It’s summertime, which means finally being able to spend some much needed time relaxing by the pool or spending a day at the beach. Like everywhere you go, you make sure that you’re always accessorized with your favorite jewelry pieces. But is wearing jewelry to the beach a good idea? Here are the top seven things to keep in mind before heading to the beach this summer.

• You probably want to avoid getting those awful tan lines that arise after wearing jewelry outside all day.
• The chemicals found in chlorine can damage metals. Wearing your jewelry while swimming in a pool or relaxing in a hot tub can damage your favorite pieces.
• The sun can cause your gemstones to fade and weaken. Additionally, suntan lotion can cause your gems to lose their shine.
• If you’re swimming in the ocean, your jewelry might attract sharks. This won’t be a problem here in the Midwest, but if you decide to take a trip to the coast, be aware of this. Jewelry pieces reflect light, similar to the light reflected by fish scales.
• Unless your jewelry is made out of solid gold or silver, sand will wear off the surface of your jewelry piece. Harder gemstones, like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires should be safe from the abrasiveness of sand, but other gemstones are likely to be scratched.
• Sweat makes sterling silver tarnish quickly.
• Swimming in cold water will cause your fingers to shrink. Because of this, you may be at risk to lose your ring in the water. Additionally, water can loosen jewelry pieces that have been set with glue.

If you do decide to wear your jewelry to the beach, make sure you properly clean your pieces afterwards. Pay close attention to removing all the accumulated oil, salt, and chlorine chemicals. Finally, remember that you can always stop into our store anytime for a complementary cleaning.