July 14, 2025

Summer Jewelry Care: Keep Your Favorite Pieces Sparkling

As much as we love the sunshine, beach days, and jet-setting adventures of summer, this time of year can be tough on your jewelry. Between sunscreen, sweat, and spontaneous dips in the pool or the sea, your everyday pieces need a little extra care. Whether you're lounging by the shore or packing for vacation, following a few key tips will help keep your jewelry clean, brilliant, and sparkling all summer long.

In this guide, we’ll cover smart ways to protect your jewelry from summer elements, how to clean tarnished jewelry, and our tips for traveling with your favorite pieces.

summer jewelry care tips

Why Summer Is Hard on Jewelry

Summer’s greatest pleasures – the warm sun and the salty sea – can unfortunately be your jewelry’s worst enemies. From the acidity in sweat to the chemicals in sunscreen and chlorine, various environmental factors can dull the shine of your favorite metals and gemstones.

Gold jewelry may be relatively stable, but vermeil, sterling silver, and brass are more susceptible to tarnish. Humidity and body oils can also accelerate oxidation. Meanwhile, porous stones like pearls and opals can absorb moisture or even break down when exposed to salt or chemicals. Plus, UV rays can affect some gemstones like amethyst, causing them to fade over time.

To preserve your pieces, it’s important to understand how to protect jewelry from sweat and sunscreen and build a mindful summer routine.

Daily Summer Jewelry Care Tips

When the temperatures rise, treat it as a reminder to give your jewelry a little extra attention and care. Here’s how to reduce exposure to damage without sacrificing style:

  • Take off your jewelry when applying sunscreen, lotion, or perfume. These can leave behind residue and contribute to tarnish. Apply, then put only our favorite pieces. 

  • Remove rings and bracelets before swimming. Chlorine in pools and salt in the ocean are both highly corrosive to metals.

  • Dry off thoroughly after sweating or getting wet. Moisture speeds up tarnish and can damage finishes, especially on vermeil or plated jewelry.

  • Store your jewelry in a clean, dry pouch or box when not in use. Especially if you're outdoors or at the beach – this minimizes exposure to humidity and grit.

Essentially, your summer jewelry care routine should center around limiting exposure to moisture, heat, and harsh chemicals whenever possible.

How to Clean Jewelry at Home

Grime will inevitably build up during the summer. Gentle at-home cleaning can help restore your jewelry’s sparkle. Here’s how to clean jewelry at home safely:

  • Use a bowl of lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid anything scented or formulated for heavy-duty cleaning.

  • Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. A baby toothbrush works well here. Focus on crevices where sweat and residue accumulate.

  • Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid paper towels, which can scratch delicate surfaces.

Avoid commercial cleaners unless they’re made for your specific metal or stone type. 

How to Clean Tarnished Jewelry

If your jewelry looks dull, gray, or discolored, it’s likely tarnished. This is especially common with sterling silver, vermeil, or brass pieces that have been exposed to moisture or skin oils.

Here’s how to clean tarnished jewelry without damaging it:

  • Use a polishing cloth specifically designed for jewelry. It removes tarnish without scratching.

  • Try a baking soda paste. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water, apply gently with a soft cloth, and rinse. This works well for sterling silver, but avoid it on plated or soft metal pieces.

  • Avoid over-cleaning. Too much rubbing or chemical exposure can wear down finishes, especially for gold vermeil or plated jewelry.

For heirloom or fine jewelry, a professional cleaning once a year is recommended.

Our Top Tips for Traveling with Jewelry 

Planning a summer getaway? Be smart about traveling with jewelry to avoid damage, tangling, or loss.

What to Bring:

  • Stick to versatile pieces that pair well with multiple outfits.

  • Leave irreplaceable heirlooms at home, especially if the thought of losing them will cause stress. 

How to Pack Jewelry for Travel:

  • Use a structured travel jewelry case with separate compartments to prevent scratching.

  • Thread necklaces through straws or use jewelry rolls to avoid tangling.

  • Keep jewelry in your carry-on, not your checked luggage, to avoid theft or damage.

How to Keep Jewelry Safe on Vacation:

  • Use the hotel safe to store jewelry when not in use.

  • Take a photo of what you packed, so you have an inventory in case something goes wrong. 

  • Avoid taking off jewelry in public places, like pools, restrooms, or beaches.

When traveling with jewelry, the key is to pack thoughtfully and keep items secure and separated.

One More Thing: The Best Summer-Friendly Jewelry 

If you’re shopping for new pieces to wear all summer long, look for materials that resist moisture, tarnish, and wear:

  • Solid gold or platinum, which both resist tarnishing.

  • Diamonds and sapphires are durable and non-porous, making them easy to clean. 

  • Enamel and resin are colorful and water-resistant! 

Pieces from our demi-fine collection, for example, are perfect for summer layering thanks to their durable finishes and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Conclusion: Let Your Jewelry Shine All Season

With a little extra attention, your favorite pieces can survive the heat, humidity, and hustle of summer, looking just as radiant as the day you put them on. By following these simple summer jewelry care practices, you’ll keep your jewelry sparkling, untarnished, and safe wherever the season takes you.

Whether you’re poolside or packing for vacation, your jewelry deserves to travel well and shine bright. 

Want pieces designed for effortless summer wear? Explore our curated collection of everyday essentials designed with style in mind and crafted to last.