Hi friends! My name is Amber and I am the founder and one of the creators at Mt Nittany Creations. We are a family owned business with my mom, husband, my children and myself adding to our creations. Come check us out on ETSY. Here is an article I wrote as a collaboration with Two A Jewelry.
7 ways to Care for Your Jewelry in the Summer.
It is that time of year again, the sun is out, the temperatures are up, kids are home from school, its summer. Meaning you will be heading to the beach or the pool, taking a nice long jog, and spending more time outside in general. You want to wear some of your adorable new jewelry pieces that match that new swimsuit of yours or to a beach wedding. I say go for it. But how do you care for your jewelry as you enjoy this season?
- Be aware of exposing your jewelry to water.
Certain materials that jewelry is made of does not react well to water. Anything plated, copper, leather, ferrous materials such as Iron and steel, and rose gold (which contains copper) can be affected by exposure to water. Over time they can tarnish and possibly rust. So its best to limit their exposure to water. Solid precious metals – gold, silver, platinum, tungsten, titanium, etc, will be unaffected. Remember if you do expose your jewelry to wipe clean and dry it off.
- Be aware of cold water temperatures.
We may forget that jumping into the pool, lake, river or ocean that the water is cold which can shrink our hands and toes. Those precious fitted rings will become loose. So you may want to leave your engagement ring or family heirloom at home. As to not run the risk of losing them.
- Be aware of hot outdoor temperatures.
Just like cold water shrinks body parts, exposure to heat swells our body parts. So you may want to remove any fitted jewelry on especially hot days or when you are exercising in the heat as to not have your jewelry cut off any circulation or get stuck. Sweat can also cause tarnishing for jewelry that is plated and silver.
- Be aware of the elements at the beach.
I love the beach as much as the next person but sand and salt can do harm to your jewelry. The best kinds of jewelry to wear to the beach should be made from solid precious metals (gold, platinum, tungsten, titanium, etc,) these metals will be unaffected. Wearing plated items can result in sand abrasion as well as tarnishing from the water and salt. As for stones and gems, it is best to wear harder ones which are less likely to scratch. Salt can have long term effects on jewelry especially those made of ferrous materials ( iron and steel), copper, rose gold, wood, coral, and turquoise. Wood, coral, and turquoise are absorbent materials and can absorb the salt and rot over time.
- Be aware of the chemicals in the pool.
Just like the water, temperature, salt and sand can cause damage to some of your jewelry so can the chemicals they use in the pool. If you want to wear jewelry in the pool avoid gold and platinum. Chlorine can also remove the finish and polish on gemstones.
- Be aware of lotions.
We all use various lotions in the summer to enhance our tan and or to protect ourselves from the suns harmful rays. These lotions can affect your jewelry in a minor way. Over time it can cause some discoloration in your metal jewelry but can really affect strung jewelry so it is best to avoid exposure to these pieces.
- Be aware of where you store your jewelry.
Placing your jewelry in a sealed plastic bag can cause any chemicals that your pieces have been exposed to, to begin to tarnish or corrode. Always clean your jewelry off and place it in a breathable type of bag or container.
So now that you are aware of how to care for your jewelry in the summer you can accessorize that new bathing suit or be ready for your friend's beach wedding. Just remember that solid precious metals are the best options.
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Bibliography:
Neecy. “7 Tips for Wearing Jewelry to the Beach…”.
https://jewelry.allwomenstalk.com/tips-for-wearing-jewelry-to-the-beach. 9, June 2018.
“Dos and dont's of Wearing Leather Jewelry.” Orange Bridge Supply Co, 14 Feb. 2018. https://orangebridgesupply.com/blogs/news/dos-and-donts-of-wearing-leather-bracelets . 9 June 2018.
Volandes, Stellene. “21 Reasons to Wear Beach Jewelry” 30 July 2014. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/g813/beach-jewelry/?slide=1 . 9 June 2018.
“The Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing Your Jewelry to the Beach.” https://www.stoneandstrand.com/blogs/blog-list/the-do-s-don-ts-of-wearing-your-jewelry-to-the-beach . 9 June 2018.
Akhtarzad, Nicole. “The Only Jewelry You Should Wear to the Beach.” 31 July 2016. https://www.whowhatwear.com/best-jewelry-for-the-beach/slide2 . 9 June 2018.
Vanden Houten, Jessica. “10 Jewelry Safety Tips to Avoid Damage to Your Jewelry.” 15 June 2016. https://info.jewelersmutual.com/the-jewelry-box/10-jewelry-safety-tips-to-avoid-a-bummer-summer . 9 June 2018.
Upcoming events:
- May 18 For Moms By Moms spring event at The Friends school in State College, PA 10-3pm
- May 22 Baby and Kids online oils class FB
- May 30 Intro to Oils Class FB class
- June 1 Heart of Lewisburg Summer Kick off Craft Fair Lewisburg, PA 9-4pm
- June 15 Ambler Arts Fest Ambler, PA
