Jewelry and the Beach: What You Need to Know

There are countless opportunities to accidentally damage or even lose your jewelry, and the beach is one of the riskiest places. Many people feel reluctant to remove their engagement ring when heading out, and that’s completely understandable. But if you plan to accessorize your swimwear with jewelry, yineta Jewelry experts recommend keeping a few precautions in mind to ensure your day by the water remains enjoyable and worry-free.

Should You Wear Jewelry at the Beach?

If you do, proceed with extreme caution. Wearing rings or other jewelry in the ocean poses a big risk. In colder water, your skin naturally contracts, making rings much looser. Unless your ring fits tightly enough that it cannot slip off, it’s best to remove it before entering the sea. Unfortunately, the ocean has become a “graveyard” for countless engagement and wedding rings.

The Ocean Air and Your Jewelry

Salt in the air is highly corrosive and can damage a variety of jewelry materials. Pay special attention to:

  • Rose Gold: The copper content reacts quickly with salt, leading to corrosion.
  • Wood Jewelry: Soft and absorbent, making it especially vulnerable to salt and moisture.
  • Coral & Turquoise: These porous gemstones can absorb sea salt, causing structural weakness, rusting, or rotting.

When visiting the beach, always store your jewelry in a cool, dry, well-ventilated case. Avoid Ziploc bags—although they seem convenient, cutting off airflow can speed up oxidation, leaving metals dull or discolored.

Beach Sand and Jewelry

Sand, made primarily of silica, is incredibly abrasive. It can scratch and wear away softer surfaces such as gold, rhodium, and vermeil. While solid gold and silver are more resistant, prolonged exposure still risks surface dullness. Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires can handle sand exposure, but softer gemstones like citrine, amethyst, or other quartz stones are vulnerable to damage.

Using Suntan Lotion and Creams with Jewelry

Suntan lotions may not corrode metal directly, but they can weaken string or thread-based jewelry. Silver jewelry is particularly at risk—creams with sulfur dioxide can react with the metal, turning it black. Sweat can also create chemical reactions, especially after eating foods high in sulfur like garlic or olives, causing silver to discolor seemingly “magically.”

Best Jewelry for the Beach

Durable jewelry pieces are the safest choice if you decide to wear them. Diamonds, platinum, and fine gold can typically withstand a day at the beach. However, always remove jewelry before entering the ocean or a pool. Saltwater and chlorine are both harsh enemies of delicate settings and can cause permanent damage.

Other Precautions

Before applying sunscreen, bug spray, or body creams, always remove your jewelry. These products leave residue, dulling gemstones and creeping into delicate prongs or chains. Prolonged sun exposure can also bleach certain materials. After a day at the beach, clean your jewelry thoroughly to remove sunscreen, oils, and sweat.

At yineta Jewelry, we recommend professional cleaning and checkups if your jewelry shows signs of tarnish, scratches, or loosened settings. With proper care, your favorite pieces will remain radiant for years to come.