Summer Jewelry Care Tips (From Amy at Hauser’s Jewelers)
A stack of gleaming gold and diamond rings catching the summer light. With proper care, your treasured pieces will shine brilliantly all season.
Hello everyone! Summer is here, and I love how the sunshine and warm weather give us even more reasons to show off our favorite jewelry. But as much as I enjoy a day at the beach or pool with my sparkle on, I also know summer activities can be tough on our gems and metals. Did you know that the chemicals in sunscreen and the chlorine in pools can actually damage fine jewelry? It’s true – even the American Gem Society warns that sunscreen and pool chlorine are harsh on precious metals and stones. Don’t worry, though – with a few smart habits, you can protect your jewelry from sun, sand, salt water, chlorine, and all those summer fun factors. I’ve gathered my top tips (with some help from experts at AGS and GIA) to help you keep your jewelry safe and sparkling all summer long. Let’s dive in!
Sun and Heat: Keep Your Gems Cool
We all love a little sunshine, but did you know too much direct sun or heat can hurt certain gemstones? Just as UV rays can damage our skin, prolonged sunlight can fade or discolor some gems. For example, amethyst, kunzite, and topaz may lose vibrancy with excessive UV exposure. Pearls and other delicate organic materials (like ivory) can bleach out in strong sun, and amber may darken over time if left in bright light. High heat is also a hazard – extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes can cause gems to fracture or lose moisture. Pearls can dry out, crack or discolor from heat, and opals may develop tiny cracks or lose their fiery play-of-color when overheated.
Summer Care Tips – Sun & Heat:
To protect your jewelry from sun and heat, try not to leave it baking in direct sunlight. That means don’t store or leave jewelry on a windowsill or in a hot car (the inside of a parked car can heat up quickly on a sunny day!). If you’re lounging at the beach or pool, keep your jewelry in a cool, shaded spot when you take it off. I often bring a soft pouch with me – if I need to remove my rings before applying sunscreen or going for a swim, they go straight into the pouch in my bag (and out of the sun). At home, store jewelry in a cool, dry place out of direct light. Your jewelry box or a drawer is better than the top of a dresser in the sun. By keeping your gems cool and away from harsh UV rays, you’ll prevent that unwelcome fading and drying that summer can cause.
Sand and Saltwater: Beach Day Hazards
Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach! However, sand and saltwater can be rough on jewelry. Sand might feel soft under our toes, but those tiny grains are abrasive to metals and stones. Grit can scratch metal settings and even harder gemstones if you’re not careful. Sand can also work its way into the crevices of ring prongs or necklace clasps, which is a pain to clean out later. If you’re planning a beach volleyball game or building sandcastles with the kids, consider leaving your cherished pieces safely at home or in a beach bag. (I know I’d hate to look down and realize a diamond from my ring fell out in the sand!)
Saltwater is another summer element to watch out for. The ocean’s salt and minerals can dull the polish of gemstones and corrode certain metals over time. In particular, sterling silver is prone to tarnishing faster with exposure to saltwater (and even our sweat). Chloride salts can speed up oxidation on silver, meaning your silver pieces could darken or lose luster more quickly. Gold and other metals aren’t immune either – salt can sneak into tiny gaps and cause build-up or subtle damage if not rinsed off. And here’s a big risk: cold ocean water can make our fingers shrink a bit, so rings that fit fine on land might slip right off in the water! The combination of cool water and sunscreen-slick skin means lost rings are a common beach mishap. (In fact, jewelers joke about how many wedding bands end up claimed by the sea each summer.)
Summer Care Tips – Beach & Ocean:
I recommend leaving fine jewelry at home or in a secure place if you’ll be swimming in the ocean or playing in sand. If you do wear rings or bracelets beachside, be mindful of when you apply sunscreen (more on that next) and consider taking jewelry off before diving into the waves. Store items in a zipped pouch or dedicated case in your beach bag so they don’t get lost in the sand. After any exposure to saltwater, rinse your jewelry with fresh water as soon as you can. A quick rinse (and thorough drying) will wash away salt residue and help prevent corrosion or tarnish. And always double-check your rings after fun in the water – if anything feels loose, get it inspected. We want your ring staying on you, not becoming buried treasure!
Pool Time and Chlorine: Swimming with Caution
On a sweltering day, a dip in the pool feels fantastic. Just remember to give your jewelry a break before you jump in. Pool water is usually treated with chlorine, and chlorine is no friend to fine jewelry. Chlorine can react with the metals in your jewelry and cause real damage – it can discolor or weaken gold, silver, and platinum alloys. Over time, repeated exposure to chlorine (think daily laps or a summer of hot tub soaks) can even eat away at the finish and polish of gemstones. White gold rings are often rhodium-plated for that bright look; chlorine can wear down that plating faster, leading to dullness. And if your ring has stones set with glue (some fashion jewelry or older pieces have glued settings), chlorine can degrade the adhesives, causing stones to fall out.
