Nov 03, 2025

5 Jewelry Care Tips Every Adventurer Should Know

(Now featuring 6 tips, because you and your jewelry deserve the extra love.)

1. Choose the Right Pieces for the Trip

Not all jewelry is built for rugged conditions. When I'm heading outdoors, I stick to durable metals like sterling silver or gold (no plated stuff) and avoid anything with delicate stones or fragile settings (prong settings, bezel settings are great!). I only bring pieces I made myself—ones I know can keep up with me.

2. Store it Properly (Goodbye Ziplocks!)

For years, I tossed my jewelry in ziplock bags. It worked… kind of. But things got tangled, scratched, and sometimes even lost.

Now, I use a compact jewelry organizer with individual compartments, which keeps everything in place and protected. It makes packing way more enjoyable, too.

3. Keep it Clean—Even on the Road

Sweat, sunscreen, bug spray, salt water, and dust can build up on your jewelry fast. A quick wipe with a soft cloth at the end of the day helps prevent tarnish and keeps your pieces looking fresh.

Bonus Tip: Bring a polishing cloth on longer trips—it barely takes up space and can make a big difference.

4. Take It Off (Sometimes)

This one’s tough for me—I love wearing my rings all the time. But if I’m doing anything that involves gripping metal or lifting, I’ll tuck them safely away.

That said… one time I was wearing one of my big, pretty silver rings while shoveling, and the person next to me swung his shovel around without looking. It hit me right on the ring. I’m pretty sure I would have lost my finger if the ring hadn’t taken the blow.

So… maybe don’t take it off? (Kidding. Sort of.) Use your judgment—but if you do keep jewelry on, make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle whatever you’re doing.

5. Be Mindful at Hot Springs

Hot springs are one of my favorite post-hike rewards, but not the best place for jewelry. The heat and mineral content in the water can mess with metal finishes and speed up tarnishing.

Even solid sterling silver can darken quickly in hot springs. It’s best to take everything off before soaking—and maybe leave your organizer in the car to keep it safe.

6. Know Your Stones: Turquoise + Opals Need Extra Love

Some stones, like turquoise and opals, are naturally porous. That means they can absorb water, oils, or chemicals, which can cause discoloration, cracking, or cloudiness.

Avoid wearing them in water (especially hot tubs, oceans, or hot springs), and never clean them with harsh chemicals. A soft cloth and some mild soapy water is all you need.

When in doubt, take them off—and store them somewhere dry and padded.

Final Thoughts:

Jewelry doesn’t have to stay tucked away in a box. Take it with you, let it come alive with your adventures, and care for it so it lasts for many more.

Your jewelry should reflect your life—not just the pretty, polished moments, but the wild, muddy, joyful, and unexpected ones too. I love the contrast of wearing something handmade and feminine while hiking up a ridge, cooking over a camp stove, or swimming in a river. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to choose between beauty and strength—we can be both.

Every scratch, patina, and softened edge tells a story: where you've been, what you’ve done, who you were with. So treat your pieces like your travel companions—protect them, care for them, and let them remind you of the paths you've taken.

If you’ve been hesitant to bring your favorite pieces on the road, I hope this gives you the confidence to take them along. Because jewelry is meant to be lived in—and your adventures are the best part of its story.