Summer is the season of everything good — long evenings, warm skin, that particular kind of light that makes everything look golden. And then you look down at your favourite necklace and it's... green. Or dull. Or somewhere at the bottom of your beach bag, tangled into a tiny knot of despair.
We've been there. So here's what we actually do to keep our pieces looking beautiful all summer long — no complicated routines, no expensive products, just a few habits that genuinely make a difference.
The things summer does to your jewellery (and why)
It's not that summer is out to get you. It's just that a few things happen all at once:
Sweat is mildly acidic and speeds up tarnishing on silver and brass.
Sunscreen — even the good stuff — leaves a film on metal and stones that builds up over time and makes everything look flat.
Chlorine in pools is genuinely aggressive and can permanently damage certain metals.
Saltwater is beautiful and corrosive in equal measure.
Heat — especially leaving pieces in a hot car or on a windowsill — can loosen settings and warp delicate structures.
None of this means you can't wear jewellery in summer. It just means a little awareness goes a long way.
The one rule that changes everything
Put your jewellery on last. Take it off first.
Sunscreen, perfume, hair products — all of these should go on before your jewellery. And before you jump in the pool, the sea, or the shower, take your pieces off. It sounds almost too simple, but this single habit will extend the life of your jewellery more than anything else.
How to actually clean your jewellery at home
You don't need anything fancy. A small bowl of warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, a soft toothbrush, and a few minutes is genuinely all it takes for most pieces. Scrub gently, rinse well, and pat dry — don't leave metal to air dry if you can help it, as water spots can form.
For silver that's already tarnished, a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft cloth works well. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately.
A few things to avoid: ultrasonic cleaners are great for diamonds and hard stones, but keep them away from pearls, opals, turquoise, or anything with glued settings. And never use toothpaste — it's more abrasive than it looks.
For more detailed guidance by material, these are worth bookmarking:
→ How to clean silver jewellery (WikiHow)
→ Jewellery cleaning tips for every metal (The Spruce)
→ Gemstone care by stone type (GIA)
Beach days — what to actually bring
Our honest advice: leave the pieces you love most at home. The beach is not the place for anything irreplaceable. If you want to wear jewellery, choose something you'd be okay losing — or pieces specifically designed to handle a bit of adventure.
If you do wear jewellery to the beach, rinse everything with fresh water as soon as you're done. Salt dries on metal and continues to work on it even after you've left the water.
Storage — the part most people skip
Heat and humidity are the enemies of a good jewellery collection. A few things that actually help:
Store pieces individually so they don't scratch each other. Anti-tarnish pouches or a lined jewellery box make a real difference. Keep everything away from direct sunlight and out of the bathroom — the humidity from showers accelerates tarnishing faster than almost anything else. A small silica gel packet in your jewellery box absorbs moisture and is genuinely underrated.
Pieces worth taking care of
If you're going to put in the effort, it helps to start with jewellery that's worth it. Everything at Asimico is handmade — designed to be worn, to age beautifully, and to last.
→ Most Loved — our bestsellers
→ Soft Chains — delicate everyday pieces
→ On the Neck — necklaces and pendants
→ On the Arm — bracelets and cuffs
→ Browse everything
Take care of your jewellery, and it'll take care of you. Or at least look really good while you're both figuring it out. 🌞