Summer is Coming and Your Jewelry Isn't Waterproof: Here's What To Do
There are many companies out there claiming their jewelry is waterproof, but is it? No. Jewelry is never technically "waterproof." Maybe certain types are resistant, but never waterproof. Let's clear the confusion up…
We can't talk about jewelry without first talking about alloys:
Gold and silver jewelry are made from alloys, meaning they're a combination of pure gold (or silver) with the addition of other metals to make them durable. These additional metals, while essential to jewelry making, can make your jewelry susceptible to damage when contact with water occurs.
Water isn't just water. When jewelry gets wet, it's exposed to chlorine, salt, and other harsh substances in the water. These substances can react with the additional metals, contributing to tarnish and general wear and tear.
Don't forget the pearls and gems:
It's important to remember that pearls and certain gemstones need to be kept dry. Who wants to wear pearls that have lost their luster and gems their sparkle?
Pearls are delicate and should never be submerged in water. Their porous structure can absorb the water and its impurities with it, making your precious pearls more susceptible to staining, cracking, and losing luster.
Like pearls, there are some gemstones that should never be submerged in water. For example, most gemstones ending in "ite" are not friendly to water, such as labradorite or fluorite.
Some risks gemstones face when submerged are dissolving and potentially leaching toxic substances, developing rust, and losing their shine.
The Takeaway:
The following is true. It's always best to keep your jewelry clean and dry. No swimming or showering is always the best preventative measure to keep your jewelry looking brand new.
An accidental occurrence of swimming or showering with your all-metal jewelry will likely be okay. Just be sure to properly clean and dry your jewelry immediately after.
When stones and pearls come into contact with water, it is much more risky, so try to be extra careful with those pieces.
The Solution:
The solution is simply prevention. Do your best to take off your jewelry on beach and pool days and household chores involving water.
Treat jewelry like you would a favorite piece of clothing or heirloom. Your jewelry will reward you with beautiful shine for years to come!
