For a few months out of the year, we get to enjoy the warm temperatures and gorgeous weather that only summer can bring. We get to relax by the pool, spend days at the beach, do some yard work, and finally go on that much needed vacation. But all of these activities can take a toll on our jewelry. Here are some important things to keep in mind when caring for your jewelry during the summer months.

When relaxing poolside…. be aware that the sun can discolor certain gemstones. If you’re going to be out in the sun for a long time, we suggest leaving your jewelry at home. If the summer heat becomes unbearable and you decide to cool off by taking a dip in the pool, make sure you’re not wearing your jewelry when you do. Your fingers shrink a little every time you enter a cold environment. This means that the ring that fit you perfectly a moment ago may now be too loose and can potentially slip off your finger. Not only does swimming with your jewelry increase the chances of you losing your ring forever, but it can also damage your jewelry. Chemicals, like chlorine have been known to damage or discolor precious metal.

When spending time at the beach… make sure to avoid wearing any jewelry that may come into contact with sand. The abrasive-like nature of sand can scratch some gemstones and damage metal. Another thing to consider when wearing jewelry at the beach is that sunscreen can cause your jewelry to appear dull. This is why we recommend taking your jewelry off when applying sunscreen. Just make sure that when you take your jewelry off, you don’t accidentally forget about it.

When doing heavy yard work… we recommend leaving your jewelry inside the house. You risk the chance of chipping a gemstone, knocking the gemstone out of its setting, and potentially altering the shape of your jewelry. Not to mention, you’ll most likely get small particles of dirt trapped in your jewelry, making your piece appear dull and dirty.

When traveling… always keep your jewelry with you, especially at the airport. You never know if the airport is going to accidentally lose your luggage, which is why you should never store your jewelry in a checked bag. Always carry it on the plane with you. While staying at a hotel, make sure to stash your jewelry in a safe deposit box to avoid any chance of theft. You should also remember to place your jewelry separate from other pieces so that they won’t rub up against one another and leave scratches.

As you can see, summer can definitely leave its mark on your jewelry. If you’re unsure whether or not you should wear your favorite pieces during a certain summer activity, we recommend just keeping your jewelry at home. And if you’re someone who never takes his or her jewelry off, make sure to bring your pieces into your favorite local jewelry store to have them checked and cleaned by a professional jeweler at least once or twice a year.