We have the latest research and information on what damages your jewelry pieces--we often times think our jewelry is indistructible and we now learn that is not the case. Some simpleand easy tips to preserve your precious pieces.
Does our gold jewelry get ruined when we swim? We were reminded that many people aren't aware of the damage bleach and chlorine can cause to gold. Both cause a chemical reaction that disintegrates the alloys in the jewelry over time. Nearly all gold jewelry is alloyed, because pure gold is too soft on its own. For example, 18K gold is 18-parts gold and six-parts metal alloys. These metal alloys in gold are what can be easily damaged by chlorine. Chlorine can also damage gemstones, so it's best not take your chances and remove when swimming.
Chlorine in swimming pools, saltwater in the ocean and harsh chemicals in soaps can all potentially damage the surface of gold jewelery over time. Exposure to water, especially water containing chlorine or salt, can lead to corrosion and tarnishing of gold jewelry.
Can I wear 14K or 18K gold in the pool? Chlorine (and bromine) can and does cause a chemical reaction with the 14k and 18K gold. This can cause the gold to get stressed, causing a condition called stress corrosion cracking.
Chlorine from swimming pools and hot tubs will "eat away" at the metals that the 18K gold is alloyed with as well as the alloys in the solder that is used to close the links. I have seen this happen on many occasions leaving the gold sponge like, brittle and prone to breakage. It’s especially of concern when rings with gems set in them loose the stones because the prongs holding the stones shear off.
Now that said … showering and sweating and the build up of lotions, sun screens and just general skin funk builds up between the links. The build up acts as an abrasive and the links wear out much faster than if they were kept clean. The same holds true for watch bracelets and linked bracelets. If you wear them daily and you should if you wish, be sure to clean them yourself at least every few weeks in some hot water and a good jewelry cleaning detergent. And most importantly take them to a professional jeweler who has a good ultrasonic cleaner and high pressure steamer at least once or twice a year.
We don’t expect you to stop washing your hands, or to take your rings off every time you do, but it is a good idea to take your jewelry off before swimming in a chlorinated swimming pool, and you should rinse jewelry immediately if it comes in contact with chlorine bleach while cleaning or doing the laundry.
We recommend you take your jewelry off when you shower, go in the pool, jaquzzi, or ocean. Along with avoiding lotions, oils, and hairsprays.
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