Essential Summer Guide to Jewellery Protection

While stunning for its brilliance, silver jewellery faces unique challenges during summertime. Tarnishing often occurs through the combination of high humidity, perspiration, and exposure to chemicals that can accelerate the natural oxidation process. Silver jewellery reacts with sulphur and other compounds in the air, creating a darkened layer on the surface that reduces its lustre.

Swimming pools and beaches pose a high risk, as both chlorine and saltwater can be particularly harsh on silver. To care for your silver jewellery, the following steps must be followed:

• Keep your jewellery out of the water: The best practice to keep your jewellery in pristine condition is to avoid wearing it when swimming. Chlorine and saltwater can damage the delicate materials in your pieces.

• Post-beach or pool: If you can’t avoid taking a dip with your jewellery, rinse it under fresh water to remove salt and chlorine, then gently pat it dry with a soft cloth.

• Handle sterling silver with care: Sterling silver is sensitive to moisture, and to prevent tarnishing, it's best to remove silver jewellery before taking a dip in the pool or at the beach.

• Let beauty products dry completely: Make sure that sunscreens, lotions, repellents, or even spritzes of perfume have fully dried on your skin before putting on your silver pieces.

Gold jewellery, on the other hand, is known for its durability, but its metal isn’t immune to the effects of chlorine, saltwater, and everyday products like lotion and sunscreen. By following the steps below, you can keep your gold jewellery in prime condition:

• Regular polishing: Maintain the shine of your yellow and pink gold through gentle everyday polishing using a non-harsh cotton.

• Be cautious with sea swimming: Rinse your gold jewellery with warm soapy water afterwards, gently brush away any dirt with a soft toothbrush, and dry it thoroughly using a soft cloth.

• Avoid sun-induced scratches: Delicate rings can easily get marked or scratched, especially if they are worn during beach trips and while getting tanned under the sun.

Aside from fun, the summer season often increases stress—particularly when organising smaller personal items such as accessories and jewellery. During the summer months, improper jewellery storage can lead to significant damage that often proves costly to repair.

• Wear your jewellery when travelling: The most reliable way to ensure your jewellery’s safety is to wear it.

• Use a travel jewellery box: A travel jewellery box can keep your jewellery safe and well-organised while travelling.

• Use sealable bags: Using small sealable bags can be an affordable option to store your jewellery, and it prevents the chains from tangling and scratching one another.

• Do the straw hack: Another way to prevent your pieces from tangling with others is to thread one end of the necklace or bracelet through a drinking straw and fasten it.

Investing in a high-quality storage solution is essential for protecting your precious jewellery while you are on vacation. Moisture-absorbing pouches, equipped with silica gel or similar desiccants, prove invaluable in humid climates by creating a protective microenvironment that prevents tarnishing and oxidation. These innovative storage solutions with anti-tarnish strips and protective cloth bags help ensure your cherished pieces remain pristine throughout your summer adventures.