Summer on the Gulf Coast is a gorgeous, lush ... hellscape. There we said it. Y'all, the word hot doesn't even begin to cover it. We don't know about where you are, but here, the air is thick enough to wear, and by 10 a.m. you've already reconsidered every decision you've ever made about living in this place. But in the evening, after the dinner dishes have been cleared off the table and the sun sets over the rooftops (or the water depending on where you are) — you remember exactly why you live in the southern part of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi or Florida. What does this have to do with jewelry? Well, while your jewelry is blissfully a set it and forget it item a lot of the time, summer (along with travel) is not one of those times. Even if you don't live along the Gulf Coast, here's what to know when the temperatures and the humidity rise (or if you are headed to a steamy locale).
1. Gold is your summer best friend.
Gold — particularly 14k and 18k — is remarkably heat and humidity-resistant. It won't tarnish in the humidity the way sterling silver can (see more on that below), and it holds up beautifully against sunscreen, sweat and the general mayhem of summer life. If you're going to wear one thing all season without worrying about it much, make it a gold piece.
2. Sterling silver needs a little extra love in summer.
Humidity accelerates tarnishing in sterling silver. (Not due to moisture, however. Rather it's sulfur molecules reacting directly with the metal) So, if you're reaching for your silver pieces during the hotter months, expect to polish them a bit more frequently. A soft polishing cloth does the trick beautifully — keep one in your jewelry box so it's always at hand.
3. Know what to leave at home before you head to the beach or pool.
This one is non-negotiable: Always remove your fine jewelry before swimming. Chlorine in pools is particularly harsh and can damage gold and silver, loosening prong settings over time. Saltwater, while romantic in theory, is similarly unforgiving.
4. Sunscreen and fine jewelry are not friends.
Apply sunscreen and let it absorb fully before putting on your jewelry. The chemicals in sunscreen — particularly those containing avobenzone — can cause discoloration and buildup in fine metals and on gemstones. A few minutes of patience goes a long way.
5. Store smarter in summer.
Heat and humidity can affect how your pieces look and feel over time. Store your jewelry in a cool, dry place — a lined jewelry box away from bathroom humidity is ideal. Individual pouches or soft compartments prevent scratching and keep pieces from tangling.
6. Clean jewelry is happy jewelry.
All year long, it's important keep your jewelry clean, but particularly in summer when we're sweating a bit more, wearing sunscreen, moisturizers and your favorite summery body sprays, perhaps, as well as mosquito spray. All you need to keep jewelry happy is a gentle detergent (like Dawn dish soap), a small brush (like a toothbrush) and a soft cloth. Once a week, for about 10 to 15 minutes, soak jewelry in water with a few drops of dish soap, gently brush the metal and stones and then wipe clean and dry with the cloth. (Warning: Skip the soapy water — as well as ultrasonic cleaning — for any porous gemstones or minerals, including pearls, opals, emeralds, turquoise, malachite, amber, coral and fluorite. For porous stones, wiping with a barely damp cloth is all you need.)
Cheers to summer — stay cool, sparkle wisely and don't forget your polishing cloth!
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