The Essential Summer Jewelry Care Guide: Beach, Travel & Beyond
Summer is the season of movement—whether you're headed to the coast, planning a weekend road trip, or just soaking up sunshine close to home.
As fun and carefree as the season feels, it can also be tough on your jewelry. From saltwater and sunscreen to luggage and long walks in the heat, your favorite pieces go through a lot this time of year. However, that doesn’t mean you have to leave them behind.
With a few smart habits and some simple tips, you can enjoy all the sparkle of summer without putting your jewelry at risk. This guide covers how to wear, store, and travel with your pieces—so you can shine all season long.
Should You Wear Jewelry at the Beach?
The beach is one of the most common places for jewelry to get lost, scratched, or damaged. Sand can scratch metals and gemstones, while saltwater can dull finishes and weaken delicate settings over time. Sunscreen and sweat can also leave residue on stones, making them appear cloudy.
If you’re planning a beach day, we recommend removing your jewelry before heading into the sand or surf—especially rings, which can easily slip off in the water. If you do wear jewelry, keep it minimal and avoid anything too delicate or valuable.
After your beach outing, rinse your pieces gently with clean, lukewarm water to remove any salt, sand, or lotion buildup.
If you're traveling with jewelry to the beach, store it in a soft pouch or a lined travel case to prevent scratching during the trip. Never toss your pieces loose into a tote or beach bag, where they can be knocked around or tangled.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Traveling with Jewelry
Vacations are for relaxing, not worrying about losing your favorite necklace in the hotel room. When packing jewelry for travel, choose versatile pieces that can be worn with multiple outfits—think stud earrings, simple hoops, a slim bracelet, or a small pendant necklace.
Leave anything irreplaceable at home, and opt for pieces you’ll feel confident wearing and storing while on the go.
Travel cases with separate compartments are your best friend. They help keep chains from tangling, prevent scratching, and make it easy to find what you need without unpacking everything. It’s also smart to keep a small polishing cloth in your bag for quick touch-ups.
If you're flying, wear your jewelry through airport security or pack it in your carry-on—avoid checked luggage. Checked bags can be lost, and valuables are more secure when kept close.
The Active Girl’s Guide to Wearing Jewelry
Outdoor concerts, hiking trails, bike rides, pool days—summer invites us to stay active. However, many of these activities aren’t ideal for delicate jewelry.
Intense heat and humidity can cause swelling, making rings feel tighter or harder to remove.
Chlorine in pools can be especially harsh on gold and platinum and may loosen prongs holding gemstones in place.
If you’re heading into the water or planning something high-energy, consider leaving your finer pieces at home.
That said, if you do choose to wear jewelry during summer adventures, stick to secure clasps, snug-fitting rings, and post-back earrings that won’t slip out easily. When in doubt, less is more—and you'll still look effortlessly put-together.
Sweat, Sun, and Storage: What to Know
Warm weather often means more sweat, more lotions, and more frequent wear—all of which can cause buildup on your favorite jewelry.
Summer is actually a great time to bring your jewelry in for a quick check-up. Prongs can loosen with time and wear, stones can shift, and clasps can weaken—especially if you’ve been wearing your pieces regularly in heat or water. A professional inspection can catch those small issues before they turn into big repairs.
Our team at Perry’s Emporium of Wilmington offers in-store cleanings, prong checks, and polishing services to help your jewelry look its best and stay secure. If you’re heading into a busy season of weddings, travel, or events, a quick visit ensures your jewelry is in perfect shape to shine.
When you're not wearing your jewelry, store it in a cool, dry place—preferably in a box or pouch that protects it from dust and moisture. Don’t leave it in a steamy bathroom or out in the sun, where extreme temperatures can cause metals to expand and contract over time.
Small Tools, Big Peace of Mind
If you’re planning multiple trips or just want peace of mind while you’re away, consider putting together a small travel jewelry care kit. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a few essentials to keep your pieces clean, protected, and ready to wear. Include a small polishing cloth, a few individual pouches or zip bags, a soft travel case, and a safe place to store rings and earrings at night (a small dish works perfectly).
You might also include a note listing the pieces you brought with you—just so you don’t forget something in a hotel drawer. For custom or sentimental pieces, a small tag inside your case with your name and contact info is a smart extra step.
Travel in Style, Worry-Free
Jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed—not hidden away until the end of summer. With a little planning and care, you can feel confident wearing your favorite pieces while still protecting them from damage, loss, or dulling.
Whether you’re packing for a beach escape, attending a destination wedding, or just enjoying your everyday routine in the sunshine, smart jewelry habits let you shine without stress.
If something does happen along the way—a missing stone, a broken clasp, or a piece in need of a post-trip refresh—we’re here to help. From quick fixes to full cleanings and professional advice, Perry’s Emporium of Wilmington is your local resource for all things sparkle.
Finish the Season Strong (and Sparkly!)
If your pieces need a seasonal clean, inspection, or repair—or if you’re searching for that perfect, easy-to-wear summer staple—visit our showroom or give us a call.
We’re always happy to help you protect your collection and find new favorites to love.
? Perry’s Emporium of Wilmington
? (910) 392-6721
?️ Visit our website to learn more or book a service appointment.
© 2025 Perry's Emporium of Wilmington. All rights reserved.