For many of us, a summer outfit isn't complete without a bit of jewelry. But the beach can be a tough place for our favorite pieces. Between the salt air, grainy sand, and cool water, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your pieces stay beautiful.
We want you to enjoy your beach days without the heartbreak of a lost ring or a ruined necklace. Here is a simple, detailed guide on how to wear your jewelry by the shore.
Shrinking Fingers
One of the biggest risks at the beach isn't actually the sand, it's the water. When you jump into the cool ocean, your hands and fingers naturally shrink just a little bit. This makes it incredibly easy for rings to slip off without you even noticing.
A Golden Rule: Unless your rings are very tight, always take them off before you go for a swim. Many precious engagement rings have been lost to the waves this way, and almost impossible to find under the mountains of sand.
Sand Impact
Sand is made of silica, the same stuff used to make glass. It’s very scratchy and can act like a scrub on your jewelry. While your gold can handle the shoreline, the gemstones set within it might require a bit more mindfulness.
- The Forever Stones: Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are incredibly hard and will easily withstand a day in the sand.
- The Delicate Gems: If your 18k gold pieces feature softer, more porous stones like turquoise, amethyst, or pearls, the coarse grains of sand can scratch or dull their polished surface. It’s best to leave these particular gems poolside.
Salty Air
Pure gold does not tarnish or rust when exposed to salt air. However, the salty mist that makes the beach smell so good can be quite harsh on certain metals and organic materials.
The Rose Gold Secret: If your favorite 18k piece is made of rose gold, remember that its beautiful blush hue comes from a delicate blend of gold and copper. Because salt can interact with copper over time, always give your 18k rose gold pieces a quick rinse in fresh water after a long day at the beach.
Sunscreen & Your Skin
While sunscreen won't hurt most metals, it can be a problem for the "soft" parts of your jewelry.
Your 18k gold jewelry is made to last, but lotion, sunscreen, salt water, and sweat can make it lose some of its shine over time. Pieces with pearls, beads, or string can also wear out faster with daily exposure. Rinse your jewelry with fresh water and dry it gently after a long day to keep it looking beautiful.
A Quick Beach Checklist:
- DO: Opt for solid 18k yellow or white gold and hard gemstones like diamonds for a worry-free sparkle.
- DON'T: Wear delicate pearls or soft semi-precious stones near the rough sand.
- TAKE IT OFF: Remove sentimental, loose-fitting rings before diving into the deep blue.
- RINSE: Give your pieces a quick rinse with fresh water at the end of the day to wash away any trapped salt or sunscreen.
