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!
Taking a trip up to the high country mountains to escape the heat.
Nothing tops making Smores with the kids around the backyard fire pit.
Going to the lake and doing some fishing and camping with the family.
Let freedom ring. Mornings at the local gun range!
We love taking highway 61 on the north shore of Minnesota and listening to Lake Superior and looking for rocks on there many beaches, and of course there many waterfalls.
I love getting the family together around some great food and celebrating our freedom with fireworks on the 4th of July, enjoying sunshine and Fishing in my favorite pond. Life is good in Summertime!
My favorite “Summer” activity is visiting friends in New Zealand, where instead of the blazing California months – June through September – it is Winter down there, and it’s only freezing cold in some parts of the islands. I try to go a few weeks every year to get a break from the heat, hike through the gorgeous countryside (rain doesn’t bother me and it doesn’t snow in most places), and take along my bow for some of the best archery hunting in the world! [Also, unlike Australia, there are no poisonous plants or animals, so I don’t have to worry about literally everything killing me, unlike the country to the west.]
Or, if I have to stay State-side, I draw the blinds, turn off the lights, and blast the AC while hoping that October comes sooner than it’s supposed to.
On the back patio in the shade with the Bar-B-que fired up and smoking some ribs.
Going to the beach and watching the waves.
Love the gardening and flowers that come with summer, as well as the new life that awakens with spring.
I’m Old I just love being able to eat
Fishing and camping with family, friends and co workers
CONCERT’S
Swimming in the nearby creeks refreshing mountain water with my kids on a hot day
Seaside with friends and family. Listing to music cooking on the grill on the 4th of July.
Shinny Silver is bright and precious
Camping with the family.
Growing my own food for the stormy days ahead
Warm late night walks on the beach with long sleeve shirts because you’re a little sun burnt.
Traveling and going on vacations
Going to flea markets, garage sales, and auctions finding those special treasures that the owners no longer find value in.Of all I find the most joy in is metal detecting with my grandchildren. P.S. I strongly advice people to take your warning on sunscreen and keeping hydrated as I am one that suffered kidney failure and skin cancer.
Night Fishing on the lake even when they aren’t biting
Good food along with family and friends is a great way to enjoy a Summer day.
Watching my new baby boy experience his first time at the beach
One week vacation to cool Tres Ritos, New Mexico mountains in July to escape the hot dry heat of the Texas panhandle
Taking in the morning sun and air at the crack of dawn
The best summer time activity has to be barbecuing! Though you can cook like this anytime it just has a natural feel to it during the summer. The smell of the charcoal and the different smells of the food cooking is simply amazing. Now I have to go cook me up some burgers and dogs because my mouth is watering!
Eating ice cream and playing with my dogs
Staying out of the PHX heat & PM shopping!
Nothing better than spending time with the family