Summer is filled with beach days, vacations, weddings, golf outings, and evenings spent dining under the stars. Naturally, we want to wear the jewelry we love for every moment. But while summer is wonderful for making memories, it can also be one of the toughest seasons for fine jewelry.
As a Long Island based jeweler, I get so many of the same questions from clients every summer. Can I wear my ring in the pool or to the beach? Is it safe to golf with my wedding band? Why does my ring suddenly feel tighter? Should I pack all of my jewelry for vacation?
The answers aren't always as straightforward as you might think.
With a little planning and a few simple habits, you can keep your favorite pieces secure and looking beautiful all summer long and for years to come. Here are some of my summer jewelry care recommendations, along with a few common mistakes to avoid.
Can I Wear My Jewelry in the Pool?
This is probably the question I hear most often. The short answer is NO? I recommend taking your jewelry off before swimming. While water itself isn’t the issue, what’s in it can be. Chlorine and salt water can damage precious metals and leave residue on gemstones, leading to unnecessary wear over time. Many gemstones should never be exposed to chemicals like chlorine, and may be shocked and damaged by ocean waves. Sunscreen can also dull your jewelry’s brilliance, so it’s best to apply it first, let it absorb, and then put your jewelry on.
Diamond Rings
Engagement rings should not be worn in the ocean. Many people assume diamonds are indestructible. Cold water can cause your fingers to shrink slightly, making rings fit more loosely. Suddenly, a ring that normally feels secure can slip off unnoticed in a swimming pool, lake, or ocean.
Gold and Platinum Jewelry
Precious metals are generally durable but not immune to summer conditions. Salt water, sand, and constant abrasion can dull the finish and gradually wear away polished surfaces.
Pearls
Pearls are organic gems with delicate surfaces. Chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, perfume, and even perspiration can gradually damage their natural luster. If you're headed to the beach or pool, pearls are best left safely at home.
Can I Golf With My Wedding Rings On?
Every swing creates repeated impact through your hands. Over time, those vibrations can gradually loosen gemstones, wear prongs, or place stress on delicate settings. This applies to both women and men.
Men's wedding bands, particularly gold bands, can also develop dents or lose their shape after years of repeated impact during sports or heavy activity.
If you're playing eighteen holes once or twice a week throughout the summer, I recommend removing your rings before you tee off. It's a simple habit that can help preserve them for decades.
Can I Leave My Diamond Ring in Jewelry Cleaner Overnight?
This is another question that comes up regularly. The answer is no.
Some commercial jewelry cleaners are designed for quickly cleaning. Leaving jewelry immersed overnight may expose certain gemstones or finishes to unnecessary chemical contact. A better approach is gentle and consistent.
Warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush are often all that's needed for routine cleaning. Carefully brush around the setting where lotions, soap residue, and everyday buildup tend to accumulate.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh household chemicals, bleach, or products that are not specifically designed for fine jewelry.
And remember, nothing replaces professional care.
Periodic inspections and professional cleanings allow us to remove buildup safely while checking for loose stones, worn prongs, and other issues before they become bigger repairs. That's an important part of fine jewelry maintenance.
Why Does My Ring Suddenly Feel Tight During the Summer?
If your rings fit perfectly all winter but suddenly feel snug in July, that’s normal. Warm weather causes many of us to retain a bit more fluid. Heat also encourages blood vessels to expand, leading to temporary swelling in the fingers. Fortunately, this is usually seasonal.
I always encourage clients not to rush into resizing unless the problem continues throughout the year. Sometimes a ring fits differently simply because of changing temperatures. Once cooler weather returns, you'll have a better idea whether a permanent resize is necessary.
Before You Leave for Vacation
One of the best forms of summer jewelry care actually begins before you pack your suitcase. A few minutes of preparation can prevent unnecessary stress while traveling with jewelry.
Choose the jewelry for travel based on the destination and the occasion.
When packing, use individual jewelry pouches or a travel jewelry case with separate compartments. This helps prevent chains from tangling and gemstones from scratching one another.
I also recommend bringing only the pieces you realistically plan to wear. The fewer valuables you travel with, the less you need to worry about while you're away.
A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed! I never want clients to feel afraid of wearing their favorite pieces. Instead, I encourage them to understand how different activities affect their jewelry so they can make informed decisions.
Simple habits like avoiding swimming with jewelry, taking off rings or bracelets before sports, storing pieces properly while traveling, and scheduling regular inspections can extend the life of your collection.
A Final Thought
Summer is a season filled with celebrating life's special moments. Whether you're attending weddings, enjoying family vacations, relaxing by the water, or gathering with friends, your jewelry becomes part of those memories.
Beautiful jewelry deserves beautiful care. I'm always happy to answer questions, professionally clean your jewelry, inspect settings, or recommend the best approach for protecting your favorite pieces.
Because with thoughtful fine jewelry maintenance, the pieces you love today can continue shining beautifully for many summers to come. Happy summer!
