Tips to Avoid a Bummer Summer & Keep Your Jewelry Looking Like New

Summer is here and it’s time for you-and your jewelry-to shine! But, if you’re not careful, summer can take a costly toll on your jewelry. So, before you jump in the pool, slather on the sunscreen, or head to the beach, it doesn’t hurt to know the dangers that may be lurking.

In honor of all the rings resting on the ocean floor, the unintentional stones (read: gemstones) in the garden, and changing colors of your ring (this ain’t no mood ring, honey), check out these 10 tips for keeping your jewelry looking its best this summer and for years to come.

1. When traveling, either wear all your fine jewelry or pack it in a protective travel jewelry case and keep it in your purse or carry-on. Jewelry is often lost or damaged when luggage is checked.
2. However, you shouldn’t sleep in your jewelry. This could weaken the links and clasps, and we’ve even heard of people losing an earring in their ear. A good rule of thumb for protecting your jewelry is to put it on last and take it off first.
3. Remove your jewelry before applying sunblock and bug spray. Substances like lotion can get stuck into the crevices of chains and prongs which make them hard to remove later. These products also cause a film to form on your jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy.
4. Stay out of the sun. The sun can bleach certain materials, especially natural elements and some plastics. It is also a good idea to keep jewelry out of excessive heat.
5. Don’t wear rings in cold water. The cold temperature of the water in pools, oceans, lakes, and rivers causes your fingers to shrink temporarily. Once this happens, your rings can easily slip off without your being aware of it, only to realize it is gone much too late.
6. Do not wear jewelry in pools or hot tubs. Chlorine can damage and discolor metals such as gold and platinum and can slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones. Take off your silver jewelry before strenuous activity. Sweat can make sterling silver tarnish quickly.
7. De-bling before gardening. Dirt and small rocks are abrasive to jewelry. If it is not cleaned right away, your jewelry can be permanently damaged. Beware of the dangers of gardening gloves too.
8. Clean your jewelry regularly. Your own sweat and body oils can dull the shine of your jewelry. DIY cleaning calls for warm soapy water and a toothbrush. No alcohol-based or harsh chemicals are needed as these could actually do more harm than good. Be leery of the ultrasonic cleaners on older pieces, too, as they literally shake the dirt off and could shake some other stuff loose, too! It’s a good idea to bring your jewelry in for a professional cleaning and inspection at least one time a year to protect against lost stones or jewelry pieces.  After a physically active season, be sure to visit Pav & Broome and have your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected.
9. Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place. Keep your pieces separated in a fabric-lined jewelry case or in a box with compartments and dividers to prevent pieces from scratching each other. Lay pearls flat to prevent the silk thread from stretching.
10. Visit Pav & Broome Fine Jewelry to get your favorite pieces appraised and insure them to protect from loss due to storms, travel, etc. You’ll have the peace of mind that regardless of your surf and turf adventures your jewelry is protected.