Summer is the perfect time to dive into swimming pools and enjoy the sun, but did you know that swimming with jewellery could spell trouble for your pieces? While it might be tempting to keep your precious pieces on while you swim, the chemicals in pool water can cause significant damage. The team at Milton Diamonds came up with a comprehensive guide on how swimming pools can affect your jewellery and what you can do to protect it.
Swimming With Jewellery – Why Not To
The Chlorine Culprit
- Gold: Even though gold is relatively resistant to tarnishing, chlorine can weaken it, especially if your jewellery is made from lower karat gold, which contains other metals more reactive to chlorine. This weakening can lead to cracks and breakages.
- Silver: Chlorine can cause silver to tarnish and darken much faster than usual, ruining its shine and appearance.
- Platinum: Platinum is more resistant to corrosion than gold and silver, but prolonged exposure to chlorine can still weaken this durable metal over time.
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Gemstones
- Porous stones: Swimming with jewellery, especially gemstones like opals, pearls, and turquoise can absorb chlorine and other pool chemicals because they are porous. This absorption can lead to discolouration and structural damage.
- Settings and adhesives: Chlorine can also weaken the settings that hold gemstones in place, increasing the risk of losing stones, especially if they are held with glue or other adhesives.
Corrosion and Tarnishing
- Chains and links: Fine chains and intricate links are particularly vulnerable to corrosion from chlorine exposure. This can lead to breakage and the potential loss of the jewellery piece.
- Surface finishes: Rhodium plating, often used on white gold, and other surface treatments can wear away more quickly when exposed to chlorine, diminishing the jewellery’s protective layer and appearance.
Colour Fading
- Enamel and dyes: Enamel or dyed elements on your jewellery can fade or become discoloured due to chlorine exposure.
- Some gemstones can also lose their vibrant colour or become duller with repeated chlorine exposure.
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Precautions to Protect Your Jewellery
Remove Jewellery Before Swimming
The best way to protect your jewellery from chlorine damage is to remove it before entering a swimming pool. This simple step can prevent a lot of potential harm.
Rinse Thoroughly
If your jewellery does come into contact with chlorine, rinse it thoroughly with clean, fresh water as soon as possible to remove any chemical residues.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
Regularly clean your jewellery and have it inspected by a professional jeweller. This ensures that settings are secure and there is no damage or weakening of the metal.
Safe Storage
When not wearing your jewellery, store it in a dry, safe place, preferably in a jewellery box. This protects it from environmental factors that could cause damage.
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Amy Irvin at Milton Diamonds says: Swimming pools are a fun and refreshing way to beat the heat, but they can be detrimental to your jewellery. By understanding the risks of swimming with jewellery and taking simple precautions, you can enjoy your summer activities without compromising the beauty and integrity of your precious pieces.
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