As it gets hotter, more and more people flock to the pool for a cool-down. You can’t get much more relaxed than when you’re sipping a cool drink on a pool float with loved ones at your side. But just like any other activity, there are precautions to consider when swimming.
You already know about using sunscreen and staying hydrated. But something you may not have thought of is what might happen to your fine jewelry in the water.
The silver and gold found in jewelry isn’t as pure as that found in investment-grade bullion, but pieces of jewelry are still quite valuable—both in metal content and sentimental value. You wouldn’t want to lose or damage your jewelry while trying to partake in summer fun.
As you might know, jewelry will undergo damage over time from normal wear and tear, oxidation, and exposure to the elements. This damage often occurs slowly over the years. But water—and more importantly, the minerals and chemicals found in water—can quicken the pace of oxidation and other damages.
Washing your hands or showering with your jewelry generally won’t hurt it. The chemicals found in tap water aren’t harsh enough to cause reactions with the metals found in your jewelry. In fact, washing while wearing jewelry can even remove skin oils and dirt particles to restore shine. However, it’s not a good idea to submerge jewelry, like when taking a bath. This is especially true if your jewelry contains gems and/or crevices that water can become trapped in.
Swimming exposes jewelry to more chemicals like chlorine or salt, which can interact with jewelry in negative ways. Chlorine can cause color changes in silver, can dissolve some metals, and can damage gemstones. When it comes to hot tubs, the higher temperature can even speed up the chemical reactions that damage jewelry.
Swimming in saltwater isn’t quite as damaging as chlorinated pool water, but it can still be corrosive. Not to mention, losing a piece of jewelry in an ocean makes it much harder to recover than in a pool where it would be visible through the water. Additionally, hot springs are a major problem for jewelry due to the naturally occurring sulfur, which is used by jewelers to intentionally oxidize silver.
The best way to keep your jewelry safe is to not wear it while in or near bodies of water. This prevents the damages listed above, and also prevents the possibility of losing a piece of jewelry in the water. It’s best to leave your precious jewelry safely tucked away at home or in your hotel safe while you go enjoy a summer day out by the water.
What’s your favorite summertime activity? Commenting below will serve as your entry for our June giveaway. But remember to keep it classy; inappropriate comments will be deleted and disqualified. Submit your comment (one comment only please) by June 24, 2018. One winner will be randomly selected on June 25, 2018 to receive a 2018 2 oz Australian Silver Koala Mother and Baby from the Perth Mint’s new Next Generation series.
Good luck and enjoy the summer!
Congrats to Phillip C. for winning our June giveaway! To everyone else, try your luck again next month!
In rural deep south Georgia we actually do have 4 seasons.
1. HOT
2 HOTTER
3. HOTTEST
4. HELL!!!
So, my favorite summertime activity is waiting for Autumn.
Summertime is great for heading to that favorite swimming hole to do some camping and kayaking.
One of the best was to spend my summertime is breathing the clear air of the mountains, trail running or hiking, under the cool shade of towering pines as the GOLDEN sunlight pierces through the canopy. With the dog alongside of course as she frolics within the silvery sheen of the glistening creek that parallels the narrow trail…
Today i went to a theme park with my daughters but i love to go on my week long backpacking trip every summer the most.
Going to the beach on 4th of July week with the whole family was the best of times !!!
Taking my granddaughter to the pool.
A summertime activity would be able to talk to nice people around the world where they don’t have to worry about staying up late on schooldays. Also free from; studying, homework, and just being in class. Spending much more time with people like that even if it’s just chatting c:
Traveling to Maine, kayaking and hiking mountains with my husband and dog to pick wild blueberries.
My favorite summer activities are taking my dog to the park for a swim and kayaking.
My favorite summer activity is camping and fishing!
Coin roll hunting.
My favorite summer time activity are the family gatherings that occur once people begin to get off of work. The making of ice tea or other refreshing beverages and cool canapes with my mother or Aunts gives us an active connection with our grandmother, whom stressed the importance of a family staying and being together. Summer is the most permissive for the gatherings to be outside where cooling elements and failing light create an ambiance unreproducable any other time of year.
I enjoy treasure hunting with a metal detector. It is a great way to enjoy a nice day and find some nice coins.
My favorite summertime activity is watching my silver and gold stack glistening in the morning sun light.
I most enjoy siting around a campfire with friends and family