Summer in Australia may well find you dreaming of salty hair, sun-kissed skin and long days by the ocean. If so, then beach-inspired jewellery will make the perfect finishing touch for your summer and holiday outfits.
As an Australian jewellery designer living by the sea on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, I'm endlessly inspired by the colours, textures and rhythms of the coast. That love of the ocean finds its way into many of my designs: from swirling waves to delicate shells and sunlight on water.
In this post I'll show you some of our most loved beachy jewellery pieces, including ocean-inspired earrings, statement necklaces and rings designed to suit the laid-back elegance of an Australian summer.
Whether you're heading to the coast for a holiday or just want to add a breezy, beachy vibe to your everyday style, there's something here for you.
Read on for holiday styling tips, summer care advice and, of course, our favourite coastal jewellery picks.
What is Beach Jewellery?
Beach jewellery is inspired by the beauty and vibe of the seaside. It often features oceanic elements like sand, waves, shells, coral textures, and sea creatures - or perhaps colours and materials that evoke sand, sea, and sky.
These pieces are usually light, easy to wear, and designed to feel relaxed and natural - perfect for summer days, coastal holidays, or simply bringing a little bit of the ocean into your everyday life.
From ocean-themed pendants to beachy stud earrings and layered necklaces that sparkle in the sun, beach jewellery is all about effortless style with a coastal twist.
How to Style Beach Jewellery
Beach jewellery is all about capturing the effortless, sun-kissed vibe of seaside living: think breezy dresses, salty air, and the sparkle of water and metal in the sunlight.
Whether you're heading for a coastal holiday, spending summer weekends at the beach, or just want to channel laid-back ocean energy in your everyday life, beach-inspired jewellery can bring the perfect finishing touch.
Below are some easy ways to style it (and be sure to also check out our Summer Outfit Ideas guide for more inspiration):
1. Keep it light and relaxed
Opt for pieces that feel relaxed and not too over-done. Small stud earrings, layered pendant necklaces, and dainty rings in silver or gold are great for creating that sun-drenched, effortless look. Natural textures, ocean-inspired shapes, and simple silhouettes work beautifully with floaty fabrics, linen, and cotton.
Bolder jewellery designs will work beautifully against colour-blocked or plain white or black fabrics so that the jewellery can shine without over-complicating things.
2. Mix metals and finishes
Don't be afraid to combine silver and gold, especially when it echoes the sparkle of sand and sea.
Brushed, matte, and hammered textures can add extra interest and shimmer in the sunlight. Layered pendants or stacking rings in different metals give your look depth while still feeling casual and beachy.
3. Let the ocean inspire your palette
Think seafoam greens, ocean blues, sun-bleached whites, sandy golds, and coral hues. Our gemstone pieces with aquamarine, yellow opals, and pearls tie in beautifully with coastal tones. These colours work especially well with soft neutrals or vibrant summer prints.
4. Choose meaningful motifs
Wearing ocean-themed jewellery isn't just about aesthetics: it can also carry personal meaning. Whether it’s a shell pendant that reminds you of summer holidays, a textured ring that connects you to the sea, or coral-inspired colours that honour nature, beach jewellery can tell a story.
5. Keep it wearable
Choose pieces that are easy to wear every day. Many of our seaside-inspired designs are lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for travel, casual outfits, or dressing up a bit without going over the top.
Popular Beach Jewellery Motifs & Materials
Beach jewellery often draws its inspiration directly from the natural world: think ridged sand patterns, delicate shells, organic textures, and motifs drawn from coral reefs or sea creatures. These elements bring a relaxed, summery feel to your look and are perfect for evoking memories of the coast year-round.
Many of our Beach Jewellery: Seaside Range designs feature these themes: you'll find stylised shells, fine silver coral textures and patterns, along with sea life motifs across a range of wearable pieces. They're designed to be both subtle and striking - ideal for adding a touch of ocean magic to your everyday style.
Materials also play an important role. Sterling silver is a standout for beachy jewellery: it's luminous, durable and works beautifully with ocean-inspired textures. You'll also spot soft golden tones, translucent gems, and matte finishes that echo the colours of sand, sunlight and water.
If you're looking for a jewellery collection that captures the feel of Australian summers and beach holidays, our Beach Jewellery Range is a perfect place to start browsing.
Jewellery Care Tips for the Beach
We get it: your jewellery looks amazing with your beach or holidays outfits. But if you're heading into the water, it's time to take it off.
Wearing precious jewellery while swimming - whether in the ocean or a pool - is never a good idea. Salt water can dull even diamonds and may erode soldered parts in metal jewellery. Meanwhile, chlorine and pool chemicals can discolour silver jewellery and gemstones, and even weaken gold jewellery. It's especially risky if you swim regularly.
The bottom line? If you want your favourite pieces to look beautiful and last, don't swim with them on. Before heading into the water, stash your jewellery safely in a small waterproof pouch.
Want more tips on keeping your pieces in top condition? Visit our Jewellery Care & Cleaning Guide.
Jewellery Gifts for Beach Lovers
Shopping for someone who loves the sea, summer, or the beach? Jewellery inspired by the ocean and coast can make a truly thoughtful gift, whether it's for Christmas, a birthday, or just because.
When it comes to choosing the right piece, think about what your recipient might enjoy wearing on a relaxed holiday, to a summer picnic, or simply as a daily reminder of their love for the sea. Shells, waves, sea creatures and sandy textures are great motifs to look out for, especially in silver and gold that will work with a breezy summer wardrobe.
If you're gifting for Christmas (which of course lines up with the beach season here in Australia), you might like to browse our Christmas Gift Guide — or head straight to our curated Jewellery Gift Guide for inspiration all year around.
We've also put together an article on Australian Gifts: Why Handmade Jewellery?, which is particularly helpful if you're looking to support local designers and small businesses (and I truly hope you do!).
If you're after a more affordable gift, our guide to Jewellery Gifts under $100 includes pieces which are perfect for stocking stuffers or smaller celebrations.
Whoever you're shopping for, a piece of beachy jewellery could be just the thing to help them keep a little bit of the ocean close, all year round.
(Reading this on a website that isn't simonewalsh.com? Be aware that the content has been stolen, infringing the copyright of a small business. ABN: 65108844126)
It's time to head to the beach
Whether you're heading off on a summer getaway, spending your days by the coast, or simply dreaming of the sea, beach-inspired jewellery is a beautiful way to carry that feeling with you. From simple shell motifs to intricate ocean textures, there's something timeless and effortlessly stylish about jewellery that celebrates the beach.
I hope this guide has given you some ideas for styling beachy jewellery — or for choosing the perfect seaside-inspired gift.
Ready to find your own beach treasure? Take a look at our full Beach Jewellery: Seaside Range, featuring handcrafted designs in silver, gold, and gemstones that are perfect for summer and beyond.
Simone Walsh is a 
