want complete peace of mind before you jet off, we can help. Whether that means bringing a piece in for a professional clean, getting an up-to-date valuation sorted for your insurance, or simply asking us to cast an expert eye on a setting before it travels, our team is always on hand to help you prepare.

About Nick:

Nick Withington is the Managing Director and owner of William May. He is a member of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), making sure William May adheres to the highest standards of professionalism and consumer protection.

Nick is also an accredited JET 2 (Jewellery, Education and Training) professional, underlining his technical knowledge and commitment to professional development within the trade.