13 Best Coin-and-enamel Pendant Necklaces Travel Creators Praise
Introduction
When I first learned about coin jewelry in a museum lecture on Roman trade routes, I was struck by how small talismans carried stories across centuries and continents. Today, creators on YouTube who travel the world—packing light but curating every detail—still favor coin-and-enamel pendant necklaces as tiny souvenirs with serious style. I’ve gathered the pieces top travel creators praise, testing them in airports, cafés, and on sunlit terraces so you can shop confidently.
Why travel creators love coin-and-enamel pendants
They’re compact, easy to layer, and tell a story without needing a suitcase. These necklaces are travel-friendly: they resist tarnish, don’t tangle easily, and elevate even the simplest tee. Many creators I follow highlight the balance between aesthetic versatility and durable construction—perfect for women who want accessories that go from day tours to dinner reservations.
How I selected these 13 necklaces
I prioritized real, available products recommended by respected travel and jewelry YouTubers. Selection criteria included materials, clasp reliability, chain length options, enamel quality, weight, and ability to layer. I also tested how they felt against skin, how they held up after packing, and whether they kept their color under sun and salt air.
13 Best Coin-and-Enamel Pendant Necklaces Travel Creators Praise
- Mejuri Roman Coin Pendant Necklace — Gold Vermeil
- Description: A polished 14k gold vermeil pendant inspired by ancient Roman coins, 18 mm diameter, detailed relief of a laurel wreath on one side and a textured field on the back.
- Materials & finish: 925 sterling silver base with thick 14k gold vermeil plating for durability and a warm sheen.
- Chain & dimensions: 18″ adjustable chain with a spring-ring clasp; pendant thickness ~1.8 mm; total weight ~4 g.
- Why travel creators praise it: It reads like a vintage find but won’t flake; creators say it layers cleanly with delicate chains.
- My take: The plating holds up to humid days and the coin’s light weight makes it comfortable for long sightseeing hours.
- Testimonial: “I wore this nonstop from Lisbon to Istanbul—no green tint, no flaking,” a travel vlogger I follow noted.
- Gorjana Gold Laguna Enamel Coin Necklace — Turquoise Inlay
- Description: 20 mm round pendant with cobalt-turquoise enamel center and brushed gold rim; slightly domed glassy enamel finish.
- Materials: 18k gold plated over brass with high-gloss enamel; nickel-free.
- Chain & dimensions: 16″ chain with 2″ extender; lobster clasp; pendant thickness ~2.4 mm.
- Why creators like it: The pop of vetted enamel color photographs well in sunlight and pairs with neutral linen travel outfits.
- My take: The enamel has a jewel-like depth that survived a seaside picnic without crazing.
- Testimonial: “Perfect for a minimalist who wants one color to anchor outfits,” said a European travel channel.
- Catbird Mini Coin Pendant — Hand-Stamped 14k Gold
- Description: Small 12 mm hand-stamped coin showing a simplified profile motif and hammered edge for texture.
- Materials: Solid 14k recycled gold (options in yellow, white, or rose).
- Chain & dimensions: 16″ fixed chain; pendant depth ~1.5 mm; weight ~2 g.
- Why travel creators praise it: Lightweight, heirloom feel; creators recommend it for layering because it doesn’t add bulk.
- My take: I loved the subtle hammer marks that catch light without flash.
- Testimonial: “I layer mine over a slip dress or a tee—the glow is effortless,” a US-based travel stylist mentioned.
- Monica Vinader Siren Enamel Coin Necklace — Navy & Gold
- Description: 18 mm coin with deep navy enamel and a gold-plated swirled border; the enamel is applied in delicate translucent layers to create dimension.
- Materials: 18k Gold Vermeil over sterling silver; fine glass enamel.
- Chain & dimensions: 18″ chain with 2″ extender; pendant thickness ~2.6 mm.
- Why creators praise it: The navy tone works as a neutral alternative to black; creators say it’s great for nautical and coastal trips.
- My take: The navy enamel reads refined and doesn’t compete with patterned outfits.
- Testimonial: “My go-to for sailing trips—the color complements striped tees,” a travel and style vlogger shared.
- Stella & Dot Vintage Coin Necklace — Antiqued Silver
- Description: 22 mm antique-inspired coin showing a floral medallion and raised rim; brushed antiqued finish gives an old-world patina.
- Materials: Plated silver-tone metal with protective lacquer.
- Chain & dimensions: 20″ adjustable chain; pendant weight ~6 g; thickness ~2.7 mm.
- Why creators recommend it: It photographs with texture and character; made to look like a thrifted find.
- My take: The larger size is a statement yet surprisingly light for its look.
