Warm and sunny days are on the way, which means it's time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful sunshine and hot weather. Summer is the perfect time to reconnect with family, friends and even yourself (a good holiday can do wonders for your health)! But there is one thing that the warm season is not so good for - your jewellery.

Unfortunately, all the excitement and adventures of summer can take a toll on your jewellery as it can be exposed to harsh elements and unsafe conditions. Things like sunscreen, sand and especially pool water affect the durability and cleanliness of your jewellery. We want to share some simple steps you can take to protect your jewellery this summer.

HOW TO PROTECT JEWELLERY 

In addition to everyday activities that can damage your jewellery, summer poses a particular risk to the safety and quality of your precious jewellery, as this is the time of year when jewellery damage and loss increases. And then there's the sun, heat, salt water and other external factors.

SUN AND HEAT

Try not to expose your jewellery to direct sunlight and heat for long periods of time. Some gemstones and organic materials may fade or discolour after prolonged exposure to sun and UV light. Exposure to the sun can cause discolouration of jewellery over time and can also weaken the glue holding different parts of the jewellery together. This can cause the jewellery to fade and lose its shine and lustre over time. However, the extent of the damage also depends on several other factors, such as the metal of the piece, the carat, humidity and temperature. Exposure to other chemicals or harmful substances in the air can also accelerate oxidation or tarnish.

BEACHES, POOLS AND LAKES 

One of the best places to be in summer is by the water. But beaches, swimming pools and lakes are notorious as places where jewellery tends to get lost, damaged or dirty. If a piece of jewellery has slipped in a swimming pool, you may be able to retrieve it if it hasn't already been put into the sewer or filtration system. However, if it falls into the ocean or a lake, it is unlikely that you will ever find it in the depths of the ocean waves or in deep, murky water. Cold water is also dangerous as it can cause shrinkage of the fingers, making it easy for the rings to slip off. Jewellery manufacturers and sellers recommend that you protect your jewellery by removing it before entering the water in warm weather, and ideally just leave your jewellery at home when you're preparing for a trip to a body of water.

CHLORINE

The biggest culprit in jewellery damage is chlorine. Many swimming pools contain this chemical additive to make the water safe for swimmers, but unfortunately it is very damaging to your jewellery and discolours precious metals. Precious stones such as diamonds can also suffer - chlorine can remove the finish and polish, making them dull and dark. Of course, pool time is not just for the warm season, so always consider leaving your jewellery at home before you head to the pool.

SAND AND SALT WATER

Beaches are no better for your jewellery as salt water and sand can damage and discolour metals. Rose gold is particularly susceptible to discolouration in salt water because it is an alloy containing gold and copper. Sand from beaches and lakes can also scratch precious metals because it is sharp and coarse. Friction with sand can cause scratches and other cosmetic damage to jewellery. In addition, sand can loosen the stones in jewellery, as its fine particles can become trapped in the jewellery mountings. Therefore, if you are planning to build a sandcastle, remove the rings first.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES USED

Many of us want to protect ourselves from mosquitoes or other insects before going outdoors, so we use a cream, essential oil or bug spray. But be careful - these insect repellents and jewellery don't really mix. The residue that builds up from their use can quickly turn shiny jewellery dull and dull. Sometimes you may even need a professional cleaning to make your jewellery shine again.

Sun cream can also be a nuisance, as it absorbs well into the skin and is absorbed, but on the surface of the jewellery it simply settles and erodes the surface. Although it is important to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, it is highly inadvisable to apply or use sunscreen when wearing expensive jewellery. It is therefore best to simply take it off when you plan to use insect repellent or sunscreen. Alternatively, when applying sunscreen, simply remove the jewellery and wait until the sunscreen is well absorbed and no longer greasy before putting the jewellery back on. This option protects the jewellery more effectively, even though it is more troublesome and inconvenient for you.

AFTER-BEACH CARE FOR JEWELLERY

All of these tips are great to avoid damaging your jewellery at the beach. But what happens if you go to the beach and your jewellery is still covered in sand, salt water and sunscreen? What if they have been damaged after all? Don't worry. Although it is ideal if the jewellery is not damaged at all, there is still a lot you can do to clean your jewellery after the beach and to protect it from possible damage.

1. Basic wiping

To avoid any damage after the beach, gently wipe the jewellery you wore on the beach with a soft damp cloth. This will help ensure that any residue from sunscreen, salt or sand is wiped away and will not rust further, and will also help to maintain the natural shine of the metal and stones.

2. Deeper cleaning

If you come back from the beach feeling that your jewellery has been badly affected, it may be time for a deeper clean. It's best to wash your jewellery as soon as possible after being on the sand. The longer the sand and salt stay on the metal, the more damage they can do. To clean jewellery, try a combination of water and mild soap. This can be any kind of soap you have on hand, whether it's hand soap, body soap or something else. The use of harsh chemicals or other cleaning agents is strongly discouraged. Be sure to use a soft, non-abrasive cloth with the soap and water. Thoroughly clean the entire piece of jewellery, making sure not to lose any of its sides or edges. Once you are satisfied that the jewellery is clean, use another soft cloth to dry it completely. It is important that the jewellery is dry before storing it, as the least you want is to keep it wet.

3. Pay special attention to leather details

Not all jewellery is made of metal and precious stones. If you have leather bracelets or other jewellery with leather components, they will need special care. It is worth noting that leather should never be wet and should definitely be kept away from water. However, accidents do happen, and if your leather jewellery does get worn after a day at the beach, there are ways to clean it. Try cleaning the leather with a slightly damp cloth with all the water squeezed out. Use it to wipe off any residue or stains that may have accumulated during your time at the beach. You can also buy specialised skin cleansers that are specially formulated to clean away pollutants without damaging your skin any more than necessary.

4. Have your jewellery professionally cleaned

Jewellery should be professionally cleaned every now and then, whether it has been to the beach or not. However, if you've noticed that your jewellery is looking a little tarnished after a day at the beach and no amount of DIY is helping, it might be time to schedule a professional cleaning. Even if your jewellery isn't damaged, a professional cleaning will help it last longer and keep its original shine.

We hope these tips will help you protect your jewellery and enjoy it for a long time to come.