Jewellery Care Tips for Tropical Climates

Jewellery in Humid Climates

Living in (or visiting) Bali means sunshine, salty air, humidity, and spontaneous ocean swims. It’s part of the magic. But tropical climates can be a little demanding on your jewellery especially the pieces you wear every single day.

The good news? 

With the right care, your favourite pieces can handle island life beautifully. A few small habits make all the difference between jewellery that lasts a season and jewellery that lasts a lifetime.

How Humidity Affects Metals

Humidity speeds up oxidation which is what causes some metals to tarnish or lose their shine. The combination of moisture, sweat, sunscreen, and saltwater can be especially harsh on gold-plated or lower-quality metals.

Solid gold, on the other hand, is far more resistant to humidity and won’t tarnish like silver or plated pieces. That’s why it’s such a good choice for tropical climates, it’s made to be worn, not constantly removed.

Still, even durable jewellery benefits from proper care, especially when exposed daily to heat and moisture.

How to Clean Gold & Gemstones

Keeping your jewellery clean in Bali doesn’t need to be complicated.

For solid gold:

-Soak it in warm water with a few drops of mild soap

-Gently clean with a soft toothbrush

-Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth

For gemstones:

-Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials

-Clean gently and avoid prolonged soaking (especially for softer stones like opals or pearls)

-Always dry completely before storing

A quick clean every few weeks helps remove sunscreen buildup, sweat, and everyday residue and brings back that fresh glow.

Storage Tips in Bali

Humidity doesn’t stop when you take your jewellery off.

To protect your pieces:

-Store them in a dry, cool space

-Use individual pouches or compartments to prevent scratching

-Avoid leaving jewellery in humid bathrooms

-Add small silica sachets to your jewellery box to absorb moisture

If you’re staying somewhere long-term in Bali, investing in proper storage is worth it especially for fine jewellery.

What NOT to Do at the Beach

We love jewellery you can live in but there are still a few things to avoid:

-Don’t wear delicate pieces in rough surf. If its not pulled off out there, it can stretch chain, tangle & consistent salt water can cause weakinging of precious metals

-Avoid applying sunscreen directly over gemstones

-Don’t leave jewellery sitting in the sun on hot sand

-Avoid wearing plated jewellery in saltwater regularly

Solid gold can handle ocean dips much better than plated pieces but rinsing it in fresh water afterward is always a good idea.

Need a Refresh? Visit Us In-Store

If your jewellery needs a little extra love, we’re always happy to help. Visit us in-store for professional cleaning advice, care tips tailored to your pieces, and to explore our collection designed for everyday island life. We also sell some incredible jewellery polishing cloths over on our online store that you can shop here. One of these clothes will last you a good 5 years of jewellery cleaning! 

Remember, your jewellery should feel as effortless as your lifestyle, beautiful, durable, and made to stay with you and that’s exactly what we design for.