Summer is the season of sunshine, vacations, weddings, outdoor celebrations, and everyday moments that feel a little more relaxed. However, it’s also when your jewelry may need extra attention to keep it looking its best and to prevent damage from the unique challenges summer brings.
Sunscreen, lotion, pool water, sweat, sand, and outdoor activities make summer hard on jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and watches can all collect buildup or become more prone to damage.
Fortunately, a few simple habits can help keep your jewelry sparkling all summer long. Whether you’re wearing a favorite everyday piece, a sentimental heirloom, or your engagement ring, knowing when to wear, clean, and safely store your jewelry will help you protect it for years to come—and ensure it’s always ready to shine.
Be Careful with Sunscreen, Lotion, and Oils
Sunscreen is essential during the summer, but it can leave a film on jewelry. Lotions, body oils, perfumes, and hair products can also build up on rings, chains, gemstones, and settings. Over time, this buildup can make jewelry look dull or cloudy.
A good rule of thumb is to apply sunscreen, lotion, or perfume first and let it dry before putting on your jewelry. This gives your skin time to absorb the product and helps reduce how much transfers onto your pieces.
If your jewelry does get coated in sunscreen or lotion, avoid harsh cleaners. A gentle cleaning at home may help, but important pieces should be professionally cleaned to ensure they are properly cared for.
Remove Fine Jewelry Before Swimming
Pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans are part of summer fun, but they are not the best places for fine jewelry. Chlorine and other chemicals can be hard on certain metals and gemstones. Saltwater and sand can also increase wear, making it easier for jewelry to slip off or get scratched.
Cold water can cause fingers to shrink slightly, which may make rings fit looser than normal. That can increase the chance of losing a ring while swimming or playing in the water.
Before getting into the pool, hot tub, lake, or ocean, it is best to remove fine jewelry and store it in a safe place. This is especially important for engagement rings, wedding bands, gemstone jewelry, and sentimental pieces that would be difficult to replace.
Think Twice Before Wearing Jewelry at the Beach
The beach can be especially risky for jewelry. Sand can scratch certain metals and gemstones, sunscreen can leave buildup, and water can make rings and bracelets easier to lose. Even a simple walk along the shore can expose your jewelry to moisture, sand, and grit.
If you are going to the beach, consider wearing simple, less delicate pieces or leaving your fine jewelry at home. For valuable or sentimental pieces, it is usually safer not to bring them at all.
If you do bring jewelry while traveling, pack it carefully in a jewelry case or soft pouch. This helps prevent chains from tangling, earrings from getting lost, and pieces from rubbing against each other.
Pay Attention to Rings During Summer Activities
Summer activities include gardening, hiking, camping, biking, boating, and other hands-on activities. While jewelry may be part of your everyday routine, some activities can put extra pressure on rings and settings.
Gardening can expose rings to dirt, rocks, and tools. Hiking or outdoor workouts can cause sweat and buildup. Lifting, gripping, or carrying heavy items can also put stress on rings, especially those with stones or delicate settings.
Before doing hands-on summer activities, remove rings and bracelets and place them in a safe spot. Avoid putting rings loose in a pocket, cup holder, purse, or beach bag where they can easily be misplaced.
Keep Jewelry Clean, But Be Gentle
Regular cleaning can help your jewelry stay bright and beautiful, especially during the summer months. However, not all jewelry should be cleaned the same way. Some gemstones, metals, and antique pieces require special care.
For many everyday pieces, a gentle cleaning with warm water and mild soap will help remove light buildup. Use a soft cloth and avoid abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals. Never use bleach, household cleaners, or rough materials on fine jewelry. Consider investing in a jewelry cleaning solution recommended by your jeweler, or use an ultrasonic cleaner for certain pieces—just be sure your stones and settings are compatible.
If you are unsure how to clean a piece, it is best to ask a jeweler before trying anything at home. Professional cleaning is the safest option for valuable, delicate, or sentimental jewelry.
