Summer is undoubtedly one of everyone's favorite seasons. It's the season of sunhats, trendy shades, and delicate jewelry, but Summer is also a season of scorching sun, high temperatures, sweat, and dirt. Have you ever thought about how this might be affecting your jewelry?

According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), prolonged exposure of jewelry to sweat may lead to its corrosion. The chlorine in sweat makes gold jewelry brittle, leading to cracks and breakage.

Your local jeweler might have promised you a high durability quotient for your gold, diamond, and gemstone jewelry, creating an assumption that it is resistant to all environmental factors. But no, jewelry is not immune to the effects of heat, moisture, and chemicals. 

To keep your jewelry looking its best, it’s important to take precautions. In this guide, we are sharing nine essential tips to help you maintain and protect your jewelry in the scorching summer heat. As the summer shines, don't let your precious jewels dim!

Is There a Need to Protect Your Jewelry in the Summer?

Many people are not aware of the fact that the combination of heat, humidity, and outdoor activities can negatively impact jewelry. It can not be seen in the short term, but would be pretty evident as the days pass in the long term. 

Effects of summer on jewelry

One of the biggest threats to jewelry during the summer is exposure to direct sunlight. Sunlight has both a direct and indirect effect on the jewelry.

The direct one: You must know that metals tend to expand when exposed to high heat (thermal expansion). So, there’s a huge chance that the clasps might get loosened up, increasing the risk of loss. Also, certain gemstones like amethyst and topaz can fade due to direct sunlight.

The indirect one: In order to protect ourselves from the harsh UV rays of the sunlight, we apply sunscreens and lotions on our body. These creams are certainly protecting our skin from the sun, but are adversely affecting our jewelry. Over some period of time the sunscreens can dull the gemstones like diamonds by creating a thin film on them.

Summer also brings a lot of humidity, leading to profuse sweating. As discussed earlier, sweat can be one of the major reasons for jewelry tarnishing. Premium metals like gold can develop a film of grime when exposed to sweat, making them lose their luster over time.

Outdoor activities like running, hiking, and swimming make you sweat a ton. Sweat is not the only culprit here; your precious jewelry could also be facing so many environmental hurdles like dust particles, salt water, sunscreens, and excess moisture. All of them could potentially damage your jewelry and make it lose its luster over some period of time. 

In short, summer conditions can definitely impact the durability and appearance of your jewelry a big time. Being mindful of how heat, sweat, and environmental factors affect different materials allows you to take preventive measures.

Jewelry vs. Heat: How Summer Affects Metals and Stones 

In addition to high temperatures, humidity, and strong sunshine, summer can have a serious negative effect on your jewelry. Sweat, humidity, and heat can all have an impact on how long gold, diamonds, and other gemstones last. 

Understanding how these materials react to heat can help you protect your jewelry in a better way and also keep it looking beautiful for a long time to come.

Gold and Heat

High temperatures can also affect a durable metal like gold. You must know 24 karats gold is known as pure gold. It is soft and is often mixed with other metals like copper or silver to make it firm and usable.

In extreme heat conditions, gold can expand slightly, which may loosen settings in rings, bracelets, and necklaces. This can increase the risk of stones falling out. 

As discussed earlier, sweat and humidity can also cause gold jewelry to look dull. On top of it, if it has a lower purity level, the alloys present in the gold will react with the air and make it even duller.

Diamonds and Heat

Everyone knows that diamonds are one of the hardest substances on planet Earth. You must be assuming that they are completely resistant to the heat. You are wrong; they are not completely resistant to heat. 

They can definitely withstand high temperatures, but sudden changes in temperature can cause thermal shock that would lead to small cracks or even breakage. 

Similar to gold, prolonged exposure of diamonds to heat and sweat can also make them lose their sparkle as dirt and oils accumulate on the surface. 

Gemstones and Heat Sensitivity

Different gemstones react to heat in different ways. Some stones are more sensitive and can be permanently damaged if exposed to high temperatures. Let’s see how different gemstones react to heat in the following.

  • Opals: These stones contain water and can crack if they dry out too quickly in the heat.

  • Turquoise: Heat and sweat can cause discoloration, making the stone look dull.

  • Emeralds: They often have tiny cracks filled with oils or resins, which can evaporate in extreme heat, making the stone appear cloudy.

