#1. Avoid Chlorine
Chlorine & hand sanitizers pit metal surfaces and destroy the luster and polish of pearls and many colored gemstones.
DO:
- Take your jewelry off before swimming in a chlorinated pool, bathing & dishwashing.
- Put your jewelry in a safe place, NOT in a wadded tissue that you then forget and throw away (from personal experience).
- Many of you have a ring folder you received with one of my rings – carry it in your purse to store your ring in a safe zipper pocket.
- Put ring spindles in your bathroom and kitchen sink so you have a regular and safe place to store your rings while you are immersing in chlorine.
- See my list of Jewelry Care and Storage Supplies here.
#2. No Rings in Cool Water
WHY:
Your fingers shrink when immersed in the cool water of oceans, pools, lakes or rivers. Yes, even warm Caribbean water – anything less than your body temperature of 98.7F.
The movement from our hands when swimming, paddling or playing makes these now loose rings even easier to slip off.
DO:
- Remove your jewelry before water sports, even boating.
#3. Jewels After Sunscreen
Sunscreen and lotions can contain chemicals that are abrasive or caustic to fine jewelry, particularly pearls.
DO:
- Put sunscreen & lotion on…let your skin absorb it…then put on your jewelry. “Save the best for last.”
- After wear, wipe your jewels with a damp, clean cloth to remove any residual lotions or perspiration.
#4. Sand Scratches Jewelry
Sand can easily scratch and abrade precious metals and gems.
DO:
- No sand castle building while wearing your rings – better yet, leave your fine rings safely at home.
#5. Gloves Aren’t Ring Protection
Gloves are not adequate protection from the abrasion of metals and gems and distortion of precious metals.
Heavy lifting, whether barbells, a full gardener’s barrow or even your 100 pound dog constantly pulling the leash, exerts a strong force on rings and they can become bent, broken and out of round.
DO:
- Remove your fine rings before gardening, weight lifting or any other hand-intensive activity.
P.S. I created the 18 karat Opal Doublet Studs shown above for active “sporty spices” because they are durable, beautiful and easy to wear.
#6. Wipe the Glow Away
Summer can be sweaty & sweat contains salts and acids that can damage the surface of pearls and porous gemstones like turquoise and coral.
My dear friend Fran Mastoloni, a major pearl importer for several generations, told me “pearls like to be worn as the skin oils enhance the luster.”
DO:
- Wipe your pearls and other jewels with a damp clean cloth after hot summer wear, removing any perspiration before putting them away.
#7.Cool Off Elegantly
Put them in the refrigerator, then enjoy the cool….
…they feel heaven sent……
#8. Click for more Jewelry Care & Wear Tips
You might also enjoy…
Understanding the Difference between Gem Hardness and Durability
How to Prevent Ring Damage from Clapping
List of Jewelry Care & Storage Essentials
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