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!
Goal help the EARTH become cleaner. This summer we will traveling up the pacific coast to visit our family and friends. During our drive up the coast we will be picking trash on the beaches we visit. If we find any other trash along the way Im sure we will pick that up as well, noticing a lot of humans dumping trash in parks and parking lots. Everyone have a safe, clean and cool summer… Saving the EARTH 101.
Spending my time hiking the White Mountains of NH. It has some of the best views in the world.
Going to the beach.
My wife and I enjoy tending to our vegetable garden and flower beds on our 5 acre property and playing outside with grandkids.
Baseball, baseball, and more baseball. Playing it, watching it, and dreaming about it.
Hiking in the northwest with my best puppy pal, my flip eared Bonbon.
Metal detecting on the beach in the early morning.
My favorite summertime activity is scouting the best silver deals on the web and finding most of them at Provident Metals! You guys have some really good deals. Even when the post office made a mistake, I continue to order from you because I trust your company and I love your prices! In addition to silver investing, I love tanning, swimming, and running. Summer in Texas is so HOT! I think it’s about time for a lake day!!!
Cold beer and Nascar make my summer great. Stack on!
Walking my ever so loyal dog!!!
Just hanging out on the beach enjoying a good cigar and a nice drink.
I Love my wife of 54 years and she is my best friend. We are on our way to the beach.
At the aquarium with autism kids!!
Escaping the heat of Arizona and enjoying the crisp, clean air of the Rocky Mountains!
Also, anything that keeps me from working!
Reading by the beach with the sound of the waves in the background is quite relaxing.
My favorite summertime activity is watching my yard come to life! The trees turn green, the flowers bloom, and all the interesting insects, birds, and wildlife scurry about and put on a daily show!
Enjoying the weather outside.
Going to motorcycle rallies and local group motorcycle rides. Doing a lot of solo rides in also before Winter strikes.
Swimming, bbq and spending time with family and friends
Fishing, walking and swimming with kids including grand children at the beach
I will be enjoying taking my grandson fishing, it is a great bonding experience
Summer is all about the pool, their is nothing like a jumping into a cool pool on a hot day.
We will be taking our San Diego week trip to enjoy the weather and beach!
Kayaking is one of my favorite Summer activities.
Gazing under the stars outside of the city limits.
My ideal summer activities are working in the garden and playing with the dogs in the back yard.
I enjoy going to all the available free music concerts in my region !
Swimming in the ocean
Catchin frisbee on the beach with a cold beer!!
Making mosaic tile art projects for the garden.