Jewellery and Water: Bathing, Swimming and the Gym

Gold and diamonds do not rust or corrode in plain water. The trouble comes from what is in the water, and from the risk of losing a piece. Here is a practical guide.

In the shower or bath

• Soap and shampoo leave a film on metal and stones that dulls sparkle.
• Slippery fingers can let a ring slide off and down the drain.
• Heat and steam are not harmful in themselves, but repeated heating and cooling is not ideal for jewellery with settings.

It is better to take rings, bracelets and chains off before bathing. Studs may be fine for many people.

In a swimming pool

Chlorine can attack the alloys in gold over time and affect their surface. It can also damage the solder in settings. Hot tubs add heat, which makes chemicals more active. Take your jewellery off for the pool and the hot tub. Cold water also makes fingers shrink, and rings slip off easily.

In the sea

Salt water is not as harsh on gold as chlorine, but it leaves salt that you need to rinse off, and the sea is a good place to lose a ring. Sand can scratch metal and stones. Take pieces off, or leave them at home.

At the gym

• Sweat contains salts and acids that can dull metal, and sit under rings and bracelets.
• Weights and equipment can knock a diamond and bend a setting.
• Hands swell during exercise, and rings can become tight.

Leave your valuable jewellery at home when you train, or choose a simple band for the gym.

While cleaning and washing up

Household chemicals, especially bleach and chlorine-based cleaners, can damage gold. Hot water and detergents also leave residues. Wear gloves, or take rings off.

Plated and white gold pieces

Plated jewellery is more delicate, and its thin layer can wear off. White gold's bright finish can wear with exposure to chemicals. Take extra care with both.

If your jewellery gets exposed

Rinse it in lukewarm water, clean it gently and dry it well. See how to clean gold jewellery at home and how to clean diamond jewellery at home. If you spot discolouration or looseness, see a jeweller.

Keep a routine

Make taking off jewellery a habit: a small dish by the bathroom and another by the door. A routine prevents most losses. See how to store diamond and gold jewellery.

What about fitness trackers and watches?

A watch can scratch bangles and bracelets worn on the same wrist, so keep metals separate.

Common questions

Can I shower with a gold chain? It is not harmful in the short term, but soap build-up and tangling make it better to remove it.

Can diamonds go in the pool? Diamonds do not mind chlorine, but the metal does, and rings can slip off.

Is a waterproof piece a thing? No jewellery is made for use in chemicals, so treat all pieces with care.

Wear it smartly

Keep your best pieces for dry, careful days, and keep simple pieces for active ones. Browse our daily wear collection, or book an appointment to talk about what to wear when.