Can I take my Jewelry to the Beach?

beach-jewelryHot summer days are best cooled down by a trip to the beach or the pool. But while most people know to take along a bathing suit, towel, and oh-so-crucial sunscreen, many don't know what to do about their jewelry. Sure, hoop earrings and glitzy necklaces might look great with a bathing suit—we see that sort of thing in movies all the time. But as to whether it's a good idea to wear your precious jewelry to the beach, the answer depends on your own answers to a few questions.

Chemical Concerns

The best rule of thumb when it comes to wearing your jewelry to the beach or the pool is be careful. Even if all you wear is your wedding ring, remember that water contributes to metal tarnishing, and chlorine can break down gold and substantially damage the finish on some jewelry. If you choose to go a bit glitzy, keep in mind that sand is extremely abrasive and gets into everything, especially the crevices of your engagement ring or ornate bracelets. And as for sunscreen and bug spray—both very necessary, of course—they can stick to jewelry, especially the little details of your rings, earrings, and bracelets, as well as anything that involves chain links, like a watch or necklace.

Loss Prevention

Yes, even if you don't like taking off your wedding ring or that pair of stud earrings you wear all the time, it might be a good idea to leave it all at home. Even if you are careful with sand, sunscreen, chlorine, and all the rest, excessive exposure to the sun can bleach certain materials… and then there's the risk of losing your beloved jewelry to consider. Costume jewelry may be the best choice for accessorizing, because it's not sentimental. Losing a precious heirloom in the sand, or at a public pool or water park, can turn a fun day into a real nightmare.

If you simply can't take off your jewelry, or need to look your best at a poolside party or beach wedding, consider investing in jewelry insurance or seeking out jewelry repair in Kansas City to ensure that any loose stones are secure in their settings. Both would be even better! Here at Noe's, we recommend our clients check out Jewelers Mutual.

Insurance Protection

Jewelers Mutual understands jewelry insurance because it's all they do. Of course, nothing can truly replace a lost piece of jewelry, especially if it has sentimental value. But if you do lose the diamond out of your engagement ring while at the beach, or your jewelry is stolen when you're on vacation, Jewelers Mutual will cover it. At only $11 per $1000 of value, you could easily insure five thousand dollars worth of jewelry for only $55 a year, with no deductible. We think that's a small price to pay for worry-free summer fun and vacations!

If you're looking to insure or repair your jewelry before this year's fun in the sun, visit Noe's online or in person at our Raymore, Missouri jewelry store.