Providing a truly two-in-one look, this unique 14KY band features a row of glittering diamonds set across the top of the wide, textured band. Priced to sell at $1,950
As May draws to a close, we all find ourselves excited for all of the promised magic that is Summer–time off from school (for both kids and teachers!), long-awaited vacations, and lengthy, slow evenings filled with fireworks, fireflies, and campfires. As welcome as the change in the weather is for many, warmer weather (and all that comes with it) can present unique challenges for your jewelry. A few months ago, we covered ways to protect your jewelry in the Winter months, and this blog post is going to take a look at ways you can make sure that your favorite pieces of jewelry stay sparkling for seasons to come!
Why Summer is Hard on Jewelry
A stunning custom engagement ring we created recently for a client
Warmer months bring extra exposure to moisture, chemicals, and physical activity. Sweat contains salt that can erode metal over time, while products such as sunscreen and chlorine can leave residue, cause discoloration, and also lead to corrosion. So, what are some simple ways to combat any issues that the Summer months may present for your jewelry?
Keep Jewelry away from Chemicals
Sterling Silver and 14KY plated Sterling Silver Lab Diamond Pendants, priced respectively at $420 and $520
We can’t stress this enough: jewelry should never be worn when it may get exposed to chemicals! That means you will want to make sure to remove your jewelry before applying sunscreen, bug spray, lotions, self-tanning solutions, and even perfumes. These rules are not just for gold-plated or “costume” jewelry–even your wedding set should be removed before exposure to any of these things! A safe way to apply products is to allow them to fully dry/absorb, and then put your jewelry back on.
As mentioned previously, you also want to ensure that you keep your jewelry far away from chlorine and saltwater, both of which can cause severe damage to your jewelry overtime. We see people constantly wear their jewelry (especially wedding and engagement rings) in the pool, and we can’t emphasize enough how dangerous this is for your beloved pieces. In addition to the damage that can be done chemically, wearing your rings while swimming increases the chance of losing them, as rings can slip off in water. And be mindful of the type of stones that are set in your jewelry–stones like pearls and opals are incredibly soft, and need extra special care. Better to be cautious with your jewelry and treat it respectfully, than to have to pay for repairs to it later!
Summer is also often a time where people decide to deep-clean and/or organize their homes. Please remember to remove your jewelry (or at the very least, wear gloves) when cleaning, as exposure to household cleaners can cause lots of damage to your jewelry.
Focus on Proper Storage
We offer a wide variety of essential travel jewelry cases which range in size and price!
Heat and humidity can cause tarnishing and damage, particularly for silver jewelry, and for certain gemstones. Ways to combat this include storing your jewelry in a cool, dry place, using soft pouches or lined boxes to prevent scratches, and keeping your pieces stored separately to avoid tangling.
Another thing worth mentioning is that it becomes increasingly important to make sure you are cleaning/having your jewelry cleaned more regularly during the summer months. Summer buildup from sweat and products can dull your jewelry’s shine quickly, so taking steps to make sure you are cleaning your pieces properly will keep your jewelry sparkling. Practice gently wiping your jewelry with a soft cloth following wear, use mild soap and lukewarm water for a deeper clean (when appropriate), and don’t forget to always dry your jewelry before storing! And don’t forget: We offer FREE cleanings and prong inspections here at Gilded Design Studio! If you want to go a step further, we offer polishing and tightening services for rose and yellow gold rings that start at a mere $35, and rhodium plating, tightening, and polishing for white gold rings that clocks in at a super affordable $75 (pre-tax). Your jewelry deserves a Summer Vacation, too!
Protect Delicate Gemstones and Rotate What You Wear
Custom pendant designed by Becca for a client featuring luminescent opals–beautiful gemstones, but incredibly soft ones. Make sure to do the research on what stones are in your favorite pieces to know how to wear them safely, or shoot us a message–we’d love to help you determine the durability of your beloved gems!
Wearing the same pieces daily, especially in the Summer, increases wear and tear–so consider rotating what pieces you use. And remember, not all gemstones handle direct sunlight and heat the same way! Keep gemstones out of prolonged direct sunlight as much as possible, and make sure to store opals, pearls, and turquoise pieces carefully–they can dry out or even crack.
Travel Smart with Jewelry
Investing in a petite staple piece, such as these mini huggies, is a great idea if you want to wear jewelry while traveling. In-stock at Gilded Design Studio in a variety of sizes and price points.
And, in closing–Summer means well-deserved vacations for many of us. As exciting as this may be, it’s important to think about how to safely wear (or not wear!) your jewelry when traveling. For the pieces you choose to wear, make sure to pack your jewelry in travel cases with separate compartments (available at Gilded Design Studio!). It’s wise to avoid bringing overly sentimental pieces, or overly valuable ones–as much as you might like to wear it, it’s probably best that Grandma’s tennis bracelet stays at home when you travel. Always keep whichever items you do decide to bring either on your person or in your carry-on luggage (not your checked bags!), and consider investing in a low-cost travel ring that looks like your wedding ring, so you can leave the real thing safely at home. Additionally, if you decide to wear something pricier, make sure that your insurance appraisals are up to date. Insurance appraisals are a service we specialize in here at Gilded Design Studio, and for the low cost of $110/item, you can have peace of mind regarding your favorite pieces.
However you choose to celebrate this Summer, we can’t wait to help you sparkle!