Summer Jewels: Tips for Wearing and Caring for Jewellery at the Beach

Summer beckons with its promise of sun-drenched days and beach
escapades. Yet for those who love fine jewellery, the beach presents a unique
set of challenges.
The blend of saltwater, sand, and sunlight can pose risks to your cherished
pieces, from gems and gold rings to wedding rings.
Simon West Fine Jewellery offers essential guidance for both wearing and caring
for your jewellery during beach outings, ensuring your treasures remain as
luminous as summer memories.
Understanding the Risks
The beach environment, while idyllic, is fraught with elements that can be less
than kind to jewellery.

• Saltwater can corrode precious metals, dulling their shine and weakening their structure.

• Sand acts as an abrasive, capable of scratching gems and metals alike.

• Sunlight, too, can fade some gems, while the risk of losing jewellery in the sea or sand is ever-present.

Wearing Jewellery to the Beach: Dos and Don'ts

• Choose Wisely: Opt for less sentimental or durable pieces if you wish to adorn jewellery at the beach. Stainless steel, titanium, and platinum are more resistant to saltwater corrosion than gold or silver.

• Don't Wear Loose-Fitting Jewellery: The cold water can shrink your fingers, making it easy for rings to slip off. Ensure your rings fit snugly or, better yet, leave them at home.

• Consider the Gem Type: Some gems (like pearls, opals, and amber) are particularly vulnerable to water and sand. Choose harder gems like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies if you must wear jewellery.

• Don't Wear Irreplaceable Items: Heirlooms, wedding rings, and highly sentimental pieces are best left at home or in safe storage. The emotional cost of losing these items far outweighs the pleasure of wearing them to the beach.

Caring for Your Jewellery at the Beach

• Rinse After Wear: If your jewellery does come into contact with salt water, rinse it with fresh water as soon as possible to remove any salt residue that could cause damage over time.

• Safe Storage is Key: When not wearing your jewellery, store it in a fabric-lined jewellery case or a soft pouch. Ensure each piece is stored separately to prevent scratches and tangles.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight on Gems: Store your gem-bearing jewellery out of direct sunlight when not worn. Prolonged exposure can fade some gems, diminishing their brilliance and value.

• Professional Cleaning Post-Beach: After a beach visit, consider having your jewellery professionally cleaned at Simon West Fine Jewellery. We recommend bringing your jewellery to Simon West Fine Jewellery every two years for a full inspection. This routine check helps alert you to any wear and tear that may need attention. During these visits, we also provide a thorough cleaning and polishing service. This ensures any hidden salt or sand is thoroughly removed, preserving the integrity and lustre of your pieces.

The Best Jewellery Choices for the Beach

• Minimalist Designs: Simple, sturdy designs are less likely to catch on clothing or towels, reducing the risk of damage or loss.

• Silicone Wedding Bands: A practical alternative for those who wish to wear their wedding ring to the beach. These bands are waterproof, durable, and less distressing to lose or damage.

• Water-Resistant Watches: For those who can't go without their watch, ensure it's rated for water resistance suitable for swimming or diving.

The allure of the beach is undeniable, however, the safety and preservation of
your precious jewellery should always come first.
By following these guidelines on selection, wear, and care, you can enjoy the
best of summer without compromising the beauty or integrity of your cherished
pieces.
Remember, the essence of Summer lies not in the adornments we wear but in
the memories we create and the moments we share.
Let Simon West Fine Jewellery help protect those memories by keeping your
gems, gold rings, and wedding rings safe, so every Summer can be
remembered as vividly as the last.