Summer Happens... Even to Your Jewellery!

Let's be honest—we've all done it.

Jumped into the pool without taking your rings off, had a relaxing soak in a hot tub wearing your favourite necklace, or applied sun cream after you've already put your jewellery on.

And yes... I've done it too—and I'm a jeweller!

The good news? There's no need to panic if your silver or gold jewellery has had a few summer adventures. A little extra care goes a long way, and most pieces can be brought back to life with a good clean.

That being said, here are a few things to watch out for.

Swimming pools and hot tubs
Chlorine isn't particularly kind to jewellery. Over time it can dull the shine of silver and speed up wear on gold-plated pieces. If you remember, it's always best to take your jewellery off before taking a dip—but don't beat yourself up if you've forgotten once or twice.

The sea
Salt water can leave jewellery looking a little lacklustre, and cold water has another sneaky habit—it can make your fingers shrink slightly, making rings much easier to lose! If you're heading for a swim, it's safest to leave your favourite pieces on dry land.

Sun cream and perfume
Think of jewellery as the finishing touch. Apply your sun lotion and perfume first, let them soak in or dry, then pop your jewellery on. It helps prevent residue building up and keeps your pieces sparkling for longer.

But - we're busy people right, and I do believe that our jewellery is meant to be worn. It has to come along with us in life so if your sterling silver jewellery is looking a little dull after the summer, don't worry—it usually just needs a gentle clean.

Here are a few easy ways to freshen it up at home:

• Use a silver polishing cloth. A quick polish is often all it takes to restore the shine.
• Wash it in warm water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean any detailed areas, then rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
• Store it somewhere dry when you're not wearing it. Keeping silver away from moisture helps slow down tarnishing.

Take care with harsh household cleaners or abrasive, as these can do more harm than good and are usually best avoided if your looking for a polished finish.

Watch out for my next blog showing you how to clean your silver at home with a few store cupboard ingredients and remember jewellery is made to be worn and enjoyed, and a few summer mishaps aren't the end of the world. So wear your favourite pieces, make wonderful memories, and if they lose a little sparkle along the way, they're usually only a gentle clean away from looking beautiful again.