Summer Jewelry Care Instructions | GLDN

Summer is here and it’s time to don your favorite warm-weather outfits, take road trips, have beach days and cross everything off your best-summer-ever list. But how do you care for your jewelry as you’re swimming, traveling and doing all the summer things? We answer your burning questions in this guide. 🌞

 

Can I swim in my jewelry?

We advise against it! If you’re swimming in a pool or lounging in a hot tub, the chlorine used in the water can be incredibly damaging to your jewelry—especially if it’s gold vermeil or sterling silver, which tarnish more easily than solid gold. We recommend you leave your pieces poolside and rinse any chlorinated water off before putting them back on. If you accidentally jump into the pool without taking your jewelry off, though, don’t sweat it. Just take it off as soon as you can, give it a rinse with clean (non-chlorinated) water and gentle soap, pat to dry and store it safely.

 

 

Can I wear my jewelry to the beach?

Technically, you can…unless you plan on swimming, applying sunscreen or sweating a lot (all of which are very likely)! Sand can be quite abrasive to your jewelry, so we recommend removing your pieces before you head out for your beach day to avoid any scratches or dings. 

If you really want to wear your jewelry to the beach—which is a total mood—we recommend primarily wearing gold fill or solid gold pieces (instead of gold vermeil) as they hold up to sand, sweat and water better than the latter.

 

Can I get sunscreen on my jewelry?

This one’s a big no. At worst, the chemicals and fragrance in sunscreen will tarnish or damage your jewelry. At best, sunscreen will add an unsightly film to your jewelry that you’ll have to clean off later. 

As you apply your sunscreen, be sure to avoid the areas where your jewelry will lay or remove your jewelry, apply your sunscreen, wait a few minutes, wash your hands and then put your jewelry back on. Or, to be super safe, leave your jewelry safely tucked in storage until you get back inside.

 

 

Can I play sports in my jewelry?

It really depends on how active you’ll be and what kinds of jewelry you plan to wear. Playing volleyball? Skip the rings and bracelets. Going for a run or jog? As long as you rinse any sweat off your jewelry when you’re finished, you should be good! Depending on your unique chemistry, sweat can be somewhat damaging to your jewelry. Sweating is how our body rids itself of excess fatty acids and amino acids which can tarnish and corrode most metals!

Overall, Just consider what activities you’ll be doing, which areas of your body will be susceptible to any impact, and be sure to give your jewelry a quick clean once you come inside. For the most part, earrings and short necklaces are pretty workout-friendly (unless you’re, like, neck hula hooping or something).

 

 

Can I shower in my jewelry?

Go right ahead! Showers are an easy, passive way to clean your jewelry and keep it shiny. That said, try to avoid getting any harsh cleansers or intense fragrances on your jewelry as you shower…and take a few seconds to rinse your jewelry completely with clean water before you dry it gently with a soft towel.

 

Can I sleep in my jewelry?

For the most part, yes—unless your pieces are ultra-dainty. Delicate jewelry can get snagged on blankets or pillowcases, making them more susceptible to breaking (what a nightmare)! Chunky chains, cuffs, studs and hoops should be completely fine. Just let your dainty pieces sleep in their jewelry box for safekeeping.

 

 

How should I travel with my jewelry?

No matter where or how you travel, you want to keep your jewelry safe, secure and tangle-free (which is easier said than done). We recommend a thoughtfully designed jewelry case to organize your jewelry and keep all pieces snugly in place as you travel…especially if you’re throwing your jewelry case in a suitcase! Or, if you’re more of a minimalist, we recommend choosing one set of jewelry and just wearing it the entire time you travel to avoid any extra packing stress.

 

 

What about pearls? How do I care for them?

Compared to metal-only jewelry, pearls are much more delicate and require specific care tips. But it’s worth it—because what’s summer without pearls? 

• Wear them often. Pearls love to be worn! The oils in your skin keep them from drying out.
• Keep away from chemicals. Harsh cleansers, cosmetics, fragrances and chlorine are no-nos.
• Give your pearls some air. Pearls love moisture, which means airtight containers aren’t ideal for these pieces specifically—they may even crack in a plastic bag or safety deposit box. Our jewelry care instructions for pearls are easy: wrap them in linen or cloth, or place them in a soft pouch to store.
• Wipe to clean. Treat your pearls right and they’ll stay lustrous for years. If a film develops on your pearls, simply wipe them with a gentle cloth!
• Don’t submerge in water. Despite being from the water, this is very bad for pearls! Avoid soaking your pearl pieces like you would non-pearl jewelry, and don’t swim in your pearls either.

 

 

Want more jewelry care tips?

Check out our essential jewelry care guide for all metals—with specific tips on gold fill, gold vermeil, sterling silver, solid gold, gemstone jewelry and pearl jewelry. 

 

Happy summer! 

Team GLDN ✨