Summer holiday season is fast approaching, and Brits are already turning their attention to elevating their outfits whilst away, with UK Google searches for ‘holiday jewellery’ up 65% compared to last month.
Being on holiday provides the perfect opportunity to take your time getting ready and have fun with an outfit, however, for jewellery lovers, making sure you return from your trip with all the same pieces you left with and in the same condition is key.
A recent study from Pandora UK found that a third (34%) of British women have tarnished or lost an item of jewellery on holiday, while two-thirds (67%) have resorted to leaving pieces at home before going away to avoid this happening.
To help Brits protect their jewellery while travelling, Pandora have shared what to consider when packing, including tips like taking dupes of special pieces and how to prevent tangling, as well as the six common holiday toiletries and liquids that could potentially damage your jewellery.
Toiletries to avoid:
Resident jewellery expert at Pandora UK, Emma Fox, has shared the six toiletries and holiday liquids that could potentially damage your jewellery.
- Chlorine
“Chlorine can tarnish and weaken certain metals, such as gold and gold-plated items. It can also weaken gemstone settings, causing them to loosen which means risking losing or damaging stones. With this in mind, it’s best to remove all jewellery when swimming in a pool to avoid causing any damage or losing anything.
- Seawater
“Seawater can be corrosive to metals and cause them to tarnish or lose their shine. The sand particles or stones from the sea bed can also scratch the surface of metals and gemstones.
“I’d advise being especially careful in the sea as a strong tide or sudden wave could also cause things like rings and bracelets to become loose.
- Suncream
“Suncream can leave a greasy residue on jewellery, making pieces look dirty, and can even cause certain metals to tarnish quicker. To be safe, remove jewellery before applying suncream and place the pieces back on 15-20 minutes later, once the formula has sunk into your skin.
- Tanning oil
“Similar to suncream, tanning oil can build up on the surface of jewellery and leave a greasy film. Its slippery texture can also increase the chances of rings and bracelets slipping off. Tanning oil can also cause damage to porous gemstones like pearls. To be safe, remove pieces that would touch where you have applied the oil, and opt for rings and earrings instead.
- Fake tan
“Fake tan residue can build up on jewellery and be difficult to remove, even causing discolouration and staining. Only put your jewellery back on once your fake tan is fully developed, the top layer has been washed off, and you’re confident the colour will not transfer.
- Hairspray
“The alcohol and solvents often present in hairspray can tarnish and dull many metals, while the sticky surface may cause dirt and dust to settle. Remove all jewellery before applying hairspray and try to limit touching your hair too much when wearing rings.”
Tips on packing jewellery when travelling:
- Take dupes
“Holidays typically entail lots of movement between places and exploration. For any sentimental pieces like an engagement ring or a promise ring, consider leaving them at home and taking an inexpensive dupe that you wouldn’t mind being lost or damaged instead. Or if you prefer, simply wear another ring on your ring finger to feel like you still have it with you.
- Prevent tangling
“Jewellery, particularly necklaces, can easily tangle together when placed loosely in a bag or pocket. The simplest way to prevent tangling when you travel is with a jewellery organiser or pill box to keep each piece separate. Even with this method, though, there is still a risk of each piece tangling within itself.
“To eliminate any risk of arriving at your destination with tangled necklaces, loop them through a straw and fasten the clasp around it. For different length necklaces and bracelets, simply cut the straws to the correct length, then keep the straws and reuse them every time you go away.
- Consider what outfits you’re taking
“Jewellery can make all the difference to your outfits by elevating them or tying everything together. Instead of packing every piece you own, try to plan your outfits ahead of time and pair each one up with the perfect pieces to match. That way you’ll be able to keep better track of what you’re bringing and it may help you feel more inspired with outfit choices.
- Make a note of the pieces you’ve packed
“Trying to keep track of everything you’ve brought on holiday with you can be stressful, especially when packing for the journey home. To avoid any panic, keep jewellery in a safe place and make a note in your phone of which pieces you’ve brought and where you’ve placed them.”
Tips for adventure holidays:
“Adventure holidays can often mean taking part in activities you wouldn’t do back home and moving your body in different ways, which can ultimately increase the risk of jewellery falling off or getting caught on things.
“To keep special pieces safe when enjoying this kind of holiday, choose pieces with a secure clasp, and opt for things like stud earrings rather than dangly ones or secure fitting cuffed bracelets.”
Tips for skiing holidays:
“Skiing holidays require bundling up in thick layers to keep warm on the slopes. When it comes to the best jewellery to wear to feel like yourself still, bracelets and stud earrings are the best option. Hoop and dangly earrings may cause discomfort when wearing a helmet, while frequently taking on and off your gloves could increase the likelihood of losing rings – so save these pieces for the evening.”
To give your jewellery collection a refresh ahead of your summer holiday, check out Pandora’s wide range of travel charms and gold-plated jewellery.
