Protecting Your Gold in Summer: Essential Care Tips for Heat and Humidity
Gold jewellery needs extra care during the summer months. With rising temperatures, increased humidity, sweat, and exposure to elements like sunscreen, chlorine, and saltwater, your gold pieces can lose their shine and become prone to damage. And while your jewellery may be a staple for those Pinteresty summer outfits, this season can take a toll on its shine and longevity. From sweat and sunscreen to saltwater and chlorine, seasonal elements can cause gold to lose its lustre, develop surface damage, or even tarnish over time. That’s why we thought it would be great to give your jewellery a little extra TLC this season. In this blog, experts from Bhima Jewellers will walk you through how the golden warmth of the summer months impacts your gold jewellery and share practical, everyday care tips to help protect your favourite pieces from damage, so they stay as brilliant as your sun-kissed memories and long, dreamy summer days. Jewellery vs. Heat: How Summer Affects Gold We have constantly learnt that gold is one of the most durable and non-reactive metals, which is true, but we also ought to understand that it is not entirely immune to the effects of heat, sweat, and moisture. Though very subtly, the warmer months can significantly impact the shine, structure, and longevity of your prized gold jewellery. Worry not, because we’re here to give you a breakdown on the what and how: 1. Sweat and Skin Oils During hot weather, your body naturally produces more sweat and oils. All these, when combined with lotions, perfumes, and other skincare products, can form a residue on your gold jewellery. Over time, this buildup dulls the sparkle of your once-shiny jewellery and may even cause mild discoloration. 2. Humidity and Moisture High humidity levels can be surprisingly harsh on the gold jewellery. Moisture in the air may lead to tarnishing, especially in cases where the gold is mixed with other metals, as in gold alloys. Humid conditions can also encourage grime and dirt to settle in the tiny crevices of the intricate designs. 3. Heat Exposure Extended exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures can affect not only the metal but also any gemstones or settings, putting your stones at risk of falling out. In extreme cases, it may slightly warp delicate gold pieces over time. In short, summer’s beauty comes with hidden risks for your jewellery. But don’t worry — with the right care and attention, your gold pieces can stay radiant all season long. Keep reading to know how. Tips on How to Protect Your Gold Jewellery This Summer Your gold jewellery deserves just as much attention during the summer as your skin does. From beach days to those lovely brunches, it is easy to forget that the very things that make summer magical- sunshine, water and outdoor fun can slowly dull or damage your favourite gold pieces. Here are some simple, practical tips to help you keep your jewellery looking as stunning as ever: 1. Avoid Direct Sunlight & Excessive Heat Prolonged exposure to the sun’s heat can gradually weaken delicate clasps, loosen gemstones, and dull the natural sheen of your gold jewellery. Try not to leave jewellery in hot places like cars, windowsills, or near heat-emitting appliances. When not wearing it, store it in a cool, shaded spot. 2. Keep Your Jewellery Dry Sweat, humidity and water exposure are all common culprits behind the dull or tarnished gold. After a long day out or post-workout, try and gently wipe your pieces with a soft cloth to remove moisture and oils. If they’ve gotten wet, dry them immediately to avoid moisture buildup. 3. Clean Regularly with Mild Soap and Water Summers call for more frequent cleaning. Use a soft toothbrush and a mild solution of soap and lukewarm water to scrub your jewellery gently. Avoid harsh cleaners or alcohol-based solutions as they may strip away the gold’s shine or damage its delicate detailing. 4. Apply Sunscreen and Lotion Before Wearing Jewellery Lotions and sunscreens contain chemicals that coat your gold jewellery, dulling its appearance and hence making it harder to clean. Always apply skincare products first, let them absorb fully and then try and wear your jewellery, if that’s possible. Though it’s not always an easy thing to do, this helps protect it from coming in direct contact with chemicals. 5. Remove Jewellery Before Hitting the Pool or Beach Chlorine in pools can erode and cause gold discolouration, especially in the case of 14K gold or lower carat pieces. Saltwater, too, is highly abrasive and can eat away at the shine. And let us not forget sand, even though tin, but it might be enough to scratch the delicate surfaces. It is best to leave your jewellery safely tucked away when you’re by the water. Pure gold is denoted as 24K, which represents gold in its most natural and unalloyed form — 100% pure. As the karat number decreases, so does the purity of the gold. For instance, 18K gold contains 75% pure gold, 14K gold has 58.3%, and 10K gold comprises 41.7% gold. In essence, the higher the karat, the greater the purity, and the lower the presence of other mixed metals. 6. Don’t Store All Jewellery Together We understand that you might find it convenient and time-saving to toss all your pieces into one box. But you’ve gotta understand that it increases the risk of scratches, tangles and damage. Gold is a soft metal, and rubbing against other metals or stones can leave marks. Store each piece separately using soft pouches or lined compartments. These are small and easy tips, but they will go a long way in keeping your gold jewellery lustrous all summer long. Think of it as a seasonal skincare routine-but for your precious pieces! Best Storage Solutions for Your Jewellery Taking care of your gold jewellery is more than just cleaning and careful use. It’s vital to also properly store your gold jewellery, especially in hot, humid summer months, to maintain its
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