How to Care for Your Jewellery in Summer
Summer means trips to the beach, swimming, more time outdoors, and holidays away. It’s important to spare a thought for your jewellery over this busy time.
Here are some tips to keep your jewellery sparkling all summer long.
Swimming and the Beach
If possible, avoid contact between jewellery and chlorine. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can alter the sheen or finish on your jewellery. Long-term effects include corrosion if frequently exposed to pool chemicals. If you do happen to have contact with chlorine then rinse jewellery in fresh, lukewarm water as soon as possible afterwards.
Saltwater and sand can be just as damaging. Salt is corrosive to copper, so wearing rose gold in the sea should be avoided (stronger metals such as platinum and yellow gold are usually fine). Sand, being abrasive, can scratch stones and metals.
Cold water can often make your fingers shrink, so remove precious rings before entering the ocean.
As a general rule, it’s best to remove jewellery before going to the beach.
Storage for Travel
Small re-sealable plastic bags are great for keeping jewellery pieces separate while travelling. Use a bag for each piece of jewellery to avoid scratching or damage (diamonds in particular, can damage or scratch other jewellery). Another option is to purchase a jewellery roll which is made from felt material – these have individual storage compartments and roll up for easy transportation.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
Don’t fret too much about sunscreen coming into contact with your jewellery. It’s gentle enough for skin so it’s okay for precious metals. Just be wary with strung jewellery such as pearls or beads, as sunscreen can damage the thread.
Insect repellents which contain DEET are never good for stones or metals. Choose a biodegradable option if possible.
Remove jewellery before applying lotions as they can build up a film on your jewellery over time, leaving it looking dull. Wait until skin is completely dry before putting jewellery back on.
When away on holiday, we are out of our usual routine, so habits like taking your jewellery off before going to bed can be easily forgotten in a new environment. Keep it simple with the jewellery you take away on holiday.
And don’t forget the ultimate jewellery rule “last on, first off”.
If you need any advice about how to care for your jewellery over the summer months, please call in and see us with any questions.
Here are some tips to keep your jewellery sparkling all summer long.
Swimming and the Beach
If possible, avoid contact between jewellery and chlorine. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can alter the sheen or finish on your jewellery. Long-term effects include corrosion if frequently exposed to pool chemicals. If you do happen to have contact with chlorine then rinse jewellery in fresh, lukewarm water as soon as possible afterwards.
Saltwater and sand can be just as damaging. Salt is corrosive to copper, so wearing rose gold in the sea should be avoided (stronger metals such as platinum and yellow gold are usually fine). Sand, being abrasive, can scratch stones and metals.
Cold water can often make your fingers shrink, so remove precious rings before entering the ocean.
As a general rule, it’s best to remove jewellery before going to the beach.
Storage for Travel
Small re-sealable plastic bags are great for keeping jewellery pieces separate while travelling. Use a bag for each piece of jewellery to avoid scratching or damage (diamonds in particular, can damage or scratch other jewellery). Another option is to purchase a jewellery roll which is made from felt material – these have individual storage compartments and roll up for easy transportation.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
Don’t fret too much about sunscreen coming into contact with your jewellery. It’s gentle enough for skin so it’s okay for precious metals. Just be wary with strung jewellery such as pearls or beads, as sunscreen can damage the thread.
Insect repellents which contain DEET are never good for stones or metals. Choose a biodegradable option if possible.
Remove jewellery before applying lotions as they can build up a film on your jewellery over time, leaving it looking dull. Wait until skin is completely dry before putting jewellery back on.
When away on holiday, we are out of our usual routine, so habits like taking your jewellery off before going to bed can be easily forgotten in a new environment. Keep it simple with the jewellery you take away on holiday.
And don’t forget the ultimate jewellery rule “last on, first off”.
If you need any advice about how to care for your jewellery over the summer months, please call in and see us with any questions.
