Summertime is approaching, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll be finding yourself near the water all summer long. While some types of jewelry are designed to be water resistant, other types should be left onshore to avoid tarnishing and irreversible damage.
In this deepdive article, we will explore these commonly asked questions from jewelry wearers about water:
- Which materials are water resistant?
- Which jewelry materials should you be careful with in the water?
- Which types of water are safe on jewelry?
- Where can I find affordable jewelry that won’t tarnish?
Which jewelry materials are water resistant?
Stainless Steel:
If you're seeking durable and water-friendly jewelry, stainless steel is a fantastic choice. Known for its corrosion resistance, stainless steel can handle prolonged exposure to water without tarnishing or discoloration.
Learn more about how to clean and care for stainless steel jewelry.
Platinum:
Platinum, one of the most precious and robust metals used in jewelry, is highly resistant to water damage. Its resilience and ability to retain its shine even after years of use make it suitable for water-related activities. However, it's worth noting that excessive exposure to chlorinated water or chemicals might cause some minimal discoloration or surface scratches over time. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help mitigate these issues.
Learn more about how to clean and care for platinum jewelry.
Gold:
Gold is a popular choice for jewelry due to its beauty and durability. While pure gold is relatively soft and prone to scratching, various gold alloys are used to increase its strength. When it comes to water exposure, gold alloys such as 14k or 18k can withstand swimming and showering. However, prolonged exposure to saltwater or chlorinated pools may gradually affect the metal's luster. It's best to rinse gold jewelry with fresh water after exposure to remove any residues that may cause long-term damage.
When it comes to more affordable dupes for solid gold jewelry, like gold plated jewelry, you’re going to want to avoid the water. Gold plated jewelry has a very thin layer of gold over a base metal, making it susceptible to tarnishing in water.
Gold filled jewelry is a more resistant type of gold jewelry as it has a much thicker layer of solid gold (click here to learn more about the differences between gold plated and gold filled jewelry). Gold filled jewelry can withstand some water damage quite well. However, it should always be cleaned properly and treated with proper care.
Learn more about how to clean and care for gold jewelry.
Titanium:
Titanium, in its purest form, is a popular choice for a lot of body jewelry due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. When it comes to water exposure, pure titanium jewelry is exceptionally resilient and does not tarnish. Whether you're swimming in freshwater, saltwater, or even chlorinated pools, titanium maintains its lustrous appearance without any significant changes. This makes titanium jewelry an excellent option for water activities and ensures that you can enjoy your aquatic adventures without worrying about tarnishing or discoloration.
Which jewelry materials should you be careful with in the water?
Sterling Silver:
Sterling silver, a classic and versatile choice, can be susceptible to tarnishing when exposed to water. Although it can handle occasional contact with water, prolonged submersion or repeated exposure to chlorinated water may accelerate the tarnishing process. If you choose to wear sterling silver jewelry while swimming or engaging in water sports, ensure you dry it thoroughly afterward and store it in a dry, airtight container to minimize oxidation.
Learn more about how to clean and care for sterling silver jewelry.
Gemstones:
When it comes to gemstone jewelry, it's essential to consider the specific gemstone's durability and water resistance. Some gemstones, such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, are relatively water-resistant and can withstand swimming or showering. However, porous stones, like opals and emeralds, should be kept away from water to avoid potential damage or discoloration.
Geolovers recommends consulting an expert about your specific gemstone for proper care instructions.
Base metals (brass, copper, tin, aluminum):
Fashion jewelry, typically less expensive and made from base metals and non-precious gemstones, is generally not designed to withstand water exposure. These pieces are more prone to tarnishing, fading, or losing their color when submerged in water. It's recommended to remove costume jewelry before swimming, as the chemicals in pools or saltwater can significantly impact their appearance and overall quality.
Learn more about how to clean and care for jewelry made with base metals.
Here’s a recap of all the jewelry types that we covered in this article:
Which types of water are safe on jewelry?
It’s also important to understand how different types of water can affect your jewelry differently. Here are common water types that you’re likely to encounter, and how your jewelry will react to them:
Chlorinated Water:
Chlorine is commonly used in swimming pools to kill bacteria and maintain water hygiene. However, it can have adverse effects on certain types of jewelry. While metals like stainless steel, platinum, and gold (with higher karat purity) can withstand short exposures to chlorinated water, prolonged contact may cause some discoloration or surface damage. To minimize the risk, it's advisable to remove delicate or valuable jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools.
Freshwater:
Freshwater, such as that found in lakes, rivers, and streams, generally poses minimal risk to most jewelry. Metals like stainless steel, platinum, and gold can handle exposure to freshwater without significant issues. However, it's important to rinse your jewelry with clean water after swimming to remove any impurities that may adhere to the surface.
Saltwater:
Saltwater, present in oceans and seas, can pose certain challenges for jewelry due to its high salt content. While metals like stainless steel, platinum, and gold (with higher karat purity) can withstand occasional exposure to saltwater, prolonged contact may lead to corrosion or surface damage. It's crucial to rinse your jewelry thoroughly with freshwater after swimming in saltwater to remove any salt deposits that can accelerate tarnishing or erosion.
Bath Water:
Bath water, typically a combination of tap water and personal care products, is generally safe for most jewelry. However, it's important to consider the type of jewelry and its potential reaction to bath products. While metals like stainless steel, platinum, and gold can handle short exposures to bath water, certain gemstones and delicate materials may be sensitive to soap residues or chemicals present in products like bath oils or bubble baths. It's recommended to remove jewelry with gemstones or delicate materials before taking a bath to avoid potential damage.
In conclusion, understanding which types of jewelry can withstand water exposure is crucial for preserving their beauty and longevity. Stainless steel, platinum, and certain gold alloys are excellent choices for water-related activities, while sterling silver and costume jewelry should be removed before swimming. When it comes to gemstone jewelry, it's important to consider the specific gemstone's water resistance. You should also be conscious of the type of water that you’re exposing your jewelry to, and make sure you’re regularly cleaning and caring for it. By following these guidelines, you can confidently enjoy your aquatic adventures without compromising the integrity of your cherished pieces.
Where can I find affordable jewelry that won’t tarnish? Simple, shop at Geolovers.
At Geolovers, we take affordability and durability seriously. We understand the frustration that can come when jewelry tarnishes, so we like to choose more precious materials to make sure your favourite pieces stand the test of time!
Geolovers is a sustainable, woman-of-colour-owned, jewelry business from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Our handmade pieces are uniquely crafted one by one with natural genuine pearls and stones.
Check out our online store or Instagram to fall in love with your next favourite piece to add to your jewelry collection!