Swimmers and beach-goers often wear gold jewellery. Gold jewellery is often worn in the form of a small gold chain, stunning gold engagement ring or a wedding band or even as a pair of gold studs, which seem harmless enough in the pool. But it would be a good idea to look closer and answer the question 'Can you wear gold in the pool'. So we'll cover whether it's a good idea to wear your gold jewellery in the pool or hot tub and if so, how you can protect your gold jewellery from water damage.
Can You Wear Gold In The Pool?
Gold is known as a noble metal, meaning it has high resistance to oxidation and corrosion. This makes pure gold (24-carat gold) relatively resistant to water exposure, even when it’s saltwater or pool water. That said, there’s a catch: not all gold jewellery is made of pure gold.
Solid gold jewellery comes in various purities, with 24-carat gold being the purest form. However, pure gold is also very soft, which is why many pieces are made with gold alloys - a combination of gold and other metals like silver, copper, or zinc—to make them more durable. While gold itself might not tarnish or corrode in the pool, these other metals in the alloy are prone to chemical reactions, especially when exposed to pool water, which contains much more harsh chemicals such as chlorine.
Wearing Gold in the Pool
Pool water is treated with chemicals like chlorine to keep it clean and sanitary, but these harsh chemicals can harm your gold jewellery, especially when it comes to gold alloys. Here’s a breakdown of what might happen to your gold jewellery if you decide to wear it in the pool or on holiday when you are taking a dip.
Chlorine Concentration and Chemical Reaction
The high chlorine content in swimming pools can cause a chemical reaction with the base metals found in your gold jewellery, such as copper or zinc. This can lead to tarnishing, discolouration, or even structural damage over time. This will affect the look of your beautiful earrings, rings or necklaces, so you might want to check the composition of your jewellery before you decide whether you want to risk it in the pool or now.
Risk of Damage
While solid gold pieces are generally more resistant to tarnishing, any gold-plated or lower-carat gold pieces (like 14-carat gold or 18-carat gold) have a higher chance of being affected by pool chemicals. These pieces contain more alloys, making them more vulnerable to the effects of chlorine and water damage.
Gold-Plated Jewellery
If you have gold-plated jewellery or items with only a thin layer of gold, pool water can strip away that thin coating. This exposes the base metal underneath, leading to discolouration and potential degradation of the piece. The more you wear these pieces in water, the faster the gold plating wears off. So if you are wearing gold-plated items, you'd be better to slip them off and store them in a safe place before going for your regular dip at your local swimming pool.
Saltwater Exposure
While chlorine is a common issue in pools, seawater, ocean water (or saltwater pools) also poses a risk to your gold jewellery. Saltwater can cause corrosion, particularly for jewellery with a lower gold content, gold plating, or those made with gold alloys. So if you are a wild swimmer taking a refreshing morning swim at your local beach, leave your jewellery at home. It's also the safest place to store it, rather than combing an endless beach if you happen to drop your wedding ring or one of your favourite rose gold stud earrings.
What About Other Types of Jewellery?
Beyond gold, it’s important to consider how other precious metals hold up in water:
- Sterling Silver Jewellery: Sterling silver is more prone to tarnishing than gold when exposed to water, especially in environments with chlorine concentration or salt.
- Platinum Jewellery: Platinum is a high-quality material with natural corrosion resistance, making it a good option for waterproof jewellery. However, like gold, alloys mixed with platinum can still react to pool chemicals.
- Stainless Steel Jewellery: This is another great choice for durability and water resistance, as it’s less likely to tarnish or react to chemicals compared to gold or silver.
Can You Wear Gold in a Hot Tub?
Hot tubs add another layer of concern for gold jewellery. The combination of hot water and hot tub chemicals intensifies the risk of damage. The heat speeds up chemical reactions, making it even more likely that chlorine will cause tarnishing or corrosion. If you cherish your gold wedding band or diamond engagement ring, it’s best to remove them before dipping into a hot tub.
Best Practices for Wearing Gold Jewellery in Water
If you’re set on wearing your gold jewellery while swimming, here are some tips to help you minimise the damage:
Stick to Pure Gold
If you must wear gold in the pool, opt for 24-carat gold pieces or solid gold jewellery. These are less likely to tarnish or corrode in chlorinated water compared to lower-carat gold pieces or those with gold plating.
Avoid Gold-Plated Jewellery
Since gold-plated jewellery has only a thin layer of gold, it’s more susceptible to damage from pool water. For pieces like gold chains, it’s better to avoid wearing them in the pool or ocean altogether.
Limit Exposure
Reduce the time your jewellery spends in chlorinated or salt water. If you swim regularly, you might want to remove your gold rings and chains before hopping in the pool. This will significantly extend the lifespan of your treasured gold pieces.
Rinse Immediately
If your gold jewellery does come into contact with pool water or saltwater, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water immediately after to remove any residual chemicals or salt. This simple step helps protect the brilliance of your beloved gold.
Regular Cleaning
Clean your gold jewellery regularly with a mild soap and warm water. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the piece, focusing on hard-to-reach areas like behind stones or engravings. After cleaning, dry the jewellery with a clean cloth or paper towel, and store it in a dry place.
Professional Jeweller Check-ups
If you wear your jewellery daily or expose it to water frequently, visit a professional jeweller for regular cleaning and inspections. They can help ensure your pieces, especially those with loose stones or rhodium plating, stay in top shape.
Store Properly
After swimming or cleaning, store your jewellery in a jewellery box or a plastic bag to keep it safe from moisture and tarnish. A dry place is ideal to prevent moisture loss and preserve the integrity of the piece.
Gold in Different Regions
Whether you’re swimming in the United Kingdom or tropical locations like the British Virgin Islands, South Africa, or the Caicos Islands, the type of water and its chemical content can differ, but the risks to your jewellery remain largely the same. For instance, saltwater exposure in areas of the Caribbean like St. Kitts & Nevis can cause long-term damage to your gold jewellery, while heavily chlorinated pools in countries like South Korea or the United Arab Emirates pose their own problems.
Regardless of location, practising the best care methods for your jewellery will ensure that your pieces remain beautiful and intact.
Is Wearing Gold in the Pool a Good Idea?
While pure gold and solid gold pieces may hold up better in water than other types of jewellery, it’s generally not recommended to wear your gold jewellery in the pool or hot tub. The high chance of water damage, chemical reactions, and tarnishing outweighs the convenience of leaving it on while swimming. If you want to preserve the beauty and value of your valuable metal pieces, the best way to do so is to remove them before taking a dip.
By following these best practices, performing regular cleaning, and taking proper care of your gold jewellery, you can enjoy its brilliance and beauty for years to come. Whether it’s a delicate gold chain, a precious wedding band, or a stunning gold ring, your jewellery deserves that extra care to keep shining bright.