  • Amethyst and Citrine: These quartz gemstones may fade if exposed to direct sunlight for too long.

  • Pearls: Though not gemstones, pearls are extremely sensitive to heat and humidity. Sweat and heat can cause them to lose their luster and weaken the silk thread holding them together.

9 Tips to Protect Your Jewelry in Summer

Your jewelry deserves just as much protection as your skin in the summer. Heat, sweat, and outdoor activities can dull its shine and even weaken its structure. 

Here are our nine essential tips that can come in handy in protecting your jewelry from this scorching sun and keeping it shiny and lustrous for a longer time. Let’s dive in!

1. Keep It Cool, Keep It Safe

Jewelry and direct sunlight are like oil and water; they don’t really go well together. Keeping them in high temperatures for a long time can cause metals to expand, loosening clasps and settings. 

Some gemstones, like amethyst and topaz, can also fade when exposed to sunlight for too long. To keep your jewelry safe, make sure to store it in a cool and shaded place when you’re not wearing it.

2. Sweat-Proof Your Sparkle

You must know by now that sweat is one of the major culprits behind jewelry tarnishing. The salt and acids in sweat can dull metals and gemstones over time.

If you’re heading out for a workout, hike, or any activity that makes you sweat, remove your jewelry beforehand. Always wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth after every time you wear them. This will help in preventing the buildup of sweat.

3. Sunscreen & Jewelry Don’t Mix

Never mix your sunscreen and lotions with your jewelry. Sunscreen and lotions can do an excellent job in protecting your skin but can leave a residue on your jewelry, making your precious gemstones look cloudy and dull. 

The best way to avoid this is to apply sunscreen first, wait for it to fully absorb, and then put on your jewelry. If any residue does get on your jewelry, gently clean it with a soft cloth.

4. Salt & Chlorine Are Jewelry’s Enemies

Similar to sweat, swimming pools and the ocean can be harsh on your jewelry, too. Chlorine in pools can weaken gold and make it brittle, leaving your jewelry dull. Saltwater can also erode metals and dull gemstones. If you’re planning to swim, take off your jewelry beforehand to avoid unnecessary damage.

5. Store Smart, Shine Longer

Proper storage is key to maintaining your jewelry’s shine. As you all know, humidity levels rise in the summer, which is yet another major culprit in the tarnishing of jewelry. 

It can speed up tarnishing, so store your jewelry in a dry place. Use anti-tarnish pouches, soft cloth bags, or a jewelry box with separate compartments to prevent pieces from rubbing against each other and getting scratched.

6. Shower Without the Sparkle

It’s easy to forget you’re wearing jewelry in the shower, but soap, shampoo, and hard water can leave a dull film on your pieces. 

Over time, this buildup can also make your gemstones lose their sparkle. So, always make it a norm to remove your jewelry before showering to keep it looking lustrous and fresh.

7. Wipe Away the Summer Grime

Sweat, sunscreen, dust, and moisture can all settle on your jewelry, affecting its shine. Regular cleaning can prevent this. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe away dirt and oil. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and lukewarm water, but always check the care instructions for your specific pieces.

8. Travel Light, Pack Right

If you’re traveling, take precautions to keep your jewelry safe. Use a jewelry case with separate compartments to prevent pieces from tangling or scratching each other. Avoid keeping jewelry loose in your bag, as it can get damaged from friction with other items.

9. Know When to Take It Off

Jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. 

Avoid wearing it while applying perfumes, lotions, hairspray, or deodorant, as these products contain chemicals that can dull metals and gemstones. Removing your jewelry before bedtime can also help prevent accidental damage while sleeping.

Conclusion

Summer is all about enjoying the sunshine, but it’s also a season that requires extra care for your jewelry. While you focus on making memories, small, mindful habits can help keep your favorite pieces looking beautiful for years to come.

Jewelry is not just about style—it carries sentimental and monetary value. A little effort in maintaining it can prevent long-term damage. Simple steps, like storing it properly and being mindful of when to wear it, can make a big difference. 

Taking care of your jewelry doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s about making small, conscious choices every day. As the season changes, so does the need for your accessories. Just as we protect our skin from the sun, our jewelry also deserves the same attention.

A little care today can keep your favorite pieces sparkling for many summers ahead. Enjoy the season while ensuring your jewelry stays as radiant as your summer adventures!

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