As summer holidays approach and many of us head to warmer climates, it’s a good time to offer a gentle reminder about how water and chemicals can affect your silver jewellery. This article was inspired by a recent call from a customer who returned from the Mediterranean and wanted to know why their silver bangle had developed an unexpected tarnish.

Wearing your sterling silver jewellery on holiday should be a pleasure. In fact, silver often looks even more striking against sun-kissed skin. So, by all means, wear it, enjoy it, but take a few sensible precautions to keep it looking its best.

At the Beach

Sea water may feel lovely, but it isn’t a friend to silver. The salt in seawater can react with silver, accelerating the oxidation process that leads to tarnish or even light corrosion. This can leave your jewellery looking darker, duller, or with black patches.

Our advice: If you’re heading for a swim or a paddle, it’s best to take your silver jewellery off. If it does come into contact with seawater, rinse it gently with fresh water as soon as possible and dry it completely with a soft cloth.

By the Pool

Swimming pools usually contain chlorine, which can also react with silver, sometimes forming a dark silver chloride film. The strength of this reaction depends on the chlorine levels, but it’s always wise to be cautious.

If you’ve had a dip: Rinse your silver in fresh water and dry it thoroughly. Regular exposure to chlorinated water may cause your jewellery to tarnish more quickly.

In a Hot Tub

Hot tubs tend to have higher chlorine levels than swimming pools, and because they are heated, chemical reactions occur more rapidly. This can make the effects on silver jewellery more severe and potentially harder to clean.

Our advice: Remove your jewellery before jumping into hot tub to avoid accelerated tarnishing or damage.

Hot Springs

It’s best to avoid wearing silver in hot springs altogether. Natural spring water often contains a variety of minerals, especially sulphur, which can turn silver an unpleasant colour. Some reactions may be difficult or even impossible to reverse.

What About Showers?

Generally, shower water is fine. Tap water doesn't usually contain harsh chemicals that damage silver. In fact, a gentle rinse can sometimes help remove skin oils and environmental pollutants. However, hard water minerals and certain shampoos or shower gels may dull the surface of your jewellery over time.

Tip: If you're keeping your jewellery on in the shower, avoid lathering it with shampoo or conditioner, and give it a quick rinse before drying it thoroughly.

Washing Your Hands

If you’re wearing rings, be sure to dry them completely after washing your hands. Letting them air-dry or using hot-air dryers can encourage tarnishing. A soft towel is best.

A Few Final Holiday Hints

Warm weather, sunshine, and a relaxing drink or two – it’s all part of a perfect holiday. But did you know that changes in your body chemistry, caused by alcohol consumption or increased perspiration, can also speed up the tarnishing process? It's another reason to give your jewellery a gentle wipe at the end of each day.

Top tip: Pack a soft silver polishing cloth in your suitcase. It takes up almost no space and will help keep your jewellery looking bright throughout your travels.

For further advice on silver cleaning please read our news item Recommended Silver Cleaning Products.

If you’re looking for inspiration for something appropriate to wear at the beach, for ladies I recommend our beautiful STERLING SILVER SEA SHELL EARRINGS and for men our handsome MENS CHUNKY BEATEN SILVER BRACELET. Enjoy your holidays!