Summer is almost here, and with it comes the promise of sunny beach days, sparkling pool parties, and well-deserved vacations. But before you pack your bags and head out the door, it’s worth taking a moment to think about the precious jewelry you’ve collected – pieces that carry not just monetary value, but memory and meaning. At llyn strong fine art jewelry in Greenville, SC, we want your summer to shine as brightly as your gems. That’s why we’ve put together 5 essential tips for keeping your jewelry safe, beautiful, and protected all season long.
llyn strong fine art jewelry is located in Greenville, SC, and specializes in creating custom-made fine art jewelry. Browse our online inventory of fine art jewelry. Contact us today at 864-233-5900 or visit our storefront at 1322 E Washington St Suite C1, Greenville, SC 29607. Let us help you reimagine, re-think and re-invent your jewelry collection!
1. Assess, insure, and decide what travels with you
Before any trip, take time to evaluate your jewelry. Have heirloom or high value pieces professionally inspected and appraised, then ensure they’re covered under your homeowners or renters’ insurance (or add a rider). For peace of mind on big vacations, consider leaving your most precious items at home in a secure safe or a bank safety deposit box. Traveling lighter reduces worry and the risk of loss or theft while you’re away. At llyn strong fine art jewelry, we are happy to help you evaluate which pieces need to be appraised, and with our in-house Graduate Gemologist, Sydney Strong, we can take care of any appraisals necessary.
2. Avoid wearing gold jewelry in chlorinated pools
Swimming pools may seem harmless, but chlorine can be extremely damaging to jewelry, especially gold pieces. Over time, chlorine weakens the alloys mixed with gold, which can make prongs brittle and increase the risk of stones loosening or falling out. White gold is particularly vulnerable because chlorine can also affect rhodium plating. It is always safest to remove rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings before entering a pool or hot tub.
3. Leave jewelry off at the beach
Sand may feel soft on your feet, but it can be surprisingly abrasive on jewelry. Tiny grains of sand can scratch gold, platinum, and gemstones, gradually dulling polished surfaces and finishes. The beach is also one of the easiest places to lose jewelry. Rings can slip off in cool ocean water, bracelets can break during activity, and earrings can disappear unnoticed in the sand. Even the strongest clasps can fail during swimming or beach sports. For a carefree beach day, it is best to leave your fine jewelry safely tucked away.
Story Time! One of our cherished but unnamed customers tucked her jewelry away in an unusual spot while at the beach. She put all her jewelry in a plastic bag and hid it in the under-the- counter microwave (naturally thinking that it would be safe). The next morning, forgetting that she had put it there, she heated her coffee cup in the microwave – with her jewelry still hidden there! Very embarrassed, she brought us her melted bag of jewelry and luckily, we were able to salvage and restore most of the pieces and remove the charred and melted plastic from them. We do not recommend using a microwave as a safe place to hide your jewelry! 😊
4. Protect your jewelry from sunscreen, lotion, and heat
Summer skincare products are wonderful for your skin but not always for your jewelry. Sunscreen, tanning oils, and lotions can create a film that builds up behind gemstones and on metal surfaces, reducing sparkle and brilliance. Extreme heat and humidity can also affect certain gemstones, especially pearls, opals, turquoise, and emeralds, which may dry out or become more fragile over time. Applying products before putting on jewelry – and gently cleaning pieces afterward – can help maintain their beauty.
5. Give your jewelry a thorough pre- and post- trip cleaning
Summer adventures mean more exposure to sweat, salt, and dirt. Gently clean your pieces with a soft brush and mild soap solution (or a jewelry-specific cleaner) before packing and again when you return. This removes buildup, lets you inspect for loose stones or wear, and keeps everything looking its best. At llyn strong, we are happy to clean and check your jewelry to keep it sparkling.
By following these simple practices, you’ll enjoy your summer jewelry worry-free and keep every piece looking radiant for years to come. Whether you’re planning a mountain escape in the Blue Ridge or a coastal trip, your jewelry should celebrate the season with you. At llyn strong fine art jewelry in Greenville, SC, we love helping our customers create and care for pieces that tell their unique stories. If you need repairs, custom designs, appraisals, or expert advice on travel-ready jewelry, stop by. We’re here to make your summer sparkle. Safe travels and happy summer adventures!
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