Also, remember that pool water is often cold, just like the ocean – so the risk of rings sliding off applies in the pool too. It’s all too common to lose a ring in the pool filter or on the pool bottom because cool water shrank your finger slightly. And if you’re in a hot tub, not only is there chlorine, but the heat can also exacerbate chemical reactions with metals. In short, it’s best to play it safe.
Summer Care Tips – Pool:
Always take off jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools or soaking in a hot tub. I have a little dish in my bathroom specifically for my rings when I know I’ll be swimming – that way I don’t forget them on the sink ledge! If you accidentally wore your jewelry in the pool, don’t panic. Just be sure to rinse it thoroughly in fresh water afterwards and dry it well. This helps remove chlorinated water before it can do too much harm. If a piece was in the pool for a long time, consider bringing it in for a professional cleaning and inspection. At Hauser’s, we can check for any chlorine damage (like loose prongs or a film on gemstones) and help restore the shine. The key point: a quick swim is fine for you, but let your jewelry sit that one out – it’ll thank you with years of sparkle.
Sunscreen, Lotion and Cosmetics: Jewelry Don’t Mix
Sticky summer situations aren’t just about water and sand – sunscreen and lotions can also cause trouble for your rings and necklaces. We all need sunscreen (please wear it!), but try to keep it off your bling. Everyday beauty products like sunscreen, moisturizer, hair spray, or perfume often contain chemicals that can tarnish or even damage jewelry. For instance, lotions and sprays can form a film on the surface of gemstones and metal, making them look dull or gunky. Have you ever noticed your ring looking a bit cloudy after a day of sunscreen and beach? That’s the film building up. This residue not only dims the shine, but it can also make subsequent cleaning more difficult (lotion stuck in those tiny prongs – yuck!). More seriously, **chemicals in some cosmetics can actually harm certain gems: the American Gem Society notes that sunscreen and cosmetics are especially risky for porous gems like pearls and turquoise. These delicate stones can absorb chemicals, leading to discoloration or damage that can’t be simply polished away. Pearls, for example, have an organic surface that can be permanently dulled or pitted by chemicals.
Summer Care Tips – Sunscreen & Products:
The good news is you don’t have to choose between sun protection and jewelry – you just need the right order of getting ready. Always apply sunscreen, lotions, perfume, and any spray products before you put on your jewelry. Give your skin a few minutes to absorb the products and dry off, then accessorize as a final touch. This way, you minimize direct contact between chemicals and your jewelry. If you do get sunscreen or makeup on a piece, wipe it down gently with a soft cloth as soon as you can. For daily wear rings that inevitably get lotioned when you reapply SPF on your hands, plan to clean them a bit more often in summer (see cleaning tips below). And remember to remove rings before applying heavy creams or hair products – it not only protects the ring, but you won’t have to scrub goo out of tiny ring details later. A little prevention goes a long way to keep your diamonds dazzling and your gold gleaming, even with sunscreen on your nose!
Safe Summer Storage: Protect Your Precious Pieces
When you’re not wearing your jewelry, especially during travel or active outings, proper storage is key. Heat and humidity can be factors in summer, so think about where your jewelry rests when it’s off your body. First, avoid leaving jewelry in extreme heat or direct sun, as we covered (no dashboard storage or poolside table storage, please!). Also be cautious with leaving jewelry in very humid places for long periods; most fine jewelry is fine in normal humidity, but a soaked beach bag or a damp bathroom counter is not ideal for metal. The goal is a cool, dry place.
At home, store your jewelry in a clean, dry area, preferably in a jewelry box or organizer. It’s smart to keep pieces separated so they don’t scratch each other. For example, keep each necklace in its own compartment or use small soft pouches for each piece. (Tangling chains are the worst, and can actually cause kinks or weak spots in gold chains.) A fabric-lined jewelry case or a box with dividers is perfect for preventing your favorite pieces from bumping into one another. If you have pearls or opals, remember they like a bit of humidity – don’t seal them up in an airtight box for months on end, or they could dry out. A regular jewelry box in your bedroom is usually fine for them.
When you’re out and about in summer, plan for safekeeping of jewelry you remove. If you’re at the beach or gym, consider leaving expensive jewelry at home or use a travel jewelry pouch that you can tuck safely away when you take items off. Never leave jewelry loose in a beach tote or the car cup holder – that’s a recipe for loss or damage. I also recommend having a “safe spot” in your home for daily jewelry: maybe a ring dish on your dresser or a small tray by the sink (away from the drain!). This habit prevents the dreaded “where did I put my ring?!” panic moments. And as our friends at Jewelers Mutual like to say, the only surefire way to not lose or damage jewelry is to take it off and store it securely when in risky situations. So give your treasured pieces a little rest in a safe place if you’re about to do something that might put them in harm’s way.
