Understanding if your new jewellery is shower-safe is crucial for maintaining its optimal condition.
Our comprehensive guide provides insights into the impact of water on different metal types and offers essential tips to preserve the beauty of your pieces. Read on to find the answers you need for showering with your jewellery worry-free.
This is something we get asked all the time and it's such a debatable topic, wearing jewellery in the shower can lead to several potential issues, depending on the type of jewellery weather its, sterling silver, solid gold or other precious metals.
Metals like silver can tarnish when exposed to water and the chemicals in soap and shampoo. Gold, particularly lower-karat gold, can discolor over time due to the other metals mixed with the gold reacting with the chemicals. Soap scum buildup can leave a film on jewellery, causing it to look dull and dirty over time, it can be challenging to clean this off, particularly from more intricate designs. Gemstone can get damage particularly softer and porous ones like pearls, opals, and turquoise, can absorb water and chemicals, which can lead to discoloration, loss of shine, or even structural damage. Harder gemstones such as Sapphires, Emeralds Rubies and Diamonds can become dull due to soap buildup. It can also weaken the settings that hold gemstones with regular exposure to water and the temperature changes of a hot shower. Over time, this could cause the gemstones to become loose or fall out. Over time, showering with jewellery can increase the wear and tear it experiences, potentially leading to scratches, dents, or other damages. If you shower in chlorinated water, or if you wear your jewellery in a pool or the ocean, the chlorine or salt can cause additional damage, particularly to silver and lower-karat gold jewellery.
There's also a risk that your jewellery could get caught on something in the shower, potentially causing damage. If a piece of jewellery were to fall off in the shower, it might go down the drain. For all these reasons, it's generally best to remove your jewellery before showering to keep it in the best condition possible.
Solid Gold Jewellery
Pure gold doesn't tarnish or corrode, so it should be safe to get wet. However, most gold jewellery isn't pure gold – it's typically 14k or 18k, meaning it's mixed with other metals like silver, copper, nickel, or zinc. These metals might react with water and particularly with chlorine or salt, causing discoloration or tarnishing.
Gold Vermeil Jewellery
Gold vermeil, pronounced "ver-may," refers to a type of gold plating that is applied over sterling silver. While the gold layer in vermeil is usually thicker than in typical gold-plated items, it can still wear away over time. It is generally not recommended to wear gold vermeil jewellery in the shower. The water, along with any soaps or other products used, can wear down the gold layer over time, causing it to thin and eventually expose the silver underneath. To keep your gold vermeil jewellery looking its best, it's recommended to remove it before showering, swimming, or doing anything else that involves getting wet. After wearing, clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth, and store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive materials on gold vermeil jewellery, as these can also wear away the gold layer.
Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Although sterling silver is more durable than pure silver due to the added metals, it's generally not recommended to wear it in the shower. The reason is that sterling silver can tarnish when exposed to water and various chemicals found in soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. Furthermore, the heat and humidity of a shower can accelerate this process. Over time, this can lead to the sterling silver losing its shine and taking on a dull, blackened appearance. Additionally, if your sterling silver jewellery has any gemstones, the heat and chemicals from showering can damage the stones or loosen the settings. While it's true that wearing your sterling silver in the shower once or twice won't cause immediate harm, it's best to avoid doing so regularly to maintain the longevity and appearance of your jewellery. Instead, remove your sterling silver jewellery before showering and put it back on after you've dried off. If your sterling silver does become tarnished, it can usually be cleaned and restored with a special silver cleaning cloth or solution. However, these methods only deal with surface tarnish and won't repair any deeper damage that might occur from regular exposure to water and chemicals.
Earrings are one of the most frequently worn pieces of jewellery, making their care crucial. It's been established that showering with jewellery is generally not recommended or should be limited. However, those with new piercings may find this challenging, and even those with well-healed piercings might forget to remove their subtle stud earrings while prepping for a shower. Recommendations for leaving new piercings untouched range between 8 weeks to 12 months, depending on their location. So how does showering affect this?
As we've discussed, solid gold jewellery is most resistant to the potential damaging effects of showering. Consider this when planning a new ear piercing, as the initial jewellery will inevitably encounter substantial water exposure during the healing phase. For initial earrings, 14kt solid gold is a top recommendation. This material not only minimizes the risk of allergic reactions compared to other gold jewellery types but also withstands continuous shower exposure effectively, ensuring a well-aged appearance over time.
Preserving the brilliance and longevity of your gemstone jewellery, including birthstones and diamonds, requires proper care. The impact of showers and baths can be significantly detrimental to these precious pieces. Soap residues can accumulate on semi-precious gems, causing discoloration and potential detachment from settings. Delicate stones, such as pearls, are especially vulnerable to shower-induced damage. Similarly, diamonds exposed to common bath and shower products, including various chemicals and oils, can lose their shine and appear dull. Beaded necklaces and bracelets can trap these substances, extending potential harm even after you've stepped out of the shower.
To maintain the integrity and luster of your gemstone jewellery, it's best to remove these pieces before bathing or showering. Taking these simple precautions can help ensure your treasured gemstones continue to sparkle and shine for many years to come.
Proper care for your gold and silver jewellery can help maintain its beauty and increase its lifespan. Here are some tips:
1. Avoid Water and Chemicals: Try not to wear your jewellery while bathing, swimming, or doing dishes, as the water and chemicals (including chlorine, salt, and detergents) can tarnish silver and can also discolour lower-karat gold over time. Even tasks like applying lotion or perfume can potentially cause damage so try to put your jewellery on last.
2. Remove for Physical Activities: Take off your jewellery during physical activities to prevent it from getting knocked, which can lead to scratches or more severe damage. This includes activities like working out, gardening, or any heavy-duty tasks.
3. Store Properly: Store your jewellery in a dry and cool place. Keep each piece separate to avoid scratches. Soft cloth pouches or lined jewellery boxes are good options.
4. Regular Cleaning: Clean your jewellery regularly using a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. For silver, consider using a silver cleaning cloth or a special silver cleaner to remove tarnish. For gold, a soft-bristle toothbrush can help clean hard-to-reach spots. Always dry your jewellery thoroughly before storing it.
5. Polishing: Gold and silver can be polished to restore their shine. But be cautious; excessive polishing can wear down the metal. By following these tips, you can help keep your gold and silver jewellery looking its best for years to come.
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