Summer is when our jewellery gets a bit of a battering. Sun cream, sweat, sea water, chlorine, sand, holidays, hand luggage, beach bags. It all adds up. Your jewellery is absolutely made to be worn and enjoyed, but it does still need a little bit of looking after.
Nothing dramatic. Just a few good habits that will keep everything looking gorgeous and, more importantly, secure.
Put Your Jewellery On Last
This is the easiest one.
Do your sun cream, perfume, body lotion and hair products first. Then put your jewellery on.
SPF and oils can leave a film on diamonds and gemstones, which makes them look dull or cloudy. It usually is not damaged, it is just build-up. If you notice this, a quick dip in some warm water and dish soap works wonders (Read our jewellery cleaning guide here).
A quick rule to remember: Jewellery on last, jewellery off first.
Take It Off Before You Swim, If You Can!
I know this is the one nobody wants to hear, but it is best not to swim in your jewellery.
Chlorine is harsh. Salt water leaves residue. Cold water can make your fingers shrink slightly, which is how rings slip off without you even noticing.
And once a ring is gone in the sea, it is usually gone.
Before you swim, pop your jewellery somewhere safe. Not loose in a beach bag. Not wrapped in a tissue. Not beside the pool while you “just go in for a minute”.
Use a proper pouch, box or travel case. We know this is not always safe or practical, but where possible, it is best!
Be Sensible On Beach Days and Active Days
If you are playing tennis, going to the gym, gardening, paddle boarding, carrying luggage or doing anything where your ring could get knocked, take it off.
Diamonds are hard, but the setting holding them is still metal and not indestructible. Claws can catch, bend or loosen, and sand can be abrasive.
This is especially important for engagement rings, eternity rings and anything with small pavé stones.
Give It A Gentle Clean
Summer products build up quickly, especially underneath stones. For diamonds, plain gold and platinum, you can do a simple cleaning at home.
- Soak your jewellery in warm water with a little washing-up liquid for 15 to 20 minutes
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean around and underneath the stone
- Rinse in clean water
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth
- Always clean it in a bowl, not over an open sink
You do not want the stress of calling out a plumber!
Go Gently With Pearls And Softer Stones
Not every piece should be soaked or scrubbed.
Pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise, coral and antique pieces need more care. Pearls especially do not love perfume, hairspray, chlorine, heat or harsh cleaning products. They can damage and discolour them.
For delicate pieces, a soft, damp cloth is usually the safest option. If you are unsure, ask your jeweller before cleaning it yourself.
Pack Your Jewellery Properly When You Travel
If you are bringing jewellery on holiday, pack it properly.
- Use a travel case with separate sections
- Fasten chains so they do not tangle
- Keep rings, earrings and bracelets apart so they do not scratch each other
Also, be honest about what you actually need to bring. Your most precious or sentimental pieces might be better left at home.
You can still have beautiful holiday jewellery with a few choice pieces to take away.
Do a Quick Check Before Summer Gets Busy
Before holidays, weddings and summer plans kick off, take two minutes to check the pieces you wear all the time.
- Does anything rattle?
- Do any claws feel sharp?
- Are your earring backs secure?
- Does your clasp close properly?
- Does your ring feel different?
If something feels off, do not keep wearing it and hope for the best. Get it checked. It is much easier to tighten a loose stone than replace a missing one.
When To Book A Professional Clean And Check
If you wear a piece every day, especially an engagement ring, it is an absolute must to have it professionally cleaned and checked once a year. Think of it like your car, give it an annual service.
You should also book it in before a big holiday, before a busy summer, or any time something does not feel quite right.
It is a small job, but it gives you peace of mind.
Final Thought
Summer is not about locking your jewellery away. It is about wearing it well.
Put it on after your SPF. Take it off before swimming. Store it properly when you travel. Clean it gently. And if anything feels loose, get it checked.
Simple, but it makes a big difference.
If you would like us to check, clean or service your jewellery before summer, get in touch to book a private consultation.
Rhona Fitzpatrick
Private Jeweller
The Diamond Expert
