How to Clean Your Jewellery After Sun, Sand & Sunscreen
A post-holiday care guide for keeping jewellery sparkling.
Sun, sea, and SPF are great for you; but not so great for your jewellery. After (or even during) a holiday, many pieces can look dull, feel gritty, or lose their sparkle.
Whether it’s sunscreen residue or salt buildup, a little post-holiday care goes a long way (that you can even do in your hotel room). Here’s how to clean your jewellery properly and keep it looking as brilliant as the day you bought it.
Why Holiday Wear Dulls Jewellery
Sunscreen, body oil, chlorine, and saltwater all leave behind a film that can coat stones and metal. Sand and grit can get lodged in settings, causing wear over time. Even humidity and sweat can speed up tarnishing—especially for sterling silver.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Jewellery
1. Soak in Warm, Soapy Water Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Soak your jewellery for 15–20 minutes to loosen grime.
2. Gently Brush Use a soft toothbrush to remove any residue. Pay close attention to the back of stones, clasps, and crevices.
3. Rinse Thoroughly Rinse each piece under lukewarm water to wash away loosened dirt and soap.
4. Dry With a Lint-Free Cloth Avoid tissues or paper towels. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently pat dry and restore shine.
5. Buff Gently (Optional) Use a jewellery polishing cloth to add a final layer of brilliance, especially to gold and platinum.
Ultrasonic cleaners on delicate or porous gemstones
Storage Tips Post-Trip
Store each piece separately to avoid scratching
Keep silver in an anti-tarnish pouch
Avoid leaving jewellery in humid environments like bathrooms
With just a few minutes of care, you can undo days of sun and sea exposure—and keep your favourite jewellery pieces looking as good as new. Need more cleaning advice? Chat to our experts here, who would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
How to Clean Your Jewellery After Sun, Sand & Sunscreen
A post-holiday care guide for keeping jewellery sparkling.
Sun, sea, and SPF are great for you; but not so great for your jewellery. After (or even during) a holiday, many pieces can look dull, feel gritty, or lose their sparkle.
Whether it’s sunscreen residue or salt buildup, a little post-holiday care goes a long way (that you can even do in your hotel room). Here’s how to clean your jewellery properly and keep it looking as brilliant as the day you bought it.
Why Holiday Wear Dulls Jewellery
Sunscreen, body oil, chlorine, and saltwater all leave behind a film that can coat stones and metal. Sand and grit can get lodged in settings, causing wear over time. Even humidity and sweat can speed up tarnishing—especially for sterling silver.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Jewellery
1. Soak in Warm, Soapy Water
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Soak your jewellery for 15–20 minutes to loosen grime.
2. Gently Brush
Use a soft toothbrush to remove any residue. Pay close attention to the back of stones, clasps, and crevices.
3. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse each piece under lukewarm water to wash away loosened dirt and soap.
4. Dry With a Lint-Free Cloth
Avoid tissues or paper towels. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently pat dry and restore shine.
5. Buff Gently (Optional)
Use a jewellery polishing cloth to add a final layer of brilliance, especially to gold and platinum.
Find out more about cleaning gold, platinum, silver, diamonds and pearls, here.
What to Avoid
Storage Tips Post-Trip
With just a few minutes of care, you can undo days of sun and sea exposure—and keep your favourite jewellery pieces looking as good as new. Need more cleaning advice? Chat to our experts here, who would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
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