Beware of chlorinated swimming pools.

Chlorine can damage or destroy many types of fine jewelry. It can dissolve the surface of beautiful beads; attack the alloy in precious metals; and remove the polish from many stones, such as malachite or turquoise.

Don't wear rings in cold water.

The cold temperature of the water in pools, oceans, lakes and rivers causes your finger size to shrink temporarily. When this happens, rings become too large and, aided by the movement of your hands as you swim or play, can easily slip off the finger without your being aware of it.

Check mounting to make sure stones are secure in their settings.

Active sports are very popular in the summer. If a stone is loose in the setting, it may fall out during sports activities and break or become chipped or cracked.

Don't wear your fine jewelry while gardening.

Many fine gemstones have been lost or badly damaged while the wearer was gardening. Gold and platinum settings can be badly scratched or gouged by rocks and tools. Even a diamond can chip or crack when hit on a rock or tool, because although it is very hard, it is also brittle and thin edges and points at the corners of a stone are vulnerable (for example, a princess-cut comes to a point at each of its four corners).

Is your watch waterproof or water resistant?

Many expensive watches are ruined when people do not understand the significant difference between "waterproof" and "water resistant." Do you know the difference?"