Tips for Wearing Fine Jewellery at the Beach

Published by Ben Tracy at March 24, 2026

Take Off Your Ring Before Applying Sunscreen

Going to the beach without applying sunscreen is a big mistake. You risk painful sunburns, premature ageing, dehydration, and even skin cancer if you’re exposed to harsh sunlight while on holiday. The unforgiving Australian summers compel beachgoers to wear sunscreen to protect their skin health.

We recommend removing your engagement ring before applying sunscreen to prevent film buildup that significantly reduces its brilliance and lustre. Taking this proactive step allows you to retain your wedding band’s sparkle over time, no matter how long you’ve been married.

Corrosive Salt Water Can Harm Your Jewellery

Harsh sunlight isn’t the only thing that can damage your jewellery at the beach. It’s important to remember that saltwater is highly corrosive. It can dull the shine of metals, such as gold or silver, and gradually weaken prongs and settings. It can also damage delicate finishes, particularly plated pieces. Even durable metals, such as platinum, can succumb to long-term damage.

Rose gold jewellery is prone to corrosion due to its high copper content. In fact, it corrodes faster than traditional white or yellow gold, so we recommend removing it before taking a plunge in the ocean. This strategy ensures you retain your jewellery’s allure and lustre while you bask in the pristine ocean.

Beware of Sand Abrasion

Sand acts as natural sandpaper on jewellery, scratching, dulling, and eroding them, especially softer materials, such as plating, gold vermeil, pearls, and opals. The following tips can help you preserve your precious gemstones from sand abrasion at the beach:

Avoid plated jewellery: We recommend not wearing gold-plated, rhodium-plated, or vermeil jewellery at the beach. Sand can easily destroy their soft coating and dull their sparkle.
Wear durable versions: Wear solid gold, titanium, stainless steel, diamonds, sapphires, or rubies instead of plated jewellery at the beach. Alternatively, silicone rings provide damage and comfort without the risk of damage or loss.

Durable jewellery is harder and more scratch-resistant, delivering peace of mind while you frolic with your friends and loved ones at the beach.

Careful handling: Avoid laying jewellery on sand or wearing it while building sand castles or doing any sand-related activities.
Clean when appropriate: Use a soft brush to remove salt and sand buildup in your jewellery. Rinse it thoroughly with fresh water afterwards.

Store Your Rings In A Safe Place

Avoiding salt water and sand is only half the battle won for your precious jewellery. Consider storing your wedding band and precious stones in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated space. Although many people store their jewellery in a plastic bag whenever they go to the beach, this isn’t the ideal strategy because the lack of air and increase in temperature lead to chemical reactions and possible damage.

We recommend separating your rings from your other pieces of jewellery. Place them in a fabric-lined jewellery case or a multi-compartment box with a key lock for safekeeping and peace of mind.

Keep Your Rings at Home

The best way to prevent jewellery damage or loss is by leaving it at home. Instead of risking long-term damage from sand or salt water, we recommend leaving your precious stones in your jewellery box instead.

Whether it’s an heirloom, graduation ring, or a wedding band, these valuables have tremendous sentimental value. Losing or damaging them can impact you emotionally. The best way to ensure long-term peace of mind is by leaving your jewellery at home, where it’s safe and sound.

If you prefer wearing jewellery at the beach, choose gold, silver, sapphires, or diamonds because they can withstand salt water and sand. Opals and pearls are vulnerable to these elements, so we recommend leaving them at home.

Schedule Regular Jewellery Maintenance

Cars, teeth, outdoor decking, and other fixtures aren’t the only items that require regular maintenance. Your precious jewellery also needs frequent upkeep to ensure that they remain pristine, immaculate, and durable over time.

We recommend bringing your jewellery to your manufacturer twice a year. Your trusted jeweller can check for loose stones, wear and tear, or damage. If you’re a frequent beach visitor, this requirement becomes more significant.

Your jeweller can clean your rings and stones for you. He will also recommend the appropriate repair job for your gemstones or bands. Making this a consistent yearly routine will ensure that your jewellery prevents long-term damage and sparkles like new.

Conclusion

Few things in life are as therapeutic and relaxing as going to the beach. However, people tend to get excited and forget about jewellery care whenever they go to this paradise. Taking proactive steps can help you avoid this common pitfall.

Removing your ring before applying sunscreen, not wearing jewellery in salt water, wearing durable versions, storing your rings in a safe place, keeping your jewellery at home, and scheduling annual maintenance can preserve the lustre of your precious stones and ensure they endure over time.

Create lasting memories with Finelines Jewellers today. For nearly a decade, we have crafted stunning, custom-made jewellery for our customers on the Gold Coast and nearby areas. Book an appointment to create personalised jewellery that captures your precious moments.