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!
Putting the kids to work at our Cabin! I love that school is out, we can get so much done. Maybe I’ll give them this coin for all their hard work…..if I win
Every Sunday is family hiking day and we love it!
Fishing! The rivers in my area wouldn’t even be considered creeks by most, but the breaks of the still water hold some of the feistiest small mouth bass I’ve ever seen
Swimming in big surf!
Looking forward to spending time with my wife and son, camping or just enjoying the outdoors.
Beach
Head down to the river and relax on the beach!
Fishing with my children.
Swimming in Barton Springs natural swimming pool. One of the best places in Austin.
Running thru the sprinklers in the backyard with my toddler and puppy!
Riding my motorcycle with my brothers and family
Enjoy playing acoustic guitar sitting on my back yard patio; early evening.
Visiting grandchildren and going out with friends.
Fishing and camping with my son. We’ll end the summer with a trip to Prince Edward Island catching sea trout and eating bar clams, and red potatoes.
Taking my kids fishing and wishing it would rain
My favorite activity is stacking my brother and I have put this name on it, I am referring to buying precious metals and stacking it in your safe place storing it then crack a cold one and enjoy the wealth to come
Fishing and taking the dogs to the beach.
Spending time with the family at the beach!
I was visiting Fairbanks and after a dogsled ride went to the hot springs. I had a wonderful time, and afterward noticed the silver ring on my finger was dark with tarnish. It was such a contrast to the white snow gently falling all around. It cleaned up, easily, but was quite a shock. I guess it was the sulphur that was the culprit.
Relaxing outside in the yard and reading a good book. Sometimes just going for a ride on the bicycle for ice cream.
Also thank you for the tips about water damage to jewelry, I never thought of the water causing damage to my jewelry.
Porch sitting with a drink
I enjoy hiking the mountains where the warm weather makes it pleasent, but not hot.
This summer I’m finishing construction of my home and paying off my mortgage, all by the time I turn 40. I couldn’t be more thrilled.
Beach
Boating and fishing
Just waiting around for the eye doctor to finish removing my mother’s cataract. Afterward, going to one of my favorite coin shops, if they’re still open. If not, there’s always tomorrow.
Here in southern Ca I spend my summers waiting for the cooler weather to come back.
Lazy river, or just laying on the couch while central air conditioning keeps me cool. Same difference.
When the ground thaws it it is my favorite time to dig holes for hiding caches.
Fishing with my 6 year old son and coming home to cook out on the grill with my family!!!!!!