- Testimonial: “Looks like something I found in a flea market in Rome,” said a creator known for curated travel packing.
- Missoma Gold Vermeil Miley Coin Necklace — Verdigris Enamel Accent
- Description: 16 mm coin with a raised profile motif and tiny verdigris-green enamel ridges in recessed channels for a boho touch.
- Materials: 18k gold vermeil over sterling silver; durable enamel inlay.
- Chain & dimensions: 17″ chain with a 2″ extender and lobster clasp; pendant depth ~2 mm.
- Why creators love it: The subtle green adds character without being trendy; pairs well with linen and bohemian silhouettes.
- My take: The enamel detail adds handcrafted charm and resists dulling under sun.
- Testimonial: “A small detail that elevates plain tees while traveling,” noted a backpacking-to-luxury travel vlogger.
- Jennifer Zeuner Mini Coin Necklace — Rose Gold Filled
- Description: Petite 10–12 mm coin with an engraved starburst motif and satin finish.
- Materials: Rose gold-filled brass (hypoallergenic; thicker gold layer than plating).
- Chain & dimensions: 15″–16″ choker length with 1.5″ extender; pendant weight ~1.8 g.
- Why creators recommend it: Great as a first-layer piece; creators highlight its comfort for long flights.
- My take: The rose tone warms up cool skin tones and layers seamlessly.
- Testimonial: “Soft, subtle, and comfortable for sleep-on flights,” a creator who covers long-haul travel said.
- Kendra Scott Adrianna Enamel Coin Necklace — Coral
- Description: 18 mm circular coin with bright coral enamel center encased by faceted gold bezel for sparkle.
- Materials: Gold-plated brass with glass enamel and faceted rondelle detailing.
- Chain & dimensions: 18″ chain with 2″ extender; pendant thickness ~3 mm.
- Why creators praise it: The coral reads like jewelry and like a token from a sunny beach town.
- My take: It adds instant warmth to monochrome travel outfits and doesn’t glare in photos.
- Testimonial: “I wore it to rooftop dinners — it pops without shouting,” a travel-food channel host commented.
- Alex Monroe Tiny Coin Necklace — Textured Silver
- Description: 14 mm textured coin engraved with botanical motifs and hand-hammered edge.
- Materials: Sterling silver, polished and lightly oxidized to reveal detail.
- Chain & dimensions: 16″/18″ adjustable chain options; pendant thickness ~1.9 mm.
- Why creators recommend it: The handcrafted textures translate beautifully in close-up travel vlogs.
- My take: The oxidation gives depth; it ages with wear in a flattering way.
- Testimonial: “Feels like a little talisman—perfect for city wanderings,” a London-based travel creator said.
- BaubleBar Enamel Coin Necklace — Multi-Color Mosaic
- Description: 20 mm coin with segmented enamel panels in midnight blue, blush, and mint; glossy finish with gold dividers.
- Materials: Gold-plated brass with vitreous enamel sections.
- Chain & dimensions: 18″ chain with 2″ extender; pendant weight ~5.5 g.
- Why creators highlight it: Works as a single colorful anchor piece for capsule travel wardrobes.
- My take: The color blocks are cheerful and photograph well in overcast light.
- Testimonial: “I pack this as my single statement necklace on short trips,” a minimalist travel channel creator shared.
- Mejuri Greek Coin Necklace — Silver Classic
- Description: 19 mm high-relief coin inspired by Greek antiquity showing an iconic profile and braided rim.
- Materials: 925 sterling silver, polished to a high shine.
- Chain & dimensions: 18″ chain; pendant depth ~2.2 mm; weight ~5 g.
- Why creators like it: It’s a classic, versatile piece that reads both modern and vintage.
- My take: Silver is easy to mix with bracelets and watches kept in my carry-on.
- Testimonial: “I wore it from museum halls to seaside tavernas—never looked out of place,” an art-and-travel vlogger said.
- Astrid & Miyu Enamel Halo Coin Necklace — Pastel Pink
- Description: 15 mm coin with soft pastel-pink enamel halo and a textured central medallion.
- Materials: 18k gold vermeil with hand-applied enamel; nickel-free.
- Chain & dimensions: 16″ chain with 2″ extender; pendant thickness ~2.1 mm.
- Why creators recommend it: Feminine, delicate, and ideal for daytime sightseeing photos.
- My take: The pale pink enamel reads almost pearlescent; it’s gentle and romantic.
- Testimonial: “I feel effortlessly put together while exploring city streets,” said a creator who films slow-travel guides.
- Gorjana Parker Enamel Coin Necklace — Black & Gold
- Description: 22 mm matt black enamel disc with a raised gold crest motif at the center; satin finish enamel resists fingerprints.
