With summer comes sunshine, beach days, and outdoor adventures. Aside from enjoying yourself, it’s also the right time to show off your jewelry. That said, summer is often accompanied by humidity and heat, which can ruin your jewelry. While you’re out having fun, you also want to give your jewelry and watches the care they need. Here are some tips to keep jewelry & watches clean and in top shape all summer.
Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat Exposure
One major tip for keeping jewelry and watches safe and clean is minimizing heat exposure. While our jewelry lines consist of quality products, these items can be highly sensitive to prolonged exposure to sunlight and high temperatures. Excessive heat can cause discoloration and structural damage to certain materials. For instance, too much sun will cause your gold jewelry to discolor a little, losing its shine.
To protect your valuable accessories, store them in a cool, shaded place when not in use. Avoid leaving them in areas where they might be exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures. If possible, choose a storage location with a consistent, moderate temperature to prevent any potential heat damage. When engaging in outdoor activities, consider removing your jewelry to avoid any potential harm from sun exposure.
Watch Out for Sunscreen and Sand
Another meaningful jewelry and watch care tip is keeping an eye on sunscreen and sand at the beach. Sunscreen is essential when spending time in the sun, but it can dull your jewelry’s sparkle. The lotion can get stuck in the crevices of chains and prongs, making stones and metal appear flat and greasy. It can also wear away the plating on gold-plated jewelry. To protect your pieces, apply sunscreen before putting on your jewelry and remove it when reapplying.
Our jewelers in Bucks County PA suggest keeping an eye on your jewelry while at the beach, ensuring it doesn’t come into contact with sand. Sand grains are abrasive and can damage certain gems and scratch precious metals, particularly on anklets. It’s advisable to take them off when walking at the beach.
Keep Them Dry
Moisture can tarnish metals and damage delicate stones, so keeping your jewelry and watches dry is important. Metals like silver and gold tarnish with moisture, losing shine, while delicate stones such as pearls and opals can absorb water and become damaged.
Always remove your jewelry and watches before swimming, showering, or engaging in any water-related activities. Chlorine in swimming pools can be particularly harmful, as it can cause metals to corrode and gemstones to lose their luster. While you can take your items for jewelry or watch repair if they get damaged, it’s better to lean on the side of caution.
Safeguard Your Jewelry While Traveling
When traveling, it’s easy to misplace valuable items, so consider whether it’s worth bringing your diamond engagement ring or precious necklace. Some people travel with replicas of valuable pieces and keep the originals safe at home.
If you bring some accessories on your trip, pack them carefully. Use separate bags or compartments to prevent scratches and tangles or a jewelry-specific container with padded slots. This is a major jewelry/watch care tip if you want to extend the longevity of your pieces. For added security, carry a portable jewelry case with a lock. Always keep valuable jewelry in your purse or carry-on, never in checked luggage, to avoid loss.
Clean Your Jewelry Regularly:
Cleaning jewelry during the summer is essential to avoid the buildup of sweat, sunscreen, and other products. If possible, bring your accessories to experts for professional jewelry cleaning, where they can also be inspected to ensure they’re in top condition.
You can also clean your jewelry at home using a soft cloth and a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage delicate materials. After cleaning, make sure to dry your jewelry completely to prevent moisture damage. This is one of the most important tips for keeping jewelry safe and clean.
Store Your Jewelry with Care
When you’re not wearing your jewelry, keep it in a clean, dry place. Avoid tossing it into drawers where it can get tangled or scratched. Instead, use individual jewelry pouches or boxes with a soft lining to protect against friction and damage. When you buy jewelry, you might be given a pouch or box to store it. Keep it there when not using it.
Preserve Your Jewelry with Regular Rotation
To prevent excessive wear and tear, rotate your jewelry collection regularly. This not only gives each piece a chance to shine but also reduces the strain on any single item. Additionally, rotating your jewelry can help you discover new combinations and keep your style fresh. Make sure to clean and inspect each piece during its downtime to ensure it stays in good condition. If you notice your necklace or earrings are damaged, take them for jewelry repair to restore their shine.
Inspect for Damage
Summer activities like swimming, hiking, and outdoor sports can be particularly harsh on your jewelry and watches. One of the significant tips for keeping jewelry and watches safe and clean is to inspect them to ensure they’re in good condition regularly. Here’s how to do it:
- Loose stones: Gently shake each piece; if you hear rattling, the stone needs tightening.
- Damaged clasps: Check if clasps on necklaces and bracelets close securely.
- Worn-out watch bands: Inspect for cracks, discoloration, or broken links, as the bands may need replacing.
- General wear and tear: Look for scratches, dents, or discoloration and address these issues promptly to prevent further damage.
If you notice any of the above signs, a quick search or jewelry and watch repair near me will direct you to the right professionals for fast fixing.
These are essential tips for keeping jewelry and watches safe and clean all summer. Doing so will ensure you can enjoy all the activities you have lined up without constantly worrying about your precious items. In case of damage, you can contact us for assistance. Our experts at Doylestown Gold Exchange are ready to help, whether you need cleaning, repair, or advice on the best way to maintain your jewelry.
