the beach and back x bald head island conservancy: jewelry with a purpose

the beach and back x bald head island conservancy: jewelry with a purpose

coastal style has always been at the heart of the beach and back, but a recent feature in seaside retailer highlights a collaboration that takes that love of the shore even further. the beach and back has partnered with the bald head island conservancy (bhic) to create a turtle-inspired jewelry collection that directly supports sea turtle conservation on bald head island, north carolina.

how the collaboration began

the partnership began after the beach and back’s founder, carey del buono, connected with bhic’s retail business manager, amy dunmire, in december 2024. after months of collaboration on product, color stories, and assortment planning, turtle central gift shop, the conservancy’s on-site store, began carrying the line in march 2025. now the collection is entering its second year in the shop, a sign that both locals and visitors have embraced the pieces and the mission behind them.

“our collaboration with bhi conservancy is a natural extension of our commitment to ocean conservation,” says del buono. “by combining our passion for design with a purpose-driven mission, we hope to inspire our customers to join us in protecting sea turtles and reducing plastic waste.”

about the turtle-inspired collection

the bald head island collection features earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in the beach and back’s signature coastal hues, all designed to be light, wearable, and easy to style. early design work focused on coin-style pieces that helped define the aesthetic of the line, which then expanded into adjustable bracelets and necklaces.

one of the standout elements of the collection is the cut-out sea turtle design, which has quickly become a customer favorite. coin-style turtles and the cut-out silhouettes now rank among the top-performing pieces in the assortment. turtle central is also planning to introduce new coastal charms that can clip onto clasp bracelets and necklaces, along with an elastic pearl bracelet from the beach and back that offers a fresh, beach-elegant way to wear the charms.

where to find the collection

the collection is available both in person and online, making it easy to support conservation no matter where you are.

• turtle central gift shop at bald head island conservancy, where the line is merchandised front and center in the jewelry section on clean, white displays that highlight the coastal color palette.
• the beach and back’s online shop, as part of the dedicated bald head island collection, for customers who want to bring a piece of the island, and its mission, back home.

at turtle central, customers are reminded throughout the store that every purchase supports the conservancy’s work, and a small sign shares more about how every purchase of jewelry from the beach and back helps reduce ocean-bound plastic.

impact: jewelry that gives back

this collaboration was built on the idea that beautiful design can also drive meaningful change. proceeds from the bald head island conservancy collection support bhic’s sea turtle protection program and other mission-driven initiatives on the island. in 2025 alone, bhic’s sea turtle protection team monitored 58 nests, identified 21 nesting mothers, and excavated 54 nests as part of its research and protection efforts, underscoring how vital ongoing support is to sea turtle conservation on the island.

customers at turtle central have responded enthusiastically to the line, with everyone from college students to retired homeowners gravitating toward the lightweight, durable designs and the story behind them.

looking ahead

both the beach and back and the bald head island conservancy see this collaboration as the beginning of a long-term relationship. as jewelry trends evolve and conservation needs grow, there is room to introduce new styles, charms, and formats that continue to celebrate sea turtles and coastal life while funding critical work on the island.

the bald head island collection offers a tangible way to make a difference: each piece is a reminder of the turtles we love and the responsibility we share to help protect them. to explore the collection and learn more about this partnership, visit the bald head island collection on the beach and back’s website or stop by turtle central gift shop on your next trip to the island.