Monsoon jewellery care: Expert tips for keeping your sparkles safe

No matter the season, jewellery aficionados love donning various designs for special and everyday wear. These ornaments can pep up any outfit and look and are true treasures to people who love to adorn them. Some love them for their sentimental value, whereas for others, they are cherished statement pieces. The monsoon season, while refreshing and revitalising, presents unique challenges for your beloved jewellery. High humidity and frequent showers can accelerate tarnishing, dulling, and even damage your precious pieces. "During the monsoon season, jewellery is at more risk due to moisture. The high humidity in the air can cause metals to tarnish and corrode, while gemstones may lose their color or get damaged," explains Dishi Somani, Founder of DishiS Designer Jewelry.

To ensure your jewellery retains its sparkle throughout the rainy season, it's essential to implement a dedicated care routine. "This does not mean that we leave our precious ornaments hidden away. In fact, with a little love and care, you can wear these beauties even during the monsoon season, with appropriate measures taken to keep them safe," says Aditya Modak, co-founder of Gargi by P N Gadgil & Sons. From understanding the specific needs of different metals and gemstones to adopting proper storage and cleaning practices, this guide offers practical tips to safeguard your jewellery. By following these recommendations, you can enjoy the beauty of your pieces without worrying about the detrimental effects of the monsoon.

What are some precautions we can take during the monsoon?

Do not expose them to direct rain
"Wearing jewellery during the rainy season is something one should not be afraid of. Indeed, the humidity can potentially spoil and tarnish, particularly brass and silver. In this case, you must carry your jewellery in a pouch while travelling outside. When you reach the event or a sheltered place, you can wear your jewellery," recommends Modak.

Wipe them often after you wear them
After it is worn, each piece must be wiped thoroughly and stored. He shares, "During monsoon season, jewellery requires special attention and care including cleaning. Use a soft cotton cloth, lint-free, to wipe your valuables. Avoid using corrosive papers to wipe off moisture, especially your silver pieces."

Wear them with care
When you wear your jewellery, you must treat it with equal care. Modak suggests, "Avoid contact with lotions and perfumes when putting on pieces, whether metal or gemstones. These substances can tarnish metals and affect gemstones over time. Wear your jewellery over clothing to reduce direct contact with skin and sweat whenever feasible. Polo necks for necklaces and long sleeves for bracelets and bangles work well."

Which type of jewellery is best suited for the monsoon?

"Choosing the right jewellery for monsoon weather can be tricky, but pearls surprisingly thrive in such conditions," poses Somani. She lists the reasons, "Their lustrous shine endures the increased moisture in the air, making them a great choice for rainy-day accessories. Additionally, jewellery made from titanium is also well-suited for monsoon weather due to its resistance to rust and tarnish. It's best to avoid delicate gemstones and materials that are more susceptible to damage from humidity and moisture, and instead opt for durable and moisture-resistant options."

How to store jewellery to protect it from moisture?

"The best way to store jewellery during the monsoon is to keep it in an air-tight storage box. This helps protect your pieces from moisture and humidity by preventing them from tarnishing and damage. Before placing your jewellery in the box, ensure it is clean and completely dry," says Somani. She also recommends adding silica gel packets to absorb any excess moisture inside the container."

Modak cautions against keeping them all together, "Ensure you don't store multiple articles, especially pearls, and stones, since they can get abrasions and scratches. When storing jewellery, you must ensure the area around it is dry and cool, especially if you live in an extremely humid climate. The container used to store all valuables should have a strong and sturdy exterior, while the interior should have a soft, plush lining that is airtight. As brass jewellery does not tarnish when it comes into contact with the skin, it must be worn and used frequently."

He also recommends using natural oxidants. Modak shares, "During the monsoons, your beautiful jewellery can be home to insects and moisture. To keep creepers away and ensure your jewellery box is free of moisture, you can also go the natural way. Just use natural antioxidants like camphor or neem leaves in your jewelry box to keep away moisture and insects. This will also keep your precious items fragrant and avoid any damp smell."

How often should I clean my jewellery during the monsoon?

During the monsoon, it's advisable to clean your jewellery at least once a week to keep it in better condition, as per Somani. She shares a simple method, "Use warm water and a few drops of dish soap to remove moisture and dirt. This will help prevent tarnishing and keep your pieces germ-free. Additionally, after each time you wear your jewellery, gently wipe it down with a soft cloth to remove sweat and humidity. Following this routine will ensure your jewellery remains shiny and in good condition throughout the rainy season."

Can I use the same cleaning methods for all types of jewellery?

Cleaning methods vary depending on the type of jewellery, as different materials and gemstones have unique care requirements. Somani shares, "For gold and silver, using warm soapy water and a soft brush is generally safe. However, be cautious with delicate gemstones and pearls, as they may require gentler cleaning. For diamonds, warm soapy water is effective, but avoid using harsh chemicals."

When asked how to take care of pearls and gemstones, she says, "For pearls, avoid exposure to moisture and humidity, store them in a soft, breathable cloth pouch to prevent damage. Clean pearls gently with a damp cloth and let them air dry. Gemstones, particularly softer ones, should be kept in individual compartments to prevent scratches and contact with moisture. Regularly check for any signs of damage or loose settings. Proper storage and minimal exposure to humidity will help preserve the beauty of both pearls and gemstones. Always check for specific care guidelines for each piece to ensure you don't damage any delicate settings or stones."

Modak adds, "For brass jewellery, submerge it in a mix of warm water and non-toxic cleaner, and once you remove it, use a soft toothbrush to clean it. This can be used to clean any type of jewellery, too. If there is grime, a soft toothbrush will do the trick. Brass can retain water spots, so it needs to be dried almost immediately after cleaning. You can also use blow dryers to dry the pieces faster. Brass jewelry needs a little more care to prevent tarnishing. It enjoys properties like looking like gold at a fraction of the cost and does not wear away like gold plating. You can use things you find at home to keep them looking shiny. These include salt, lemon, vinegar, and flour used to clean brass items. Be sure to know how to use these and the quantities they are used in. Periodically professional help is also best in cleaning all other kinds of jewellery."

DIY method to clean jewellery after exposure to rain or humidity

One can use some basic kitchen ingredients to clean jewellery after exposure to rain or humidity. "Start by dipping your jewellery in warm soapy water, which helps remove dirt and moisture. Use a soft brush to gently clean the pieces, focusing on intricate areas. After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the jewellery under running water to remove any soap residue. Finally, dry it carefully with a soft towel or a clean damp cloth. This easy DIY method will help restore the shine and keep your jewellery looking its best," explains Somani.

Also Read: Your complete guide to top wardrobe picks for monsoon