The best beach jewelry

It's officially summer! And I LOVE the beach; the salty air, the sand between my toes and the sound of the waves. I love giant sun hats, bright colored bikinis, bold sunglasses, classic vintage style one pieces, and gauzy cover-ups. I also love to accessorize! It doesn't matter if I'm heading to work, yoga, a night out with friends, or the ocean - wearing jewelry makes me feel more beautiful.

Most of us have probably been told the 'other' golden rule: NEVER wear jewelry to the beach! But for those of us whose personal style is a reflection of our personalities, we can't help but adorn ourselves! Whether you're sunbathing only or splashing in the surf, there are a few helpful hints to remember when it comes to your jewelry and what pieces are safe to wear. DO wear your jewelry to the pool and beach. DON’T wear your jewelry IN the pool or ocean water.

Rule #1- Do NOT wear your most treasured jewelry to the beach. This especially goes for engagement rings, wedding rings, diamond earrings, heirloom jewelry. Anything you'd be lost without if it ends up buried at the bottom of the sea! Never wear rings to swim. Cold water actually shrinks your fingers and makes it easy for them to slip off. Not only is there a risk of losing your precious jewels while swimming, the salt water and sand can be abrasive and can ruin these types of pieces. Think of it like taking Ajax to your ring. You wouldn't do it! I ALWAYS leave my valuable jewelry at home on a beach day because I like to swim. I don't want to have to worry about it being in my beach bag either. I've never had anything stolen before, but the fear of this happening would ruin any water time. Leave them at home for a carefree swim.

Rule #2- Bring a ziplock bag to store jewelry while you swim. Most accessories are fine for sunbathing and in DRY sand but would be ruined if worn in the water. Leather wrap bracelets, stretchy bracelets, braided cord necklaces, and any jewelry made of natural fibers and stones are fine in the sand but would start to wear out if worn for a swim. It's also a good idea to put on sunscreen at home BEFORE getting dressed. I like to slather up and then do my hair while it sinks in and drys. Letting the sunscreen dry completely means that the greasy lotions won't discolor leather, gemstones, or other beads. If you need to slather up again while you're at the beach, make use of your ziplock.

Rule #3- Pieces made with C-flex beading wire are tough! This 49-strand flexible steel wire is ideal for stringing almost any type of bead. I love seeing barefoot sandals and long strands of bright glass. Try matching your necklace to your sunglasses or do a contrasting color to your swimsuit. Memory wire, chain, or wire links are also great for strength and durability. They're somewhat waterproof, however, fully submerging these materials could cause rust or corrosion over time. Most headpins and earwires are also fine, however, I wouldn't wear ANY type of earring to swim. I'd be afraid of losing them. You could sweat all day and these stringing and earwire materials will not fail you. Some sweat is fine, but avoiding the sea water and chlorine will ensure your jewelry to stay looking it's best. Avoid wearing any pieces woven together with thread or silk to the beach OR pool, as these materials aren't meant for moisture, sand, or rough wear and tear. Remember that glass, resin, and porcelain beads are easily cleaned if they get a little dingy from sunscreen.

Rule #4- Never never NEVER wear pearls at the beach! You'd think because they come from oysters in the ocean they'd be safe? But sand and salt water actually ruin the luster. Your favorite pearls will never be what they once were.

Rule #5- Keep it casual. For a casual beachy feel simple is always best. I follow the 'pick two' rule. Pick two, not all three (earrings, bracelet, necklace.) Since you want to keep it effortless don't wear earrings, necklaces, AND bracelets. Just pick two and skip the third. Bracelet stacks and a necklace, a long necklace and cool earrings, or a couple of lovely necklaces.

And finally Rule #6- Have fun - It's a day at the beach after all! Don't get sunburned, don't ruin your jewelry, and don't be timid about looking fantastic at the shore–there’s never a wrong time or place to look fabulous!

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