How to Clean & Store Your Jewellery In Summer

How to Clean & Store Your Jewellery In Summer

As the seasons change, so do the conditions that can affect your jewellery. Warmer weather, outdoor activities, and travel can all take a toll on your favourite pieces, making proper care essential. Whether it’s protecting delicate metals from tarnish, keeping gemstones sparkling, or ensuring safe storage while on holiday, here’s everything you need to know about cleaning and storing your jewellery for spring and summer. 

1. Why Seasonal Jewellery Care Matters 

Spring and summer bring challenges like humidity, sunscreen residue, and exposure to water and sweat. Without proper care, jewellery can tarnish, lose its sparkle, or even become damaged. A little maintenance ensures your pieces stay looking their best. 

Common Spring & Summer Jewellery Risks: 

• Tarnish: Moisture and humidity can cause silver and certain gold alloys to discolour. 
• Residue Build-Up: Sunscreen, lotion, and sweat can leave a film on gemstones and metals, dulling their shine. 
• Chlorine & Saltwater Damage: Harsh chemicals and minerals can erode metals and damage certain gemstones. 
• Scratches & Knocks: Outdoor activities and travel increase the risk of accidental damage. 

2. How to Clean Your Jewellery at Home 

Regular cleaning helps maintain your jewellery’s brilliance, but different materials require different approaches. 

Diamonds & Hard Gemstones

• Soak diamond jewellery in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. 
• Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away residue. 
• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. 

Gold & Gold Vermeil Jewellery 

• Wipe gold with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap if needed. 
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that can strip the finish. 
• Buff with a jewellery polishing cloth for extra shine. 

Silver jewellery

• Use a silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish. 
• For heavier tarnish, soak in a mix of warm water and mild dish soap, then gently scrub with a soft brush. 
• Store silver in an anti-tarnish pouch when not in use. 

Pearls & soft gemstones

• Wipe pearl and soft gemstone jewellery gently with a damp cloth—avoid soaking in water. 
• Never use harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. 
• Store separately to prevent scratches. 

3. Jewellery Storage Tips for Warmer Months 

Proper storage keeps your jewellery safe from damage, tarnish, and loss. 

Best Practices for Storing Jewellery: 

• Keep Away from Direct Sunlight: Heat and UV exposure can fade gemstones and dry out pearls. 
• Use Anti-Tarnish Pouches: Essential for silver pieces to prevent oxidation. 
• Store Separately: Prevent scratches by keeping jewellery in soft-lined compartments or individual pouches. 
• Travel with a Jewellery Case: If you’re taking jewellery on holiday, use a case with secure sections to prevent tangling and damage. 

4. Jewellery Care While Travelling 

Holidays and festivals mean more exposure to sand, water, and sweat—so extra precautions are needed. 

How to Protect Jewellery While Travelling: 

• Avoid Wearing Jewellery in Pools or the Sea: Chlorine and saltwater can weaken metals and dull gemstones. 
• Keep Pieces Secure: Use a zippered jewellery case instead of tossing items loosely into a bag. 
• Remove Jewellery Before Applying Sunscreen or Lotion: These products create a film that can make stones look cloudy. 
• Only Take Jewellery You’re Comfortable Losing: Leave sentimental or high-value pieces at home when travelling to avoid loss or theft. Alternatively, use your hotel room’s safe, and ensure your jewellery insurance is up to date.

5. Quick Do’s and Don’ts for Spring & Summer Jewellery Care 

Do: 

• Clean your jewellery regularly with gentle, non-abrasive methods. 
• Store jewellery properly in soft-lined compartments. 
• Remove jewellery before swimming, applying sunscreen, or exercising. 
• Pack your jewellery in a protective case when travelling. 

Don’t: 

• Use harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners on soft gemstones and pearls. 
• Store different metals and stones together, as they can scratch each other. 
• Leave jewellery in direct sunlight or humid environments. 
• Forget to wipe down jewellery after exposure to sweat, sunscreen, or water. 

Looking For A Special Summer Piece? 

With a little extra care, your jewellery can stay as brilliant as ever throughout spring and summer. From regular cleaning to smart storage, taking the right steps will keep your pieces protected from tarnish, dullness, and damage, so you can shine all season long. Looking to refresh your jewellery collection? Explore our latest designs today, or chat to our specialists who can help you find the perfect piece you’ve been looking for.