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!
Shedding my blood sweat and tears every day in this United Sates Air Force
Camping and teaching my cub scout pack about being in the outdoors.
In Rhode Island, there is nothing better than chilling at the beach with a Del’s frozen lemonade during the day and heading into 1 of our many sea-side taverns to listen to a home grown live band (like John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band) in the evenings.
I really enjoy sailing. Now I’m determined to learn how to scuba. I just need to learn how to swim.
Lounging under the shade of an beach umbrella, holding my wife’s hand and watching the waves roll in without a care in the world
Camping and sitting around a camp fire!
It has to be camping out in the higher elevations above 7 thousand feet.. The air is crisp and the smell of the line trees grounds you . No sounds of police sirens,helicopters, bright lights,traffic sounds. Just a pure natural environment .
Gardening, grilling, and staying cool!
Going to the beach on Siesta Key, Florida! Pure paradise. If you’ve never been there you need to visit!
Go camping or go for hikes.
All outdoor activities from camping and hiking to swimming and everything in between.
Picnics with family or friends
I love spending more time with wife & kids BBQing, swimming, vacations!!! I spend this time focusing on what they’ve learned, and expounding on their wisdom to prepare them for their future.
Nothing like hanging out on the Appalachian Trail, and taking a dip in that cold mountain water in the summer time.
Gotta keep on, keepin on.
I especially like hiking into the mountains for 4 to 5 days camping and hiking adventures with my wife and kids. It’s the best way to spend summer in Alaska.
Going and floating the river with some friends.
Counting & recounting my silver & gold stash.
Mountain biking and kayaking as often as I can!
Florida is 9 months of “Summer” so we’re always doing something different, from picnics in St Augustine on the hillside by the fort to theme park hopping with friends. With the right people in your life the fun never stops!
Swimming and bbq with family and friends
Camping
Enjoying outdoor activities with the kids.
Backyard BBQing with family and friends
Outdoor movies at a drive-in theater and neighborhood park!
I love working outside clearing our fence rows on our farm that God allows us to have during our time here on earth.
HI all,
Favorite summer activities include fishing, BBQ, and time with my Family! Life is good!
Sitting in the shade, sipping a cold beverage and watching the kids play in the water!
Hiking in nature provides necessary healing for my spirit through these days of unrest and admission of dishonesty in our government. Nature will provide us with the answers as we connect within.
Going to the beach.