Expert Tips for Wearing Jewelry to the Beach
There are plenty of opportunities to damage or lose your jewelry, perhaps no more than at the beach. You may feel like never taking off your engagement ring. That’s understandable. If you’re inclined to accessorize your swimwear with jewelry, here are some expert tips to make sure your day at the beach is pleasant.
Should You Wear Jewelry at the Beach?
If you do, be very careful. Going in the water with a ring or other jewelry on is a big risk. The skin on your hands shrinks once you are in colder water. Unless your ring is so tight it can’t come off, remove it before going in the ocean. The sea is practically a graveyard for expensive engagement and wedding rings.
The Ocean Air and Your Jewelry
Salty air at the beach can be harmful to many types of jewelry. The types you need to be especially careful about include:
- Rose-Gold: Sea salt will easily corrode the copper, causing the jewelry to collapse.
- Wood: Is soft and absorbent so any salt or moisture is going to affect it.
- Coral/Turquoise: Can absorb sea salt, which can cause rusting and rotting.
When going to the beach remember to store your jewelry safely to protect it from the salty air. Jewelry should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated case. Some people are tempted to put items in a Ziploc bag, but cutting off the air supply can cause metals to oxidize; the result of which can significantly damage jewelry.
Beach Sand and Jewelry
Sand, which is made of silica, is extremely abrasive. It can wear surfaces made of gold, rhodium, vermeil, and other softer materials. However, solid materials including gold and silver can tolerate a day at the beach. Sand won’t harm harder gemstones like diamonds, rubies, or sapphires. But it will damage softer stones it touches, including citrine, amethyst, and other quartz minerals.
Using Suntan Lotion and Creams with Jewelry
Suntan lotions won’t harm metal jewelry, as they don’t contain corrosive substances. However, they can rot a string or thread that is part of your jewelry. If you have silver and use a cream containing sulfur dioxide, it can turn black due to a chemical reaction. Sweat can also damage jewelry in this way. Eating sulfur-containing foods like garlic, olives, or feta cheese can cause a reaction because the sulfur can be secreted with sweat. So, you could be just sitting there and your silver jewelry magically changes color.
Best Jewelry for the Beach
Anything durable should do fine. Diamonds, hard precious stones, platinum, and fine gold can survive a day at the beach. Just remember to take them off before going into the ocean. That’s one investment you probably won’t get back. Also, remove jewelry before going into a pool; chlorine can damage it as well.
Other Precautions
It’s always best to take off jewelry before applying sunscreen, creams, or bug spray. These products can leave dull film on items and get into chains and prongs. Natural elements can be easily bleached by sunlight. When you wear jewelry to the beach, be sure to clean it afterwards, to remove sweat, body oil, and products that you don’t want on it. Read our guide to cleaning jewelry to see how we recommend caring for your jewelry after the beach.
Call Us Today
Jeweler’s Touch can provide additional advice on how to care for your jewelry and when it’s best to leave it in a protected location. Our experts are skilled at making repairs as well. To learn more about our services and inventory, or ask any questions, call 714-579-1616 today!