Can I wear my jewelry in the shower or while swimming?

Wearing jewelry in water is a common question. The answer depends on the type of jewelry and the materials it's made from.

Key Takeaway: What You Need to Know About Wearing Jewelry in Water

Most jewelry should be removed before showering or swimming. Water, chlorine, salt, and soap can damage metals, cause tarnishing, and weaken settings. Some materials like solid gold or platinum are more water-resistant, but it's generally best to remove jewelry before water activities.

What Happens to Jewelry in Water?

Water exposure can cause several issues with jewelry:

Tarnishing: Moisture accelerates tarnishing in silver and plated metals
Damage to settings: Water can loosen prongs and settings over time
Chemical reactions: Chlorine in pools and salt in ocean water can corrode metals
Soap buildup: Soap and shampoo can leave residue on jewelry

Materials and Water Resistance

Water-Safe Materials

Solid gold (14K or higher): More resistant but still best to remove
Platinum: Highly resistant to water damage
Titanium: Very water-resistant

Materials to Avoid in Water

Gold-plated jewelry: Water can strip the plating
Sterling silver: Tarnishes quickly with moisture
Costume jewelry: Can rust or discolor
Pearls and opals: Porous and can be damaged by water

Showering with Jewelry

It's best to remove jewelry before showering. Soap, shampoo, and conditioner can leave residue on your pieces. Hot water can also cause metals to expand and contract, potentially loosening settings.

Swimming with Jewelry

Never wear jewelry while swimming. Chlorine in pools is particularly harsh on metals and can cause permanent damage. Salt water from the ocean is also corrosive. Additionally, jewelry can easily slip off in water and be lost.

Best Practices

Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, or any water activities
Store jewelry in a dry place when not wearing it
Clean jewelry regularly with a soft, dry cloth
If jewelry gets wet, dry it immediately with a soft cloth

Care & Maintenance

To keep your jewelry in good condition, always remove it before water activities. Store pieces in a dry, clean place. If your jewelry does get wet, dry it thoroughly immediately to prevent tarnishing or damage.