As summer approaches, many Brits are looking forward to a getaway, but there’s one thing experts are urging them to consider whilst on holiday.
Whether it’s a diamond engagement ring or your favourite necklace, if you take your jewellery away with you, it’s important to know how to look after it and keep it safe for the duration of your trip.
There are so many threats to your jewellery when you’re overseas, not only loss, but also damage from things like swimming, sun cream and sun exposure.
With this in mind, to help keep your jewellery safe and in the best condition whilst you’re away, Nilesh Rakholia, Director and jewellery expert atAbelini has shared his expert insight.
Nilesh comments: “It is largely dependent on the metal, the carat and the stone as to whether jewellery will be impacted by activities such as swimming – so it’s important to understand the specifics about your jewellery pieces to know how to keep them safe, and avoid any unnecessary damage.
Nilesh outlines some of the most common things that damage jewellery on holiday, and how to avoid these.
- Going for a swim
Nilesh says: “One of the main activities people love on holiday is swimming, however if you wear jewellery to swim you’re taking a big risk.
“Whilst pure gold shouldn’t necessarily be impacted by chlorine, alloys and other metals can be heavily damaged by exposure to chemicals. Silver for example doesn’t fare well in a swimming pool, as the chlorine can cause it to tarnish. Chlorine can also cause gemstones to become permanently discoloured.
“It’s a similar story with salt water – salt is corrosive to metal and can cause serious damage to both the metal and the gemstones.
“If your jewellery does come into contact with chlorine or salt water, you should always gently rinse your pieces in fresh water and lightly buff the gemstones to polish them.
“Not only can swimming cause damage to your jewellery, there’s also the risk of loss, and if you drop a precious ring, or diamond earring in the ocean (we all saw what happened when Kim K lost hers!) – there’s little chance of getting it back. We’d therefore always advise to play it safe and remove your jewellery before heading for a swim, and pack it away somewhere safe.”
- Sand particles
Nilesh shares: “If you’re more of a sunbather than a swimmer – it’s important to be mindful of the impact that sand can have on your jewellery. Sand is made from tiny particles which can be abrasive to precious metals and stones, causing scratches and imperfections which make the jewellery appear dull.
“Again, we’d advise not wearing your jewellery to the beach – but if you do, always give it a polish afterwards to restore the shine.”
- Suncream
Nilesh explains: “Suncream, moisturiser and other lotions and liquids, can dull the appearance of shiny jewellery and gemstones. They can also make the piece become sticky, attracting dirt and particles, such as sand, which can cause further damage.
“The creams could get stuck in the small crevices surrounding the gemstones, which can be really difficult to clean.
“Of course SPF is one of the most important things to remember for every holiday, so we’d advise removing your jewellery to apply your suncream and allowing the lotion to dry on the skin before putting it back on.
Following Nilesh’s advice will prevent any damage to your favourite jewellery, but what’s the best way to keep them safe on holiday? Nilesh outlines his best jewellery safeguarding methods:
“If you’re taking your jewellery overseas, it could be advised to pack it in your hand luggage, so you know it’s in your possession at all times. With millions of suitcases reported missing every year, placing valuable pieces in your cabin bag could become an expensive risk.
“Using the safe in your hotel room to store your jewellery is recommended – as it’s purpose built to keep your valuables safe and secure. If you don’t have a safe, for any jewellery pieces you’re not wearing, you could place them in small boxes and bags and hide them amongst your clothes, either in your suitcase or the dresser.
“Sometimes, the safest place to keep your jewellery is at home – so if you’re feeling uneasy about taking your pieces on holiday with you, why not purchase some inexpensive replicas to accessorise your outfits whilst you’re away, so you can still look fabulous whilst knowing your jewels are safe back at home.”
For more expert jewellery advice, visit Abelini: www.abelini.com
