Summer is a wonderful time to wear and enjoy your jewellery — but the season brings with it a number of hidden risks. Heat, chemicals, and physical activity can all cause damage that may not be immediately visible but accumulates over time. Here is what to watch out for.
Swimming & Hot Tubs
Chlorine is one of the most damaging substances for precious metals and gemstones. It can cause discolouration and degradation of the metal, and weaken the settings that hold your stones in place. Always remove your jewellery before getting into a swimming pool or hot tub — the combination of heat and chemicals in a hot tub is particularly harmful.
Saltwater is equally problematic. Despite being natural, the salt can dull the shine of metals, stress the facets of gemstones, and weaken mounts over time — increasing the risk of stones becoming loose or lost. Remove your jewellery before swimming in the sea.
Sunbathing
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and heat can cause certain gemstones to fade or fracture. Stones such as amethyst and topaz are particularly susceptible to colour change, while pearls and opals can crack or discolour when exposed to high temperatures, as heat draws out their natural moisture.
Sunscreen, perfume, hairspray, and other cosmetics can also leave residues on metals and stones, causing tarnishing or a build-up that dulls their brilliance. Apply all products before putting on your jewellery, or remove your pieces before sunbathing altogether.
Activities
Any activity that involves physical risk — watersports, scuba diving, gardening, gym sessions — increases the chance of knocks, scratches, or losing a piece entirely. A diamond stud earring lost in the sea is almost impossible to retrieve. If you are gardening, at minimum wear gloves to protect your rings from impact and soil.
The key point is this: jewellery is designed to be worn and enjoyed, but removing it for certain activities is simply good sense. The long-term effects of heat, chemicals, and physical stress are cumulative — and often only become apparent once the damage is done.
Storage
When you do remove your jewellery, store it properly. A resealable pouch or fabric-lined box is ideal for most pieces. Pearls are the exception — always store them in a silk pouch or a dedicated compartment, away from other jewellery that could scratch their surface.
A Simple Rule to Remember
Chemicals, heat, and impact are the three main enemies of fine jewellery. When in doubt, take it off — and enjoy the summer knowing your pieces are safe until you need them again.
If you have any concerns about the condition of a Nude Jewellery piece, or would like it professionally cleaned after the summer season, please get in touch with our London studio.