For one week during early spring, college and university students in many countries including the United States, Canada, and China leave their classrooms and take a much-needed respite from hitting the books. Spring break is a time to let one's hair down and to just take it easy. Many students take the opportunity to travel during this week-long recess; others turn to arts and crafts. For either of these spring break activities, jewelry can play an important role.

A survey shows that the most popular spring break travel destinations are South Padre Island, Lake Havasu, Panama City, with the Mexican city of Cancun as the international location of choice for many students. What do all these locations have in common? Water and parties -- and a host of opportunities for young students on spring break to show off body jewelry of different designs. Also, the type of swimsuit she is wearing would enhance the visual impact her jewelry would make. For instance, a belly ring would really look sexy with those barely-there bikinis, as would belly chains, which come in pierced or unpierced versions.

Belly rings and belly chains are available in many designs, but perhaps one of the most best-selling designs for college students on spring break is one that features Greek society symbols. Wearing a sterling silver or gold wrist or ankle bracelet (anklet), a necklace, toe rings, belly rings and belly chains that spell out a sorority's letters is an excellent way to show school spirit even during spring break.

There are many kinds of beach jewelry suitable for just basking on the sand or bathing in the ocean -- and both guys and girls can wear them. Shell jewelry is especially versatile; necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other items made from puka shells, white clam, tiger and white shells come in different colors and designs. And they won't become discolored if you wear them to swim either.

After the sun sets, vacationers start to get ready for another spring break staple: the spring break parties! Chandelier earrings at various price points and made with materials ranging from Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones, and silver or gold are excellent party accessories. So are hoop earrings, briolette necklaces, and charm bracelets; all of which could be as flashy or as understated as one would like. The men have a wide selection from which to choose as well: from soft leather necklaces embellished with beads to titanium bracelets to diamond stud earrings.

Many of today's youth enjoy making their own jewelry and spring break provides the perfect opportunity for them to showcase their work. Hemp jewelry is always an eye-catcher, whether it is decorated with beads or crystals or not, with the creator opting to let the weave pattern or coloring be the only embellishments. Some students like making jewelry so much that they spend part of their spring break taking up handicraft classes so that they'll have something new to show when they go back to school.

Spring break is a time when those in their late teens and early twenties are able to think of nothing but to have fun. The jewelry they wear is an expression of their free spirit and is an important indication of the youth culture of today.