Don’t Fade Away
Prolonged sunlight can change the appearance of a gemstone and remove the pizzazz of a richly colored gem. Direct UV rays affect all types of luxury gems differently, depending on the stone and how long they are exposed to sunlight. Pearls and Opals are some of the softest gemstones out there, and pearls are organically formed, making them incredibly fragile. If heat and ultraviolet get to pearls or opals, they tend to dry out and crack – sometimes ruining a priceless heirloom. Other gemstones like aquamarine or morganite will fade their quintessential pastel color to a dusty-clear visage. Yuck. Our advice is to limit the softer, more vulnerable gems to the nightlife or the less sunny months.
Keep Out Chemicals
The sun isn’t the only risk to jewelry. Summertime necessities like sunscreen can be a death sentence to the luster of yellow gold, white gold, and silver. The chemicals in sunscreen that prevent skin damage and burns do pretty much the opposite to the precious metals in jewelry. sunscreen can tarnish some metals, and others can be left with an oily residue that dulls the shine over time. Fun in the sun can be a bummer for jewelry, as well. Pool parties are the cornerstone of summertime fun, but make sure to keep those heirlooms away from chlorinated water. Chlorine can tarnish metals, which means it will dull the shine. It can also make the metal weaker – making it more likely for the prongs to bend and for a gem to be lost. It’s best to remove all jewelry before taking a dip in the ocean too – salt is corrosive to just about all jewelry and can leave an unsightly residue on precious pieces.
Summer-Safe Statements
All of these precautions don’t necessarily mean glam is out for the summer. We can stay bejeweled at any summer event, and some well-planned, durable jewelry is the way to go. Wearing appropriate jewelry for the season and event is the best way to ensure that precious jewelry stays shining all year long. The number one gemstone known for its durability is also the most famous gemstone in history: The Diamond. The iconic girl’s best friend ranks the absolute highest out of all the gemstones at a hardness rating of 10. That means next to nothing can scratch these babies. They can still be lost if the metal around them weakens, but we can rest assured that permanently damaging a diamond is a tall order for mother nature.
Flex on ‘em
Greet summer in style. The 18k yellow gold Flex Cuff Bracelet by Hulchi Belluni is thoughtfully designed for both beauty and comfort. The diamond-shaped hinges in the cuff give it both an alluring pattern and the ability to flex with the wearer’s wrist. The middle of the Flex Cuff boasts a three-row pave of brilliant round diamonds that catch the eye and adds a touch of elegance to the piece. The flexing technology makes it perfect for an outdoor occasion or a night of dancing and movement. Easy to slip on and off, it’s a great companion for a beach vacation or a poolside day that might require multiple wardrobe changes. The diamonds are a durable gem that will keep their luster no matter what the summer brings, and yellow gold lays beautifully on sunkissed skin.
The Heart of Summer
Calling all heartbreakers. The Matte Black Ceramic and Ruby Heart Bracelet by Robert Demeglio is a masterpiece of summer-safe jewelry. First and foremost, the high-tech ceramic on this baby is not only stylish, but it also stands up to a busy summer schedule of events in the sun. Robert Demelgio’s Spring patent allows this bracelet to stretch and bend with the movement of the wearer’s wrist, meaning maximum comfort with an elegant twist. In a hint of playfulness, there is a single ruby heart accenting the black ceramic bracelet. We love a dramatic flair. Rubies are prized for their deep red tones, but they are also surprisingly durable gemstones. Ranking right under diamonds on the hardness scale with a rating of 9, rubies are one tough gem to crack. They stand up relatively well to the sun, too – while they can technically fade in UV light, they are rated for “everyday wear” as long as nobody throws them in a tanning bed.
Forever Pink
Bring out the inner Barbie Girl with the Diamond and Pink Sapphire Tennis Bracelet by Deutsch Signature. Sporty yet dainty, this is the perfect piece for a summer-loving pink princess. The white gold setting brings out the glistening diamonds and pink sapphires in a bouquet of sparkles, and it’s a beauty that will last all summer long. We’ve already sung the praises of diamonds, with their near-invulnerability, but sapphires should have their day in the sun as well – literally. Most pink gemstones like amethyst, morganite, and pink tourmaline fade to nothing when exposed to too much UV light. Pink Sapphires, on the other hand, are made of the same stuff as rubies and emeralds. That means they can stand up to the sun a lot longer than most other gemstones. It also means the hardness ranks just under diamonds at a rating of 9, so it takes a lot to dull.
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