Summer is often a time when people wear their jewellery the most. It tends to come out more on holidays, weekends away, or just with lighter clothing. With that, it also ends up being exposed to a bit more than usual - heat, sunlight, water and everyday products all come into play.
That doesn’t mean you need to stop wearing it. It just helps to be a little more aware of what those conditions can do over time.
Sun, heat and general wear
Strong sunlight and heat can affect some types of jewellery more than others. Certain gemstones, for example, may gradually lose a bit of their colour if they spend long periods in direct sun – for example, amethyst can be sensitive to light in this way.
Heat can also have an effect, particularly on jewellery that uses adhesives rather than traditional settings. This is more common in fashion pieces, where glue is sometimes used to secure stones. In very warm conditions, those bonds can weaken slightly.
Higher-quality jewellery is less likely to be affected, but it is still something to bear in mind if items are worn or stored in hot places.
Water, chlorine and the sea
Summer often means swimming pools, seawater and more perspiration during day-to-day wear. While many metals cope well, repeated exposure can still take its toll.
Chlorine is one of the main culprits. It can weaken certain metals over time, particularly gold alloys, and may affect how secure stones are in their settings. Saltwater may also leave residue behind, which can make jewellery look a little dull if it builds up.
Lotions, sunscreen and everyday products
Many of us use more products on our skin in summer, such as sunscreen, moisturiser, after sun, perfume etc. These don’t usually cause damage, but they can leave a film behind on jewellery.
Over time, that film can take the shine off, especially on metals that would otherwise look bright. This kind of dullness is often just surface residue rather than any change to the metal itself.
Putting jewellery on after creams and sprays have settled into the skin can reduce how much transfers onto it.
Storage in warmer weather
Where jewellery is kept can matter more in the summer than people realise. Heat and humidity can build up, particularly in enclosed spaces or near windows.
Keeping pieces somewhere cool and dry tends to help. A jewellery box or soft pouch is usually enough, especially if items are stored separately so they don’t rub against each other.
This is particularly useful where harder stones might scratch softer metals.
If you’re travelling, a simple jewellery roll or case can make things easier and help avoid tangles or knocks when things are being moved around.
Read more: Travel guide for taking your jewellery abroad.
Cleaning your jewellery in summer
Jewellery may need cleaning a little more often during summer, simply because it is exposed to more sunscreen, perspiration, sea air and everyday products.
In many cases, gently wiping pieces with a soft cloth is enough to remove residue and restore some of their shine. For a more thorough clean, warm water and a small amount of mild soap is often suitable for many types of jewellery.
However, some gemstones, plated finishes and delicate settings can be more sensitive than others, so harsher cleaning products or abrasive materials are generally best avoided unless recommended by a jeweller.
If you are unsure how to clean a particular item, especially pieces containing pearls, opals or softer gemstones, it may be sensible to seek professional advice before using specialist cleaning products.
More information: Guide to cleaning jewellery and care
Keeping things simple
Caring for jewellery in summer usually comes down to a few simple habits - removing pieces before swimming where possible (and storing them safely), cleaning them occasionally, and handling them with a little extra care day-to-day.
For pieces that are particularly valuable, whether financially or sentimentally, some people choose specialist jewellery insurance to help protect against risks such as accidental loss, theft or damage. As with any insurance, cover will depend on your individual circumstances, policy limits and the terms of the policy.
With a little extra care during warmer weather, most jewellery can continue looking its best throughout the summer months.
