How to Keep Jewelry Sparkling All Summer Long
Summertime is filled with fun in the sun, but favorite seasonal pastimes from beach vacations to pool days can take a toll on jewelry. Thankfully, with proper care, summer doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your favorite accessories. Here, we share common warm-weather culprits that can cause wear and tear, and practices to protect your precious pieces and keep them shining bright.
What to Watch Out For
Heat and Humidity
The high temperatures and humidity that come with summer can harm gemstones, causing them to fade or change color over time. Porous stones like pearl and opal are especially susceptible. These conditions can also accelerate the tarnishing of metals.
Sunscreen and Beauty Products
Sunscreen and lotion can form a film on jewelry that dulls its shine and causes buildup that can be difficult to clean. The chemicals in many beauty products, including perfume and hair spray, can also discolor and damage jewelry.
Sweat
Sweat contains salts and oils that can tarnish metals, particularly sterling silver, causing discoloration. It can also leave pieces looking dull or cloudy and lead to buildup as jewelry accumulates residue.
Sand and Saltwater
Summer is prime time for a beach vacation, but the scenic setting poses two dangers to fine jewelry. Sand can scratch gemstones and get stuck in the crevices of prongs and clasps, while saltwater can dull the luster of gemstones and corrode metals over time.
Chlorine
Pools are typically treated with chlorine, a chemical that can react with certain metals, causing discoloration and weakening alloys like silver, gold, and platinum. It can also erode jewelry’s finish and damage delicate gemstones.
Practices to Protect Jewelry
- Leave jewelry on land. Remove all jewelry before jumping in the pool or wading into the ocean. To keep it safe from sunlight while you’re enjoying the water, put jewelry in a pouch in a shaded area or consider leaving any particularly precious pieces at home.
- Wipe down jewelry after wearing. After swimming or spending time outdoors, give your jewelry a quick wipe down with a gentle cloth to remove residue and prevent buildup. If it gets exposed to saltwater or chlorine, rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent damage.
- Practice proper storage. Avoid leaving jewelry in a wet environment, direct sunlight, or high heat. Instead, store jewelry in a clean, cool, and dry place. A fabric-lined jewelry box is a great way to keep jewelry safe and prevent pieces from scratching each other or getting tangled.
- Last on, first off. Put jewelry on after completing skincare, makeup, and hair styling, and remove it before beginning a nighttime routine. This helps prevent residue from beauty products from building up on its surface.
- Create a cleaning routine. Regularly clean jewelry using a mild soap or jewelry cleaning solution, water, and a soft cleaning brush. After rinsing well, pat pieces dry with a gentle cloth. Make sure to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives, which can cause damage.
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. As managing editor for CMC Media & Marketing Group, she is responsible for the development and completion of 16 publications involving health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. Additionally, Rachel has led digital marketing initiatives for CMC Media & Marketing Group as well as the development of content for the introduction of Choose Huntsville™, Huntsville Resource & Relocation Guide™ for Huntsville, Alabama.