- Materials: 18k gold-plated over sterling silver base; high-quality enamel.
- Chain & dimensions: 20″ adjustable chain with lobster clasp; pendant thickness ~3.1 mm.
- Why creators praise it: The bold silhouette works as a statement travel piece that still layers.
- My take: The deep black enamel provides contrast against light linens and silk scarves.
- Testimonial: “My go-to when I want a single strong piece for transitional outfits,” a creator who films packing tips said.
What to look for when buying a coin-and-enamel pendant
- Material and plating: Choose vermeil (thicker gold over sterling) or solid gold for longevity; gold-filled is a good mid-range option. Avoid thin plating if you want regular travel use.
- Enamel quality: Look for vitreous or glass enamel for depth and durability rather than cheap acrylic coatings.
- Chain strength and clasp: Lobster clasps and thicker jump rings survive travel better than tiny spring rings. Check soldered jump rings where possible.
- Weight and dimension: Smaller coins (10–16 mm) layer well and are travel-comfortable; larger coins (18–22 mm) make a statement but can be heavier.
- Hypoallergenic construction: If you have sensitive skin, prioritize sterling silver, gold vermeil, or gold-filled pieces labeled nickel-free.
- Finish and maintenance: Matte or antiqued finishes hide scratches better; high polish shows wear but photographs with more shine.
- Versatility: Consider adjustable chains or multiple lengths so you can layer or wear the pendant alone.
Practical buying tips
- Check return policy: Travel creators often swap pieces, so a flexible return window is essential.
- Look for extenders: A 1.5–2″ extender lets you change length quickly for day-to-night styling.
- Pack smart: Store necklaces flat in a small jewelry pouch or use a roll that secures chains separately to avoid tangles.
- Test in real light: Creators like to shoot in golden-hour light—product photos can lie about color; request real-life photos if possible.
- Match metals in sets: If you wear a watch or rings often, pick a pendant that matches the predominant metal to avoid clashing.
Layering ideas and styling for travel
- Minimalist everyday: Pair a 10–14 mm thin gold coin with a micro chain and small hoop earrings for a polished, no-fuss look.
- Boho beach setup: Use a 16–20 mm antiqued coin with a silk scarf and stacked beaded bracelets.
- City chic: Layer one larger coin with a delicate choker and a mid-length textured chain to create dimension under a blazer.
- Day-to-night: Start with a simple coin and add a statement pendant or switch to a longer chain for evening dinner photos.
Caring for enamel and coins on the road
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Sunscreen, perfumes, and chlorinated pools can dull enamel and plating.
- Quick clean: Wipe gently with a soft microfiber cloth after wearing; for sterling pieces use a mild silver polish rarely.
- Store separated: Keep enamel pieces away from other jewelry to prevent scratching.
- Emergency fixes: A small dot of clear nail polish can temporarily seal a tiny enamel chip until you get home to repair.
FAQ
Q: Will enamel crack if dropped or bumped? A: Enamel is glass-like; it can chip or crack if struck sharply. However, high-quality vitreous enamel used by reputable brands resists everyday bumps. Treat it like a delicate ceramic—avoid heavy impacts.
Q: Is vermeil better than gold-plated jewelry? A: Yes. Vermeil uses thicker gold over sterling silver, so it lasts longer and resists wear better than thin gold plating over base metals.
Q: How can I avoid green discoloration on my neck while traveling? A: Choose gold vermeil, gold-filled, solid gold, or sterling silver pieces labeled nickel-free. Keep jewelry dry and wipe after sweating; that prevents reactions that cause discoloration.
Q: Can I shower in enamel jewelry? A: It’s best to avoid regular exposure to water, chlorine, and saltwater. Occasional splashes are usually fine, but rinse and dry the piece promptly.
Q: What length is best for travel layering? A: I recommend a set of 16″, 18″, and 20″ chains or one adjustable chain with a 2″ extender—this covers choker, collarbone, and mid-chest looks.
My final thoughts and personal favorites
If I had to recommend one all-around coin necklace for travel, it would be the Mejuri Roman Coin Pendant for its timeless design and durable vermeil construction. For a colorful pop that photographs beautifully, Gorjana’s Laguna with turquoise enamel is my pick. For those seeking something heirloom-like and hypoallergenic, the Catbird 14k hand-stamped piece feels special and fuss-free.
Each of these necklaces earned praise from experienced travel creators I follow because they balance aesthetics with function—important when you’re living out of a carry-on and want jewelry that tells a story. Which one fits your travel style? If you tell me your packing priorities (minimalist, beach-focused, or city-chic), I’ll narrow it to three best picks for your trips.