SUMMER JEWELRY CARE & CLEANING TIPS

At Van Scoy Jewelers, we encourage our customers to take care of their fine jewelry all year but summer months call for extra TLC when sun, sand, and water activities expose jewelry to more wear and tear. To validate what we have always told our customers, we are sharing jewelry tips from Jewelers of America, a trade organization that we have been members of for years. We’ve added a few of our own tips as well!

Summer Jewelry Care & Cleaning Tips

1. No chlorine or salt water! Remove all jewelry before going into a hot tub or swimming pool or salt water. Chlorine or salt water can damage and discolor metals such as gold and platinum and can slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones.
2. Don't wear jewelry when applying sunscreen, or lotions, and when in the shower. These products cause a film to form on your jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy.
3. Wipe jewelry after wearing. Use a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe jewelry after wearing to remove any summer lotions. This will enhance the jewelry’s luster and will ensure that it is clean before storage.
4. Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place.
5. Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry case, or in a box with compartments and dividers to prevent pieces from scratching each other.
6. Silver tarnishes when exposed to air and when it is not being worn. Store your sterling silver jewelry in a dry zip lock bag to prevent oxidation from occurring.
7. Have your prongs checked regularly! A diamond may be forever but gold wears with age and continued wear. Having your jewelry checked can prevent stone loss.
8. When traveling with jewelry, use extra care with fine delicate chains as they tend to knot easily. We advise to store in a small zip lock bag and leave a very small section of chain out so it does not knot.
9. When traveling out of the country or to big cities, consider leaving your high valuables in a safe place at home. Wearing expensive jewelry can often put you at risk if in a third-world country or dangerous city.
10. Remove your rings when you are gardening, lifting weights, or performing any rough activities. Your rings will last much longer with fewer maintenance issues, given the proper care!
11. Jewelers of America recommends, “After the summer season, take it to a reputable jeweler for a professional cleaning to maintain the luster and sparkle of your precious jewelry.” At Van Scoy Jewelers, jewelry inspection and cleaning is a free service we offer at any time. We invite you at any time and as often as you can to have your jewelry checked and cleaned.