Vacation Wear & Care of Jewelry

The warm nights and hot days of summer are in full swing. It is vacation time and the migration of people to tourist destinations is at its peak. The beach, the mountains and brochures to remote 'corners' of the earth beckons us to seek adventure.

When you are packing your suitcase or duffel bag don't forget about your jewelry. If you haven't had your jewelry cleaned and checked, now would be a good time to do that.

If you are planning a trip that requires some sparkle and accessories such as a cruise, be mindful when you are packing your jewelry. Wear the minimum items as you travel to your destination and keep your jewelry in your possession in your carryon luggage, purse or satchel which you should always keep with you. Be sure to have updated appraisals & insurance on the items you are taking.

Double check to see if you need any documents for proof of ownership when you are travelling internationally. When you go through customs, they may require it. Jill's Jewelry Appraisals can make passport size copies of your appraisals.

If you will be roughing it on the Appalachian Trail, go ahead and leave the jewelry to be cleaned and repaired at the jewelers. Even a plain band can take a beating if you are rock climbing or chopping firewood. If you are leaving your residence vacant for an extended vacation, secure your valuables in a home safe or a bank safety deposit box.

It is fun to post your jaw dropping vistas and unbelievably wild party pictures on social media but consider downloading them when you return. You advertise that you are not at home when you post in real time. It can be an invitation for the unscrupulous to take advantage of your absence.

We love water, whether at the beach, pool, hot tub or water park. Your jewelry doesn't like any of those. Jewelry metals contain alloys like nickel and copper. The chemicals used to maintain clean and clear water will eat the alloys out of your jewelry and weaken the bands and settings. Water can cause your fingers to shrink in size and the force of a wave will whisk a wedding ring off a finger in a second.

My suggestion is to leave your jewelry out of any water excursion or secure it in a closed and watched bag that you keep with you.

Love your jewelry and wear it with pride but please consider that jewelry metals are soft and pliable. Very few lovely jewelry items are made from stainless steel, but we tend to wear our jewelry like it is. For the best summer experience, be proactive in how you protect and take care of the sentimental and valuable items you own and enjoy your vacation without worries.