Summer jewelry for beach and city. Which materials really work?

 

Jewelry for warm weather is often chosen based on appearance. However, material plays just as important a role as design. Those who wear jewelry during vacation, at the beach, or during a day in the city quickly notice that not every material reacts the same way to sun, skin contact, and daily wear.

That's why you often see natural materials in summer jewelry, such as mother-of-pearl, natural stone, and shell details, combined with gilded metal accents. These materials often appear in styles described as beach jewelry, Ibiza jewelry, or boho jewelry. The look is relaxed and natural, yet the jewelry is easy to combine with different outfits.

Within SummerGear's collection of women's jewelry, you'll find these materials in bracelets and necklaces suitable for beach days, vacations, and daily wear. In this article, we explain which materials are commonly used, the difference between pearls and mother-of-pearl, and how to combine jewelry for both beach and city settings.

Why natural materials are popular in beach jewelry

Jewelry suitable for warm days and vacations often has a different look than more classic jewelry. It appears less formal and better matches light fabrics, linen clothing, and a relaxed style.

That's why you often see natural materials in beach jewelry, Ibiza jewelry, and boho jewelry. Think of natural stone beads, mother-of-pearl, or small shell details. These materials almost always have slight differences in color, texture, or shape. This makes a piece of jewelry look less uniform, and precisely that gives it a natural appearance.

This style fits well with a beach look, for example, with a bag, sandals, or airy clothing. In the SummerGear collection, you'll see that the same relaxed style also applies to accessories like beach bags, making jewelry and accessories easy to combine.

 

What is mother-of-pearl in jewelry?

Mother-of-pearl is the shiny material on the inside of a shell. It is known for its soft luster and subtle color variations. Depending on the shell, mother-of-pearl can range from white and cream to light beige or soft pink.

In jewelry, mother-of-pearl is often used as beads, plates, or discs. Because it is a natural material, small differences in shape and hue are normal. As a result, no two mother-of-pearl bracelets look exactly the same.

It is precisely this natural variation that makes mother-of-pearl popular in jewelry often described as beach jewelry or Ibiza jewelry. The light colors combine well with sand tones, linen fabrics, and a relaxed summer look.

 

What is the difference between pearls and mother-of-pearl?

Pearls and mother-of-pearl are often confused, but they are two different materials.

A pearl forms inside a shell when a small particle becomes trapped and is covered with layers of nacre (mother-of-pearl). Mother-of-pearl, on the other hand, is the material that makes up the inside of the shell itself.

In jewelry, pearls are usually used as round beads. Mother-of-pearl is more often cut or shaped into beads, discs, or small plates. As a result, mother-of-pearl jewelry often has a slightly more playful and less classic appearance.

 

What is natural stone jewelry?

Natural stone jewelry is made from beads cut from various types of rock or minerals. Well-known examples include agate, jade, or turquoise. Each stone has its own structure and color nuances.

Because natural stone is a natural product, the color and pattern vary per bead. As a result, natural stone jewelry is rarely identical. Especially with bracelets, this creates a natural look where each bracelet is slightly different.

Natural stone beads are often combined with gilded accents or mother-of-pearl. This creates a combination of natural materials and subtle shine that fits well with beach jewelry and boho jewelry.

 

What does gold plated mean for jewelry?

When a piece of jewelry is gold-plated, it means that a thin layer of gold has been applied over a base material.

The gold-plated necklaces in the SummerGear collection use a brass base with an 18k gold plating of 0.05 μm. This plating is thicker than the 0.03 μm often used for fashion jewelry. As a result, the finish generally remains beautiful longer with normal use.

 

Can jewelry withstand the sea or swimming?

This is a frequently asked question about jewelry often worn during vacations or beach days.

Prolonged contact with salt water, chlorine, or sand is usually not recommended. This applies to both gold-plated jewelry and beaded bracelets with elastic or metal components.

To keep jewelry looking its best, it's advisable to remove it before swimming in the sea or a swimming pool. After contact with sunscreen or salt water, gently rinsing the jewelry with clean water and allowing it to dry thoroughly can be helpful.

 

How do you combine multiple bracelets?

Wearing multiple bracelets at once is often called layering. This involves combining different materials, colors, or textures to create a layered look.

A simple way to combine bracelets is by mixing materials. For example, mother-of-pearl beads with natural stone and small gold-colored details. This creates a playful combination without becoming too busy.

Within the collection of women's jewelry, various materials are consciously combined so that bracelets can be easily worn together.

 

Frequently asked questions about summer jewelry

What is mother-of-pearl in jewelry?

Mother-of-pearl is the shiny material on the inside of a shell. In jewelry, it is used for beads or plates with a subtle luster.

What is the difference between pearls and mother-of-pearl?

A pearl forms inside a shell. Mother-of-pearl is the material on the inside of that shell.

Can jewelry withstand seawater?

Prolonged contact with salt water, chlorine, and sand is usually not recommended.

What does gold plated mean for jewelry?

Gold plated means that a piece of jewelry has a base material with a thin layer of gold applied over it.

 

Read more in the SummerGear Journal

Are you unsure between different beach accessories or want to know what best suits your day? In the SummerGear Journal, you will find more practical guides:

• Beach towel or hammam towel? This is the difference in size, GSM, and material
• Beach bag, tote bag, or duffel bag: what suits your day?
• How to choose one bag that works from city to beach