Traveling with Jewelry: Plan Ahead
Summer often means travel – whether it’s a weekend road trip or a flight to a far-off destination. If you’re like me, you might want to bring a few favorite jewelry pieces along. Here’s how to do it wisely so your jewelry stays secure and you have peace of mind. The Gemological Institute of America recommends protecting your jewelry from scratches or impact during travel by padding each piece in its own case or box. In other words, pack your jewelry as carefully as you’d pack fine china. Use a travel jewelry organizer or wrap items in soft cloth. I love using small zip-top baggies or jewelry pouches – I’ll put one or two pieces in each and then place them in a padded section of my carry-on. (Yes, always keep jewelry with you in your carry-on, never in checked luggage. Luggage can get lost or rough-handled – keep those valuables by your side!).
A neat trick for necklaces: thread each chain through a straw or a small piece of plastic wrap to prevent tangling. It sounds silly but it works like a charm (no pun intended). For earrings, carrying a small piece of cardboard to stick them through or using a travel earring holder keeps pairs together. Also, consider not taking your most irreplaceable jewelry on very adventurous trips. Sometimes less is more – pick a couple of versatile pieces that go with everything, so you can leave extremely valuable or sentimental items securely at home. If you do travel with expensive jewelry, it’s a great idea to photograph them before you go and make sure your insurance is up to date (just in case). And be mindful of security: hotel safes are generally good for storage in your room when you’re not wearing something. When driving, don’t leave jewelry in a parked car, and keep it out of sight if you make stops. A little common sense goes a long way in keeping your treasures safe on the road.
Lastly, when traveling or at home, it’s wise to have your jewelry insured or covered under your homeowner’s insurance. That way, even if the unthinkable happens (loss or theft), you’re protected. At Hauser’s we can help you understand jewelry insurance options if you’re curious – but the main point here is: travel smart with your jewelry. Pack it carefully, keep it with you, and enjoy wearing it on that fabulous trip without worry.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Preserve the Shine
Summer fun can mean extra build-up on your jewelry – sunscreen residue, sweat, sand, and just general wear. Regular cleaning will keep your gems sparkling and also help you spot any issues (like a loose stone) early. For routine at-home cleaning, the formula is simple and gentle: use warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft brush (like a soft toothbrush) to clean your jewelry. This soapy water bath can loosen dirt and lotions; gently brush around stones and intricate areas, rinse well in clean water, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives – no toothpaste (despite the old wives’ tales) and no bleach! In fact, strong chemicals like bleach or abrasive powders can scratch or damage metals and gems. Stick to mild soap or a jewelry cleaning solution recommended by professionals. And always plug or cover your drain when cleaning over a sink (many a ring has been lost down the drain during DIY cleaning – I don’t want that happening to you!).
It’s also important to know that not all gems should be cleaned the same way. For example, porous gems like opals, pearls, or turquoise should never be soaked in harsh chemicals; and fragile antique pieces might not handle ultrasonic cleaners. If in doubt, check with a jeweler about the safest cleaning method for your specific piece. Often, just a gentle wipe with a damp cloth is safe for everything. After wearing jewelry in the ocean or pool, give it a rinse in fresh water as mentioned. Likewise, after a sweaty outdoor activity, wiping your jewelry with a clean soft cloth helps remove sweat and oils (which can cause tarnish). A little quick clean here and there makes the deeper cleanings less needed.
Professional Maintenance:
Even with good home care, nothing beats a professional cleaning and inspection now and then. I encourage everyone to bring your jewelry to a professional jeweler (hi!) for a check-up at least once a year. In fact, many experts say every six months is ideal for frequently-worn pieces. At Hauser’s Jewelers, we offer cleaning and inspections – we’ll steam-clean your jewelry, check that stones are secure, prongs are tight, and clasps are working properly. This kind of regular TLC ensures that a small issue (like a loose diamond in a ring setting) can be fixed before it becomes a big catastrophe. Plus, your rings and bracelets will get that like-new sparkle after a professional polish! Think of it like taking your car in for an oil change – routine maintenance keeps everything running (or shining) smoothly. And if you haven’t had your favorite piece checked in a long time, summer is a great time to do it. Your jewelry has been through sunscreen, sand, and swims – it deserves a spa day. 😉
We’re Here to Help – Visit Us Anytime
I hope these tips help you feel confident caring for your jewelry during the summer months. After all, our precious pieces are meant to be enjoyed – we just want to take a few precautions so you can wear them worry-free at the cookout, on the boat, or wherever summer takes you. If you have any questions about jewelry care, or if you’d like help cleaning or inspecting your pieces, please come see us at Hauser’s Jewelers. We love cleaning jewelry for our clients – there’s nothing more satisfying than handing someone their ring all gleaming and perfect again! And we want to make sure your prongs and clasps are secure so you never have to fret. Feel free to stop by either of our locations (Newport News or Williamsburg), even just to say hi and have your ring cleaned while you browse.
Summer is such a wonderful time to make memories (and to show off some fabulous jewelry). With a little extra care, your necklaces, rings, and earrings will stay as bright as the summer sun. Enjoy your adventures, stay cool and safe, and let your jewelry shine on! Hope to see you soon at one of our stores – we’re always here to help your treasures sparkle.
Happy Summer!
XOXO,
Amy
