The Six Best Travel Jewels

Colorful Cocktail Rings

This style of ring has gone in and out of fashion since it first gained popularity with sapphires, emeralds, and rubies during the Jazz Age of the 1920s. It reappeared in various forms throughout the 20th century, shaped by shifting societal and cultural influences.

They were especially in vogue during the war years and the Retro period, often set with semi-precious stones like citrine. Then, during the ’50s and early ’60s, young couples moved into their new suburban homes and attended après-work parties: men shaking martinis and women holding cocktails, sporting bolder, colorful rings set with myriad stones.

This style is now once again one of the most desirable of rings—boasting vibrant, big, juicy gems. And while away from home, just one is all you need to add a sense of high-spirited glamour.

Rivières Reimagined

Rivières defy time and style — they are both a statement and staple. From 18th-century royalty to 20th-century icons such as Vogue editor Anna Wintour and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, the rivière necklace has been a go-to style for international women of different eras.

These necklaces first became popular in the 1700s, featuring individually set stones arranged in a continuous row of graduating or same-sized gems. Still popular today, they have been redesigned and refreshed across decades. Today’s designers draw inspiration from antique and vintage styles but take inventive approaches to mixing different cuts and placements of stones, as well as original settings for a contemporary look that remains enduring in technique, beauty, and execution.

They are available in tonal combinations, accented by diamonds, and can be worn alone or layered with a link chain.

Luxurious Links

Designers have been creating their own chains for the past five years or so, inspired by the solid weight and links of antique watch fob chains, as well as the bold gold styles of the 1970s, in polished or textured rectangular and oval configurations. For a go-anywhere, wear-anytime look, try a chain with a bit of sparkle — diamond clasps and accents to spice up your business or vacation fashion.

Pearls in Present Tense

Pearls have been enjoying a revival for some time. While the luxe strands of perfectly matched Tahitian and South Sea pearls remain timeless classics, traditional prim, preppy, and proper versions have gotten a feminine, edgy, and artistic makeover. There are also hardware treatments and more geometric or sculptural looks.

For your trip, consider packing pearl hoops, drop earrings, or an open-style cuff.

Chic Chandeliers

From swinging, dynamic styles to geometric, angular yet fluid designs, chandelier earrings were seen at awards shows this past season as well as on the Fall/Winter 2025/26 runways. Take a tip from celebrities who walked the red carpet and models who strutted down the catwalk.

When you’re in a new city or country and heading out for the evening, a pair of transformable fringe or Art Deco-inspired chandelier earrings might be all you need to create alluring elegance for a cocktail party, lavish dinner, night out dancing, opera, or show.

Off The Cuff

Brace yourself for the bracelet revival. For travel, cuffs are the easiest styles to throw on and offer statement appeal. These styles are gutsy yet feminine, with diamond accents adding just the right touch of sparkle.

Sure, they can be worn stacked or one on each wrist, but for a getaway, one standout piece will do the trick.