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!
Hiking in the mountains in the early morning. It is peaceful with wonderful views!
I enjoy taking my small children to the local spray and play at my local park.
Traveling to new places. Summer is my favorite time of year and it’s when I want to be out and about the most so I always look forward to exploring new things and places.
Eating and drinking. As during any other season, though ))
Chillin at the beach 😉
I enjoy exploring villages and cities and learning of the history and uniqueness of each.
Grilling on the patio after the sun goes down.
Enjoy green tea ice cream on top of a glass of cold beer on beachfront balcony with family.
Grilling, boating and enjoying sunsets with family and friends!
Tubing down the river with my kids.
Swimming!
Going on long scenic drives. Also bbqs with family and friends. Probably my two favorite activities.
Cycling and stacking silver.
Hopping in the car with my Best Lady and driving until the Route number changes or ends. Then, Spending the night in the host city/Town we ended up in.
And as luck would have it ? The 25th of June is OUR 32nd anniversary
I love too go on a road trip to Panama Beach and relax on the beach and swim in the surf.
Riding my bike through trails in the woods with my wife!
Leaving Texas in July going to upstate New York to beat the heat.going to copper town watching the kids play baseball hanging out with family
I love grilling up some steaks, drinking a few adult beverages, and spending time with my loved ones.
I Love to cuddle with my shiny and beautiful koala coins, all summer long.
playing basketball!
Watching the Prairie turn to a Lush Green and watching the crops grow in ND. Nothing prettier than a light breezy day with the song of a Meadowlark ringing through the air.
My favorite activity is having a full-evening cookout with my family. Nothing says summer quite like hamburgers and hot dogs on the barbecue (no lighter fluid – yuck) with homemade potato salad and cucumber salad. Everyone can just sit back and relax, and we can talk while eating way too much food, then we go for a walk around the neighborhood and have a campfire later and have s’mores. It’s the best!
Sitting on the porch of the cabin watching the sunset after a late summer evening thunderstorm.
Camping
Seeing the smiles on my grand children’s faces as I give them rides on my power wheel chair.
Enjoying summer evening outdoor concerts! Listening to music is wonderful therapy. Everyone in the audience has at least one thing in common and that’s to enjoy the MUSIC!!!
Camping with family and riding my 4 wheeler.
Sitting in the woods with my dog NoNo, watching the squirrels in the trees . And seeing how happy that makes him! A perfect day for both of us !
Enjoying the nice weather with grilled food and outdoor games and relaxing!
I wait all year for the 4th of July fireworks!