summer is here. and with it comes the eternal question: do i take my jewelry off before making a splash?
the honest answer: it depends. but here's everything you need to know to make your own call.
the enemies of summer jewelry
salt water, chlorine, sunscreen, sweat and heat are the five things that will age your pieces faster than anything else (even though our jewelry has the best quality, and our gold vermeil is 10x thicker than industry standard). the change is not immediate, but over a summer of daily exposure, you'll notice. Yes, we know. These are all the elements that make summer more fun. Don't worry, we are here to help.
salt water is particularly harsh on gold vermeil. it slowly breaks down the gold layer, dulling the finish over time. chlorine in pools is even more aggressive. it can cause discoloration and weaken the metal beneath. sunscreen and body oils sit on the surface and accelerate tarnish on silver.
none of this means you can't wear your jewelry in summer. it just means a little care goes a long way.
for your silver pieces
silver is actually reasonably forgiving in summer — more so than gold vermeil. a quick rinse with fresh water after a swim, a gentle pat dry, and your piece will thank you. the real enemy is leaving salt or chlorine on the surface and letting it sit.
a few habits worth building:
- rinse silver with fresh water after sea or pool
- dry thoroughly — never store it damp
- put jewelry on after sunscreen, not before
- wipe down with a soft cloth at the end of the day
for your gold vermeil pieces
gold vermeil needs a little more love in summer. the gold layer is precious and worth protecting — especially in the water.
- take vermeil pieces off before swimming if you can
- if you forget (it happens), rinse immediately with fresh water and dry gently
- avoid rubbing — pat dry with a soft cloth rather than scrubbing
- keep vermeil away from perfume, sunscreen, and anything chemical
- store it somewhere dry and cool — not on a humid bathroom shelf
heat and storage
one thing people forget in summer: heat itself is not great for jewelry. leaving pieces on a hot surface, in a car, or in direct sunlight for extended periods can affect both the metal and any stones. a small pouch in your bag is enough. it doesn't need to be complicated.
the golden rule
put jewelry on last. take it off first. it's the single habit that makes the biggest difference across every season, but especially summer.
or — just enjoy yourself.
look, it's summer. sometimes you jump in the sea with everything on and that's exactly as it should be.
for those who'd rather not think about any of this and simply wear their pieces wherever the summer takes them — we've got you. bring your gold vermeil in for a re-plating service and your silver for a clean, and we'll make them look like new again.
because good jewelry is made to be worn. even in the water.
