Sterling Silver Jewelry: To Wear or Not to Wear in Water?

Jul 25, 2024

Jewelry has become an essential part of our lives: they enhance our beauty and make us feel more confident. Jewelry requires constant care and maintenance to keep them in good condition. However, one constant dilemma many jewelry owners have is the question if they should keep their jewelry on all of the time or remove them.

Although it may seem tempting to leave your jewelry on when you go into the water (such as going swimming or taking a shower), there are certain risks and considerations you need to know about. Learn more about the different types of water and the potential hazards it could bring to your sterling silver jewelry pieces.

Shower Water

Shower water is considerably the safest water type that will not damage your jewelry. This is because most showering water supplies do not contain any harsh chemicals or salt. While shower water will not cause your jewelry to tarnish, there are also alternate factors like the bathroom humidity or your shampoo and body soap. Ideally, you should remove your jewelry before going into the bathroom and keeping them in a cool and dry place.

Swimming Pool

When it comes to wearing jewelry in water, avoid wearing your accessories into swimming pools. Pool water contains high levels of chlorine that will cause your sterling silver jewelry and rhodium plated jewelry to have a chemical reaction. This process results in your sterling silver jewelry turning a dull gray or black color, which can significantly affect the aesthetic appeal of the jewelry.

Ocean Saltwater

The ocean’s saltwater can be equally damaging, accelerating tarnish and corrosion in metals and dulling gemstones. Salt can also get lodged in crevices and the jewelry settings, potentially causing structural issues over time. Therefore, you should always remove your jewelry before swimming in the sea as the saltwater could harm your jewelry. If you have worn jewelry into the sea, be sure to clean any grime immediately and dry it out.

Interesting fact: Wearing jewelry into the sea also increases your chances of attracting sharks as the jewelry glitter resembles shiny fish scales.

Hot Tub, Spas or Jacuzzi

While spas, hot tubs and jacuzzies are excellent places to relax, it is strongly recommended to remove your jewelry before going in for a soak. Hot tubs, spas and jacuzzies contain high levels of chemicals such as highly chlorinated water that is bad for your sterling silver jewelry. Additionally, combined with the high temperatures and humidity, these factors can also damage your jewelry

Hot Springs

Though hot spring water has healing properties, the water contains a high concentration of minerals and chemicals that can corrode your sterling silver jewelry. A key element in spring water is sulfur and combined with the warmth and humidity of the water will speed up the tarnishing process. Therefore, avoid wearing jewelry into a hot spring.

In conclusion, while it is possible to wear sterling silver jewelry in water, doing so comes with certain risks and requires diligent care to maintain the jewelry's appearance and durability. Chlorinated and saltwater can cause tarnish and corrosion, leading to discoloration and weakening of the metal. By taking these precautions, one can enjoy the elegance of sterling silver while ensuring it remains a cherished accessory for years to come.

For those who value the pristine look of their sterling silver pieces, it is advisable to remove the jewelry before swimming or engaging in activities involving water. Proper cleaning and storage are also crucial in preserving the beauty of sterling silver jewelry. For more tarnish-free tips on keeping your jewelry safe, check out our guide here.