As temperatures rise and summer activities take full swing, it’s easy to overlook the additional care fine jewelry requires during the season. Sun, heat, water, and everyday products can all impact the condition and longevity of your pieces.
Scott Friedman, Master Gemologist Appraiser at Rare Concept Appraisals, shares expert guidance on how to keep your jewelry protected and sparkling all summer long.
Keep the Sparkle Alive with Regular Cleaning
Summer activities can quickly dull the brilliance of your jewelry. Sunscreens, lotions, and moisturizers leave behind a film that coats diamonds and gemstones, reducing their sparkle and making them appear cloudy. Over time, built-up residue can also conceal loose or damaged settings that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Regular cleaning not only restores your jewelry's brilliance but also provides an opportunity to inspect for bent prongs, loose stones, or other signs of wear before they become costly repairs.
Tip: Apply sunscreen and hand lotion before putting on your jewelry, and allow the products to fully absorb into your skin. Clean your jewelry regularly at home and have it professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year.
Don't Take Your Jewelry for a Dip
Remove all jewelry before swimming in a pool, hot tub, ocean, or lake. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can react with the alloy metals in gold jewelry, potentially causing discoloration or weakening settings over time. Cold water can cause your fingers to shrink, making rings more likely to slip off and become lost.
At the beach, sand can act as a natural abrasive, scratching precious metals and softer gemstones such as emeralds. Sunscreens, lotions, and saltwater can also leave residue that dulls your jewelry's appearance.
Tip: The safest option is to leave valuable jewelry at home. If you choose to wear it to the beach, pool, or lake, be mindful of your surroundings and remove your jewelry before swimming or participating in water activities.
Pack Wisely
Proper storage while traveling can help prevent unnecessary damage. Always pack your jewelry in a dedicated travel pouch with separate compartments to keep pieces organized and protected. Diamonds are the hardest natural gemstone and can scratch softer gems such as emeralds, pearls, sapphires if stored together. Chains, bracelets, and necklaces can also become tangled or kinked when packed loosely.
Tip: Store each piece separately whenever possible. Use a jewelry travel case with individual compartments or soft pouches to prevent scratches, tangles, and unnecessary wear while you're on the go.
Lock It Up
Whether you're staying at a hotel, resort, or vacation rental, take extra precautions to protect your jewelry from loss or theft. Valuable jewelry should never be left unattended in a guest room, vehicle, or unsecured luggage. Whenever possible, store your jewelry in a hotel safe or secure deposit box when it is not being worn.
Keeping your jewelry secured also reduces the risk of accidental damage that can occur when pieces are left on countertops, nightstands, or in pockets and bags.
Tip: Store your jewelry in a dedicated travel pouch and place the entire pouch in the hotel safe when not in use. This keeps your pieces organized, protected, and less susceptible to loss or damage.
Make Sure Your Jewelry Is Properly Insured
Many homeowners and renters insurance policies provide only limited coverage for jewelry and may have exclusions or deductibles that leave valuable pieces underinsured, especially while traveling or away from home. After purchasing fine jewelry, review your coverage with your insurance agent to determine whether a separate jewelry policy is appropriate.
An independent jewelry appraisal provides detailed documentation of your jewelry's characteristics and replacement value, helping simplify the claims process in the event of loss, theft, or damage. Keeping your appraisal current also ensures your coverage reflects today's market.
Tip: Review your jewelry insurance coverage every few years and whenever you acquire or inherit new pieces. If you need an independent appraisal, Rare Concept Appraisals can provide documentation for insurance scheduling and periodic value updates. For those seeking specialized jewelry insurance, Wax Insurance offers policies ranging from individual pieces to entire collections.
About Rare Concept Appraisals
Independent jewelry appraisal services for insurance, estate, and legal purposes.
Fairfield County, CT
Contact: info@rare-concept.com 516-316-3612