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!
my favorite summer activity is the same as winter searching for great deals on silver coins, bars,rounds,eagles it doesnt matter which
Fishing, hiking, biking, pretty much anything outdoors and hanging out with friends!
Playing baseball in my backyard with my son. It’s fun, and good exercise too.
Camping with my family in the Colorado mountains.
Kayaking in the morning.
I’m going to rejoice at being together with my entire posterity for a few days this summer. We never know when those special days will be gone. A phone call changed our lives when we found out our daughter had cancer. We now look at things differently, and we’ll try to treasure every moment that we have together.
Fishing and being in my pool
Sitting out on the deck as the sun rises
I love giving coins as much as receiving them.
This co is the only place i recommend to all to buy there metals my summer time best is friends family and love to all spending time giving back to those less fortunate Maryanne
Just installed an undercabinate icemaker that makes 70 lbs of ice a day. Summer without ice is ugly. So is a portfolio without precious metal investments.
Being able to take the family out some place new once a year. Life is short and there is a lot to explore.
Fishing for the big one
I love to saddle my horse up around 730-8 at night and go for a trail ride.. it’s just starting to cool down and the bugs aren’t bad.. the air is thick with the smell of fresh mowed grass and sometimes you can hear the rumble of thunder in the distance.. I live for those summer nights.
I love to lay around on the sandy ocean beach listening to the seagulls and waves wash my worries away.
Spending time outdoors with family
Hiking
Off to the beach…not going to wear any gold.
At 71 my wife and I are still blessed to be able to hike the many fabulous sites (mostly in Utah)!!!
A lazy summer day foshing on great Minnesota lake for large panfish… sunfish and crappies.
MINNESOTA GARY
I love going to outdoor music festivals in the summer!
Watching the boats out in the ocean With a good pair of binoculars Trying not to spot beached whales lol.
BBQ around the pool!
Lakeside cookouts with my friends and loved ones along with sailing and windsurfing. It just doesn’t get any better!
I’ll be visiting children and grandchildren around the country this summer.
I just enjoy everyday. Try to make them last as long as possible. I love the silver eagle dollars. Hooked on them.
Fishing/kayaking at the beach!
I’m going to fly my drone right now.
There’s nothing like being on the water. It doesn’t matter if it’s on a ski, a surfboard, paddle board, sailing boat or powerboat – just to be out there!
Getting fresh fruits and vegetables from my garden