Summer brings sunshine, vacations, and outdoor events, but it also brings heat, humidity, sweat, and air pollution, all of which can accelerate the tarnishing of your silver and fine jewelry. Whether you're a retailer displaying products, a collector storing heirlooms, or simply someone who loves to wear their favorite silver pieces year-round, understanding how to care for your jewelry during the summer months is essential.

Why Does Jewelry Tarnish More in Summer?

Tarnish is a form of corrosion that occurs when metals like silver react with sulfur-containing gases and moisture in the air. During summer, the higher humidity and increased exposure to sweat, sunscreen, saltwater, and chlorine speed up this chemical reaction. This is particularly problematic for silver, which is highly reactive to airborne sulfides and pollutants.

Tips for Protecting Jewelry in Warm Weather:

1. Limit Exposure to Moisture and Chemicals

Avoid wearing silver jewelry when swimming (especially in pools with chlorine) or applying lotions, perfumes, and sunscreens. These substances can accelerate tarnishing and damage gemstones.

2. Wipe Jewelry After Use

After wearing, gently wipe your pieces with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove sweat and oils. This small step can greatly reduce tarnish buildup.

3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Keep jewelry in a humidity-controlled environment. Avoid storing silver in the bathroom or in unsealed boxes that allow air circulation.

4. Use Anti-Tarnish Storage Solutions

Opt for anti-tarnish bags or strips that neutralize corrosive gases and keep moisture at bay. These are far more effective than simple plastic bags or untreated cloth pouches.

Intercept: Summer-Proof Protection for Your Jewelry

At Intercept Silver & Jewelry Care, LLC, we understand the challenges summer presents for jewelry owners and businesses alike. That's why we offer Intercept Technology™, a revolutionary solution developed by Lucent Bell Labs to stop tarnish and corrosion before it starts.

Our products incorporate Corrosion Intercept® and Static Intercept®, patented polymers that permanently neutralize tarnish-causing gases. Unlike traditional solutions, Intercept is:

• Clean and non-abrasive — safe for all metals and gemstones
  

• Environmentally friendly — recyclable and free of harmful residues
  

• Proven to provide up to 10 years of protection per mil of material
  

• Effective in any climate — humidity and temperature independent

Whether you're a manufacturer shipping in bulk or a retailer displaying silver in a storefront window, Intercept Silver & Jewelry Care provides the anti-tarnish protection your jewelry needs to shine all summer long.