4 Summer Jewellery Materials to Choose and How to Care for Them
- Merci Maman
- Personalised Jewellery Blog
- 31 Jul 2025
- 2views
In summer, your jewellery lives life alongside you. Whether you're at the beach, by the pool, out for a stroll, or soaking up the sunshine, your favourite pieces follow you everywhere.
To keep their shine season after season, it's important to choose materials that are suited to an active summer lifestyle — and to care for them properly.
Read on for our advice on selecting long-lasting, elegant jewellery and the right care for each material.
4 Jewellery Materials to Favour in Summer – and How to Make Them Last
At Merci Maman, every piece of jewellery tells a story. And to ensure those memories last, proper care is essential. Depending on the material — gold-plated, silver, gemstone, pearl or cord — different care tips apply.
Here are our top recommendations for keeping your summer jewellery beautiful over time.
1. Gold-Plated & Rose Gold-Plated Jewellery (18ct)
Sturdy yet delicate, gold-plated jewellery needs just a few mindful steps:
Daily tips:
- Remove your jewellery before showering, exercising, swimming or sleeping.
- Avoid contact with chemicals (perfume, lotions, makeup, hairspray...).
- Store in a linen pouch or jewellery box, away from humidity and heat.
- Always fasten your necklace chains to prevent tangling.
Care tip:
- Gently polish with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to restore shine.
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2. 925 Sterling Silver Jewellery
Silver is a timeless choice for summer — especially when well cared for.
Daily tips:
- Follow the same rules as for gold-plated pieces: avoid water, chemicals, and store each item separately.
- Great news: wearing your silver jewellery often helps preserve its shine thanks to your skin’s natural oils!
Care tips:
- Clean gently with a soft cloth or with warm, soapy water (and dry thoroughly).
- Silver may oxidise when exposed to air, but regular polishing will bring it back to life.
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3. Jewellery with Natural Gemstones
Elegant and one of a kind, natural stones require a little extra care.
Daily tips:
- Avoid water, humidity and chemical products.
- Store gemstone-adorned pieces separately to prevent scratches.
Care tip:
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth.
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4. Jewellery with Pearls
Pearls are delicate treasures and deserve gentle care.
Daily tips:
- Store separately from other jewellery to avoid surface damage.
Care tips:
- Clean using a soft cloth.
- You may also use slightly soapy water — just be sure to dry thoroughly before storing.
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Merci Maman’s Jewellery Care Kit: A Must-Have for Long-Lasting Shine
To help your engraved jewellery stay radiant over time, try our Merci Maman Jewellery Care Kit.
Designed for each specific material, it helps keep your personalised jewellery looking as beautiful as the day you received it — summer after summer.
Find all our care tips in our dedicated section and shop your next personalised piece with confidence.
In Short: Choose Wisely, Care Gently
Choosing durable materials is the first step to enjoying your personalised summer jewellery worry-free. But it’s the loving care you give them that turns your jewellery into lifelong keepsakes, full of meaning and emotion.
FAQ – Your Most Asked Questions
Can I wear my personalised jewellery in the sea?
It’s best to remove your jewellery before swimming, especially in seawater. Salt can dull metals and weaken cords or gemstones.
How do I stop my jewellery from tangling while travelling?
Store each piece in a separate pouch. Fasten necklace chains to prevent them from twisting. You can also thread a chain through a drinking straw to keep it straight!
What’s the difference between gold-plated and gold-dipped?
Gold-plated jewellery is coated with a thicker layer of gold (usually 3 microns), whereas gold-dipped (or fine gold gilded) has a thinner layer. This means gold-plated pieces last longer.
Can silver jewellery tarnish in the sun?
Sunlight itself won’t damage silver, but moisture, sweat and certain products can cause oxidation. Wearing your jewellery regularly and cleaning it often will keep it looking its best.
