Coastal jewelry is light, warm-toned and easy to wear: think layered gold necklaces, playful earrings, stacked bracelets and simple rings that look just as good with a cover-up as with a linen dress. The key to beach-to-dinner style is choosing a few pieces you can wear all day, then adding one or two statement pieces at sunset. Here's how we style it in Santa Barbara, and how to keep your jewelry looking its best around salt, sun and sunscreen.
What is coastal jewelry?
Coastal jewelry borrows from the beach itself: sunlit gold, pearls, turquoise and sea-blue stones, shells, stars and little charms. The look is relaxed rather than formal. Pieces are delicate enough to wear with a swimsuit but polished enough for a dinner reservation.
Here in Santa Barbara, that style often leans a little boho, too. Mixed textures, beads and gemstones sit happily next to fine gold chains. You can explore the full range in our jewelry collection.
Layering gold necklaces
A layered neckline is the heart of beach-to-dinner style. It looks thoughtful without looking fussy. A few simple guidelines:
- Vary the lengths. Start with a short chain close to the collarbone, then add one or two longer pieces so each sits on its own line.
- Mix chain textures. Pair a fine chain with a slightly bolder link, or a pearl strand with a simple pendant.
- Choose one focal piece. Let a single pendant or charm be the star, and keep the others quiet.
- Make it personal. A Birthstone Necklace is a lovely anchor for a layered look, and a meaningful gift.
For the beach, two layers are usually plenty. At dinner, add a third or swap in a longer pendant that sits nicely against an open neckline.
Earrings: fringe, hoops and studs
Fringe earrings
Fringe earrings bring movement and color, and they echo the fringe on a Turkish towel or cover-up beautifully. They're the easiest way to turn a simple sundress into an evening outfit. Wear them with your hair up or tucked behind your ears so they can swing.
Hoops
Gold hoops are a coastal classic and work everywhere. Small hoops and huggies are comfortable enough to wear all day, even under a sun hat. Our Maria Hoops are a simple, easy-to-love option. Save larger hoops for the evening.
Studs
Studs are your beach-day best friend: they won't tangle in a towel or catch on a hat brim. Tiny charms like the Honey Bee Studs add a bit of whimsy. If you have more than one piercing, pair a stud with a small hoop for an effortless mix.
Bracelets and rings
Stacking bracelets
A bracelet stack is where you can have the most fun. Combine a fine chain like the Paperclip Chain Bracelet with beaded or gemstone styles for texture. Keep it to three to five pieces on one wrist for daytime so it stays comfortable, then add a cuff or bangle for dinner.
Rings
Beach rings tend to be simple and stackable: thin bands, small stones and organic shapes. A pop of color, like the Berry Gem Ring in Turquoise, picks up the blues of the ocean. One statement ring or a small stack on a couple of fingers is all you need.
How to care for jewelry at the beach
Salt water, sunscreen, sand and chlorine can all be tough on jewelry, especially plated finishes, pearls and softer stones. A little care goes a long way.
Salt water and sand
Salt can dull shine over time, and sand is mildly abrasive. If you wear jewelry to the beach, rinse it in fresh water afterward and pat it dry with a soft cloth. Consider taking off delicate pieces before swimming in the ocean, where waves can also loosen clasps.
Sunscreen and lotions
Sunscreen and body oils can leave a film on metal and stones. Apply sunscreen first, let it dry, and then put on your jewelry. Wipe pieces gently with a soft cloth at the end of the day.
Chlorine
Pool and hot tub chemicals can discolor metals and damage plated finishes and pearls. Take your jewelry off before you swim in a pool.
Storage
Store pieces separately in soft pouches or a lined case so chains don't tangle and stones don't scratch each other. A small pouch in your beach bag keeps everything safe while you swim.
Pairing jewelry with cover-ups and Turkish towels
Your beach look starts with what you wear over your swimsuit. A Turkish towel tied as a sarong, like our Santa Margherita Sarong Towel, creates a clean backdrop for jewelry. A few pairing ideas:
- Striped towels and cover-ups: Keep jewelry gold and simple so the stripe does the talking.
- Solid colors: Add color with turquoise, beaded or fringe earrings.
- Halter or shoulder wraps: Show off a layered necklace or a pair of statement earrings.
- Hip-tied sarongs: Let a bracelet stack and a ring or two carry the look.
When the sun starts to set, swap the sarong for something from our clothing collection, add one more necklace and a pair of earrings that move, and you're ready for dinner.
A simple beach-to-dinner jewelry formula
If you'd rather not think about it, here's an easy formula that works almost every time:
- Morning at the beach: small studs or huggies, one fine necklace and a single bracelet. Nothing that dangles, tangles or minds a little sand.
- Lunch in town: add a second necklace and a bracelet or two. Your cover-up or sarong stays on; the jewelry does the dressing up.
- Sunset and dinner: swap studs for hoops or fringe earrings, add a ring, and finish with your favorite pendant.
Building your look this way means you're never overdressed at noon or underdressed at eight, and you only have to pack a small pouch of pieces for the whole day.
Shop coastal jewelry in Santa Barbara
Our jewelry selection changes often, with everyday gold pieces, beaded and boho styles, and playful earrings. Customer favorites include our assorted fringe earrings, roll-on bracelets and beach rings, which tend to come and go quickly, so stop by the shop downtown to see what's new.
Frequently asked questions
What is coastal jewelry?
Coastal jewelry is relaxed, beach-inspired jewelry such as fine gold chains, pearls, turquoise and sea-toned stones, shells, stars and simple charms. It's designed to look good with a swimsuit or cover-up and still feel polished at dinner.
Can I wear gold jewelry to the beach?
You can, with a little care. Apply sunscreen before putting on jewelry, remove delicate pieces before swimming, and rinse jewelry in fresh water and dry it after a beach day.
How do you layer necklaces without tangling?
Choose chains of clearly different lengths, mix a lighter chain with a slightly heavier one, and keep to two or three layers. Storing each necklace separately also helps prevent tangles.
Should I take off my jewelry before swimming in a pool?
Yes. Pool and hot tub chemicals can discolor metals and damage plated finishes and pearls, so it's best to remove jewelry before swimming.
What jewelry goes with a Turkish towel sarong?
Simple gold jewelry pairs well with striped sarongs, while solid-color sarongs are a good backdrop for turquoise, beaded or fringe earrings. A bracelet stack and a ring or two complete the look.
About The Riviera Towel Company. Visit our shop at 17 W. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara, or call us at 805-560-1571. We offer free shipping on orders over $95. Every year, 5% of our net profits go to organizations that heal and protect the ocean, and we've donated $75,000 so far.
