How to Keep Your Jewellery Sparkling All Summer Long

Summer is the season for holidays, festivals, beach days and making memories—but while you're enjoying the sunshine, your jewellery may be facing some unexpected challenges. Heat, humidity, sunscreen, chlorine and salt water can all affect the appearance and longevity of your favourite pieces if they're not cared for properly.

The good news is that keeping your jewellery looking its best doesn't require hours of maintenance. With a few simple habits, you can protect everything from delicate necklaces and gemstone rings to your everyday bracelets and earrings. Whether you're jetting off abroad or enjoying the warmer weather closer to home, here's how to keep your jewellery sparkling all summer long.

Keep Jewellery Away from Sunscreen and Lotions

While sunscreen and moisturiser are essential for protecting your skin during the summer, they can leave behind a residue that dulls the shine of your jewellery. Creams, oils and perfumes can build up on metals and gemstones over time, reducing their sparkle and making pieces appear less vibrant.

Summer often means more time outdoors, bringing your jewellery into contact with sweat, sunscreen, sand and dust on a daily basis. These elements can quickly build up, leaving your favourite pieces looking less brilliant than usual. Regular cleaning helps maintain their appearance and prevents dirt from settling into intricate settings.

For most jewellery, warm water, a small amount of mild washing-up liquid and a soft brush are all that's needed to gently remove everyday grime. For a deeper clean, a specialist jewellery cleanser, such as the Connoisseurs range, can help lift away stubborn residue and restore your jewellery's natural brilliance, making it an excellent addition to your jewellery care routine. Be sure to dry your jewellery thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing or wearing it again. For valuable or sentimental pieces, consider having them professionally cleaned and inspected once or twice a year.

Remove Jewellery Before Swimming

Whether you're taking a dip in the pool or enjoying a swim in the sea, it's always best to remove your jewellery beforehand. Chlorine can gradually weaken precious metals and affect the finish of some jewellery, while salt water can leave deposits that dull gemstones and metals over time. Cold water can also cause your fingers to shrink slightly, increasing the risk of rings slipping off without you noticing. By storing your jewellery safely before swimming, you can avoid unnecessary wear and minimise the risk of accidental loss.

Be Mindful of Heat and Sunlight

Although jewellery is made to be worn and enjoyed, prolonged exposure to intense heat and direct sunlight can affect certain materials. Delicate gemstones such as opals, pearls and turquoise are particularly sensitive to high temperatures and may lose moisture or become damaged if exposed to extreme conditions for long periods. Some treated gemstones can also fade with excessive UV exposure. If you're relaxing by the pool or on the beach, avoid leaving your jewellery in direct sunlight and instead store it in a cool, shaded place whenever you're not wearing it.

Don't Forget Your Gemstones

Different gemstones require different levels of care, so it’s worth understanding the needs of the pieces in your collection. Diamonds are incredibly durable but can quickly lose their sparkle if oils and dirt build up on the surface, while pearls, opals and emeralds require a gentler approach to cleaning.

For harder, more resilient gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies, a specialist cleaner like the Connoisseurs Precious Jewel Cleaner is designed to remove everyday buildup and restore brilliance. It is particularly effective for precious gemstones set in gold or platinum jewellery, helping to lift away oils, lotions and dirt that can dull a stone’s sparkle.

More delicate gemstones, including pearls, opals, turquoise and certain treated stones, benefit from a softer cleaning solution. The Connoisseurs Delicate Jewel Cleaner is specially formulated for jewellery that requires extra care, helping to clean without being too harsh on sensitive surfaces.

Using the appropriate cleaner for each type of jewellery can help maintain both the appearance and longevity of your pieces. Whether you’re refreshing a diamond ring after a day in the sun or carefully cleaning a treasured pearl necklace, choosing a cleaner suited to the gemstone ensures your jewellery stays looking its best throughout the summer and beyond.

Final Thoughts

Summer should be about making memories—not worrying about your jewellery. By taking a few simple precautions, such as removing your pieces before swimming, keeping them away from lotions and cleaning them regularly, you can help preserve their beauty for years to come. Whether it's your favourite everyday necklace, a cherished gemstone ring or a meaningful bracelet, a little extra care goes a long way. Keep your sparkles bright and your precious metals gleaming with The Jewel Hut.