Short answer: it's best not to. Chlorine, salt water and sunscreen are some of the toughest things your jewellery will ever meet, and an Australian summer brings all three at once. The good news is that a few simple habits will keep your favourite pieces looking beautiful well beyond the season.
Why the pool and the beach are hard on jewellery
- Chlorine is a strong chemical. It can wear away plating faster and discolour sterling silver, often after just one swim.
- Salt water is corrosive, and salt crystals left to dry on metal can dull the finish.
- Sunscreen, insect repellent and fake tan can leave a film on metal and stones, and the chemicals in them may affect plating over time.
- Sand acts like fine sandpaper, scratching polished surfaces and soft materials.
- Sweat and heat speed up tarnishing, especially on plated pieces worn close to the skin.
Gold plating is a thin layer of gold over another metal. With care it can last a long time, but anything that wears at the surface will shorten its life. For more on this, see our guide to whether gold-plated earrings tarnish.
Take extra care with natural materials
Some of the most beautiful summer materials are also the most delicate.
- Pearls and mother-of-pearl are soft and porous. Chlorine, salt, sunscreen and perfume can dull their lustre permanently.
- Turquoise is porous too, and can change colour when exposed to water, oils and chemicals.
- Natural stones in general are best kept away from pool water and harsh cleaners.
If a piece includes any of these, always take it off before swimming, showering or applying sunscreen.
The summer jewellery rules
1. Last on, first off
Put your jewellery on after sunscreen, moisturiser and perfume have dried, and take it off before you swim, shower, exercise or go to bed.
2. Never swim in plated jewellery
Whether it's the pool, the ocean or a hot tub, take plated pieces off first. Hot tubs are especially harsh, combining heat with chemicals.
3. If it does get wet, act quickly
Rinse the piece gently in fresh water, then pat it completely dry with a soft cloth before putting it away. Don't leave it to air-dry in the sun.
4. Wipe after wearing
A quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth removes sweat and sunscreen residue before it has a chance to build up.
5. Store pieces dry and separately
Keep jewellery away from humid bathrooms, and store pieces separately so they don't scratch each other.
Keeping your jewellery safe on holiday
Beach bags, pool bags and hotel bathrooms are where jewellery most often gets lost, tangled or scratched. Our Travel Jewellery Roll has earring holes, ring storage and space for necklaces, with snap tabs and a wrap-strap closure, so every piece has its place. Pack it in your bag, and you'll always have somewhere safe to put jewellery before a swim.
Beach to dinner: summer pieces to wear after the swim
Once you're dry and the sunscreen has settled, summer is the perfect time for jewellery with a coastal feel.
- Sculpted Tide Hoop Earrings: a wavy, water-inspired profile with fine cubic zirconia detail.
- Ocean Star Silver Necklace: a starfish pendant with pearl and zircon accents, made for sunset dinners by the water.
- Aegean Cross Earrings: natural turquoise in 18K gold-plated copper, a pop of Mediterranean colour.
- Azure Bloom Gold Hoop Earrings: polished gold-tone hoops with a small turquoise-blue floral detail.
Remember that turquoise and pearl pieces are for after the swim, never during.
Quick summary
- Take jewellery off before swimming, showering or applying sunscreen.
- Keep pearls, mother-of-pearl and turquoise away from water and chemicals.
- Rinse in fresh water and dry thoroughly if a piece gets wet.
- Wipe after wearing and store pieces dry and separately.
A few seconds of care after each wear makes all the difference. Enjoy the summer, and let your jewellery sit this swim out.