Jewelry on the Journey: The Wahl Family Camino Pilgrimage

Life is beautifully simple on the Camino Francés. Each day begins with one task: put one foot in front of the other (and if you’re Susie—make sure your travel jewelry is perfectly in place!).

When Susie first watched The Way nine years ago, she never imagined she’d one day walk the 500-mile pilgrimage across Spain—not just once, but twice. And yes, both times, she was wearing her favorite pair of blue topaz earrings.

She was drawn to the Camino’s rich history, reflecting, “There were so many moments I thought about the people who had walked the same old Roman roads before me. Whether I was standing in a eucalyptus forest or watching the wheat sway like waves, I often stopped just to take it all in. Each day felt like poetry in motion—another opportunity to renew yourself completely.”

While the sweeping views, incredible food, and vibrant culture made the Camino unforgettable for both Matt and Susie, the people they met along the way were truly the heart of the experience. “There’s this beautiful camaraderie,” Susie shared. “Everyone is walking the same path, moving in the same direction. You feel the ups and downs together. There's this mutual love and deep connection that forms—like an extended family.”

And believe it or not, Susie’s jewelry often became a conversation starter. Her bright blue earrings caught the attention of fellow pilgrims, turning strangers into friends. A simple compliment would spark stories about home, shared dreams, and future adventures—all unfolding as the trail stretched out before them.

Want to hear more about the Wahl family’s Camino experience? Pop into the store—we’re always happy to share a story (and a photo or two). Curious about the jewelry Susie and Ashley traveled with? Read on!

What Is Travel Jewelry?

If you’ve never heard the term “travel jewelry,” don’t worry—you’re not alone. Simply put, travel jewelry refers to pieces that are stylish yet safe to wear while on the move. Sterling silver and cubic zirconia are popular choices because their lower price points make them less stressful to pack or wear than high-value gold or diamond pieces.

But the definition of travel jewelry can vary. For some, affordability matters most. Others prioritize versatility, ease of packing, or durability. It’s a personal choice—and we’re here to help you find what works best for your style and comfort.

What Susie Travels With 

For Susie, her yellow gold bezel-set blue topaz earrings are a staple. She wears them daily on the trail and beyond, so there’s no need to worry about storing or switching them out. They add a vibrant pop of color that suits both her wardrobe and her sunny personality. She also travels with a two-tone heirloom pave diamond locket. While some might hesitate to travel with such a meaningful piece, Susie feels confident doing so and loves that it goes with everything.

Her showstopper emerald-cut emerald and diamond engagement ring, however, stays safely at home. Instead, she wears a timeless, low-profile two-row diamond band—easy to wear, elegant, and worry-free.

What Ashley Travels With

Ashley’s travel style is all about simplicity and ease. Her go-to piece? A single pearl pendant on an adjustable chain—classic, versatile, and “set it and forget it” approved. Her yellow gold hoops are convertible: worn plain or paired with delicate pearl jackets to match her pendant. She swears this set goes with everything. Because it does!

While pearls are naturally more delicate, Ashley accepts the trade-off and wears them while jetsetting, hiking or even at the beach (don’t tell our jeweler, Jan!)

Yes, We Make Travel Rings!

Here’s a fun Forsythe secret: we can create travel-friendly replicas of your most cherished jewelry. Ashley has a sterling silver and cubic zirconia version of her engagement ring that she wears on more ambitious adventures—whether she’s scuba diving or summiting a peak, it’s one less thing to worry about.

If you’re someone who prefers to leave your heirlooms or high-value pieces at home when you travel, consider creating a custom “travel ring” that you can wear with confidence without sacrificing your original style.

What’s Your Travel Jewelry Philosophy?

Do you wear your everyday favorites on vacation, or do you keep a separate collection of “fun” pieces just for travel? There’s no right answer. At Forsythe, we always say jewelry should be worn and enjoyed—but we also understand that certain situations call for smart choices.

Whether you're looking to design a custom travel version of your special piece or want to explore our contemporary sterling silver and CZ collection, we’re here to help you travel in style—without the stress.

Come by the store to chat, share your favorite travel stories, or see what travel-ready options we have in store. We'd love to help you find something that suits your next adventure!