Check Clasps, Prongs, and Settings
Summer is a great time to have your jewelry inspected. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings can loosen over time through normal wear. Prongs may shift, clasps can weaken, and stones may become less secure without you noticing.
Before vacations, weddings, anniversaries, or special events, consider having your favorite pieces checked by a professional. A quick inspection can help catch small problems before they become bigger problems.
This is especially important for engagement rings, wedding rings, heirloom jewelry, and pieces you wear every day.
Store Jewelry Safely While Traveling
Traveling with jewelry takes a little extra planning. Instead of tossing pieces into a bag or suitcase, use a jewelry travel case, soft pouch, or separate compartments to keep items protected.
Keep necklaces clasped to help avoid tangling. Store earrings together so they do not get separated. Avoid placing multiple pieces together where they may scratch each other.
For valuable jewelry, think carefully about whether it needs to come with you. Sometimes the safest choice is to leave your most meaningful pieces at home and travel with simpler jewelry instead. If you must travel with expensive or sentimental items, consider carrying them in your personal bag rather than checked luggage, and use a hotel safe if available.
Give Your Jewelry a Mid-Summer Refresh
By mid-summer, your jewelry may have been exposed to sunscreen, sweat, travel, outdoor events, and everyday wear. A professional cleaning can help restore its sparkle and make sure each piece is in good condition.
This is also a great time to repair broken chains, resize rings, tighten loose stones, replace worn clasps, or bring new life to jewelry you have not worn in a while.
At Hendrickson’s Fine Jewelry, we are here to help you care for the pieces you love. Whether you need a professional cleaning, jewelry repair, stone inspection, resizing, or help with a custom design, our team can help keep your jewelry beautiful for every season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Jewelry Care
Can I wear my jewelry in the pool?
It is best to remove fine jewelry before swimming. Chlorine and pool chemicals can be hard on certain metals, gemstones, and settings. Water can also make rings easier to lose, especially if your fingers shrink slightly in cooler water.
Should I wear my engagement ring at the beach?
It is safer to leave your engagement ring at home or in a secure place. Sand, sunscreen, and water can cause buildup, scratches, or increase the risk of losing it.
Can sunscreen damage jewelry?
Sunscreen can leave a film on jewelry, making it look dull or cloudy. Apply sunscreen first, let it dry, and then put on your jewelry to help reduce buildup.
How should I clean my jewelry during the summer?
Use gentle cleaning methods, such as warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth, for many everyday pieces. Steer clear of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. For valuable, delicate, antique, or gemstone jewelry, professional cleaning is the safest choice.
When should I have my jewelry professionally checked?
Before summer travel, weddings, anniversaries, or special events, it is a great time to have your jewelry inspected. A jeweler can check prongs, clasps, stones, and settings to make sure everything is secure.
What jewelry should I travel with?
Bring simple, secure pieces that are easy to wear and store. For valuable or sentimental jewelry, it may be safer to leave it at home and wear less delicate pieces while traveling.
Keep Your Favorite Pieces Beautiful This Summer
Jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed, but a little care goes a long way. By removing fine jewelry before swimming, being mindful of sunscreen and lotion, storing pieces safely while traveling, and having your jewelry professionally checked, you can help protect your favorite pieces all summer long.
Whether you’re celebrating a July birthday, summer anniversary, wedding, vacation, or embracing the joys of everyday life, Hendrickson’s Fine Jewelry is here to help your jewelry shine. Visit us for expert advice, cleaning, and care so your favorite pieces stay beautiful not only this summer, but for many seasons to come.
References:
Gemological Institute of America. “Tips on Caring for Jewelry.”
Jewelers Mutual. “Jewelry Safety Tips to Avoid Damage to Your Jewelry.”
Jewelers Mutual. “How to Clean & Care for Your Engagement Ring.”
Jewelers Mutual. “Traveling with Jewelry: What to Do While You’re Gone.”
