Suns Out, Gems Out!!
As summer is finally here, all we can think about is vacations, margaritas and that beach babe tan! Unfortunately our jewelry feels differently. I figured I would do a little PSA to help keep our gems and metals safe and looking fresh while facing the elements.
A few things to think about before you hit the beach, how important is my jewelry to me? Do I care about losing it? Now that being said I’m not saying you don’t care and or that you have to leave everything at home. Just food for thought. As a good rule of thumb, if a piece is expensive, LEAVE IT AT HOME. As humans, we swell when we are hot and and shrink when we are cold. Science. So when we are getting our beach babe tans, our hands and the jewelry on them are going to feel tight. As soon as you hit that beautiful salt water your hands shrink and leave room for lost items. Ocean currents can be very strong and snag the most secure gems and metals. Nobody wants that! Being a coastal native myself, a cool trick is to bring a thermos or some kind of a container to bury in the sand. This is great for all of your important belongings that need protection from the elements. Cell phone, keys, your grandmother’s engagement ring lol whatever valuables you have. Keep them in the container until you leave the beach.
Facing the elements part two:
Tanning babes, gents, and non-binaries! Sunscreens and self tanners are not kind to your stones and metals. They can dull your jewelry and some even stain. Make sure to apply and dry before you put your sparkles back on.
Married folks, there are a lot of companies (QALO, SafeRingz, Groove Life) that make rubber wedding bands. I suggest that you invest before wearing your bands and diamonds swimming, in the ocean, and for all water sport activities. They’ll stay nice and snug, while still letting the world know you’re hitched. Even the best goldsmiths can’t control who mother nature decides who stays and who goes.
Jewelry with patinas! Patinas consist of any form of oxidation or surface treatment to a metal. These treatments are said to be semi permanent. Now being a goldsmith for many years I haven’t found this to be an issue with oxidation. Especially with using Liver of Sulfur and a sealing wax, I find the pieces last with full oxidation for years! In recent discovery, I have found that certain peoples sweat and salt water do hold the “semi-permanent” statement to be true. That being said if you have oxidized jewelry please leave them at home. Salt water is abrasive as well as sand and cannot be trusted.
PSA complete. So just keep in mind these little tips while enjoying your fun in the sun. BE SAFE! Happy Vacationing!!
xoxo,
LARUE