DOs and DON’Ts of fine jewelry and SUMMER!
Jewelry is meant to be worn. Here is what to know to enjoy and keep (literally) your fine jewelry sparkling this summer!
Do you wear your favorite pieces to the beach? The pool? The tennis court? Gardening?
If you answered yes, here are things to know about wearing and protecting your fine jewelry all summer long - and beyond!
WEARING JEWELRY AT THE BEACH
First, a refreshing dip in the ocean can cause your fingers to shrink. Unless your ring fits tightly on your finger, it is susceptible to slipping off. Engagement rings and wedding bands have been known to be lost this way. TIP: store your jewelry in a secure place while at the beach.
Second, avoid submerging any beaded gemstone necklaces or bracelets strung with silk in water of any kind, be it beach, bath, pool, hot tub, or sauna. This will weaken the silk thread, resulting in the loss of beads. TIP: check strands annually and restring every 3 years.
Third, some gemstones and precious metals can be impacted by salty air and seawater. It is worth noting that some gemstones naturally have fractures, like emerald. Saltwater can leach into fractures and wash out oils, which can change the appearance of the stone. Salt crystals can form in fractures, expand, and add pressure within a fracture. Seawater can also impact precious metals, depending on the alloys. For example, rose gold has copper in it, which can corrode. Similarly, it can leave a corrosive residue on sterling silver.
Finally, let’s talk about sand and the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Sand is made of tiny crystals of quartz, which is a 7 on the Mohs Scale. This means that sand can abrade any gemstone that is softer than a 7. Harder gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are impervious. Softer or brittle gemstones, such as emerald, pearl, opal, moonstone, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and Tanzanite are susceptible to damage.
SAND + THE MOHS SCALE
WEARING JEWELRY AT THE POOL
Swimming pools are awesome, but be aware that chemicals can harm some gemstones. Chlorine can dull the luster of pearls, cause color changes in opals, and alter or deteriorate the appearance of treated gemstones, such as filled rubies or oiled emeralds.
Depending on the alloys of the precious metal you are wearing, they can become discolored or tarnished. Lower karat gold jewelry alloyed with copper, silver, or nickel is more susceptible to damage.
Cool water can also cause fingers to shrink. Take heed if your ring is even a little loose, as it can easily slip off without notice.
WEARING JEWELRY WITH SUNSCREEN AND SUNTAN LOTION
I am a MASSIVE fan of sunscreen (and UV protective fabrics). However, sunscreen is a chemical. Just like chlorine, sunscreen and suntan lotion can damage gemstones. For example, it can dull the luster of pearls and even discolor them.
Be mindful that oils and lotions of any kind can act as a lubricant, enabling rings to easily slip off. This also includes moisturizers all year round.
TIP: The end of summer is a good time to clean your jewelry with a professional to remove built-up residues of any kind and check settings. Read below my note of caution on ultrasonic cleaners.
WEARING JEWELRY WITH FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Fragrance, makeup, hair products, and oils contain chemicals and acids that can harm certain gemstones.
For example, alcohol (which is often in hand sanitizer) can diminish a pearl’s luster and discolor opal, pearl, amber, and coral. If an emerald has been oiled, hand sanitizer can dry it out, negatively impacting the color and clarity.
It is a good practice to apply fragrance or beauty products to skin or hair before putting on your jewelry.
TIP: my rule of thumb for jewelry that is significant, brittle, or soft: it is the last thing on and the first thing off when dressing for day or night.
WEARING JEWELRY WHILE PLAYING SPORTS
I believe some gemstones make “winning” spectator jewels - i.e. best “sported” in the grandstand. These include gemstones that are soft or brittle, such as Tanzanite, emerald, pearl, and opal.
Jewelry is absolutely meant to be worn and enjoyed, but be aware that repeated shock (hitting a tennis ball) or continued rhythmic vibrations (running or biking) can loosen settings over time.
TIP: if you wear jewelry while playing sports, be sure to check if stones are loose in settings before and after your workout or game to avoid loss or damage.
WEARING JEWELRY WHILE GARDENING AND CLEANING
Similar to sports, the beach, and the pool, be aware that chemicals, acids, and contact with abrasive objects can result in damage, discoloration, or loss.
NOTE ABOUT GLOVES of any kind in all seasons: they are known culprits in losing rings. Particularly if the ring is even a little loose, a ring can slip off with the glove.
WEARING JEWELRY IN THE SUN AND HOT TEMPERATURES
Some gemstones like opals are sensitive to rapid, extreme changes in temperature and can cause them to crack. Avoid leaving jewelry directly exposed to the sun or next to a window for this reason, as well as another obvious reason: security.
CAUTION ON ULTRASONIC CLEANERS
While jewelry should be cleaned regularly, different gemstones require different care.
Ultrasonic cleaners can crack opals, shatter pearls, or damage gemstones that are treated. For example, such intense cleaning can cause the oil or filler to leach out of emeralds and will diminish the original appearance of the stone.
TIP: personally, I avoid such cleaners entirely and leave more significant cleaning to trustworthy professionals. Such cleaning also involves checking for loose stones in settings or prongs that may need repair.
For gemstones on the Mohs scale at 7 or above, a simple cleaning solution is warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. For those at 6 or below, wiping with a damp soft cloth as needed is the way to clean them. A soft polishing cloth will keep any precious metal looking its best.
Have more questions about caring for your jewelry during summer and beyond? DM me!
SHOP ORNELLA IANNUZZI’s JEWELRY INSPIRED BY CORAL REEFS
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