Make sure your favorite pieces keep shining long after sundown with this handy summer jewelry care guide.
Photo by Brooke Michelle Photography
Ah, summer… The days are longer, the nights are radder; the sun is brighter making the jewels even sparklier!
But while you accessorize your favorite warm weather outfits, keep in mind that summer’s extra heat and social calendar could pose a risk of damaging your favorite pieces of jewelry. (Cue horror movie shrieks!)
Take a deep breath; you don’t have to despair! Your favorite jewelry designer is here with a handy list of summer jewelry care tips to make sure your metals stay shiny and your stones continue to sparkle!
Photo by Madison Short
The single most important part of summer jewelry care is remembering to take it off!
More specifically, be sure to take off your jewelry before any of the following activities to ensure its shine & color will last:
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Before you SWEAT
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Before you SWIM
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Before you SUNSCREEN
Photo by Olivia Reed Photography
1. Before you SWIM
When the ocean calls your name, all you want is to dive straight into the water. But stop for just one second to remove your precious jewels before making a beeline for the waves.
This quick pause can prevent your favorite gold necklace from turning green.
I don’t know about you, but a deeper tan is the only color change I want to bring home from a day at the beach! The same principle also applies for a day at the pool.
2. Before you SUNSCREEN
Practical wisdom tell us to apply sunscreen generously at this time of the year to prevent damage & premature aging. But did you know that the lotion you wear to save your skin can do the opposite for your jewelry?
Take off your jewels before applying sunscreen, and be sure to let it fully dry and soak in before putting them back on.
Photo by Olivia Reed Photography
3. Before you SWEAT
The third “S” to keep in mind when you remember to remove your jewelry is SWEAT.
Depending on where you live, a simple walk outside in the summer could result in a glistening brow or full waterworks. If perspiration reaches the places where your jewelry touches – your neck, hairline, hands, and wrists – it can quickly become a destructive force on the surface of your jewelry, particularly for plated metals.
So, consider how much you might sweat during your walk along the shore or bike ride to the farmer’s market and plan your outfit accordingly!
Photo by Brooke Michelle Photography
Sound a little too involved?
If you don’t want to bother with removing your jewelry every time you engage in your favorite summer activities, you can always reach for non-plated metals or colorful statement pieces made of fabric, plastic, or glass when you accessorize for the day. These materials stand up much stronger against the elements of summer. Plus, they could add some unexpected flourishes of color & texture to your look!
Want to read more of my jewelry care tips? Check out my post, “5 Ways to Ruin Your Jewelry,” and learn what else you can do to protect your jewelry!
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