For the longest time, you have read and heard enough times that you shouldn’t wear jewelry in the pool and that you should take off the jewelry before going in for a dip. But is there a possibility of this being untrue or some kinds of jewelry being safe in the pool?
Well, in this article, we’ll explore all about that and also share some recommendations for the types of jewelry that you may actually wear in the pool safely.
It is important to note that in as much as many jewelers create different kinds of jewelry that come with a certain set of care and wear instructions, the materials the jewelry is made of is what determines if the jewelry is safe in the pool or not.
If you love swimming and would like to buy and wear jewelry that will be safe, even in the pool water, and the kinds of jewelry to avoid in the pool, this article is for you.
We also write other related topics here: what jewelry you can wear in the shower?
What kind of jewelry can you wear in the pool?
Understandably, the warnings against wearing most kinds of jewelry in the pool come from the fact that you can easily lose the ring in the pool because your fingers shrink in the cold water, the stones may weaken and fall off, and in other cases, the metals could react with chlorine, taking on a different color and finish you may not like anymore.
There is also the fact that the lotions and sunscreens you wear are rather harmful and may cause irreparable damage to the gemstones.
With these considerations in mind, your best bet when it comes to wearing jewelry in the pool is to wear jewelry made of materials that will not be damaged or affected by the pool water or other conditions.
Fortunately, there are many such options for you, as listed below.
1. Stainless steel jewelry
If you are looking for the safest jewelry to swim in, you will be happy to know that you can swim with jewelry made of stainless steel. The best kinds of stainless steel jewelry to swim in include 316L and 304 stainless steel.
These boast great performance, especially in the cooler temperature swimming pools where chlorination levels are lower and also where the water is carefully environmentally controlled.
The other reason why you can wear your stainless steel jewelry in the pool is that it boasts a very high level of resistance, and it will not get tarnished. That said, don’t take the dip in the chlorinated pool too often because constant exposure of stainless steel jewelry to high levels of chlorine can be harmful in the end.
2. Tungsten jewelry
Tungsten jewelry, also known as tungsten carbide jewelry, is your best bet when it comes to one of the safest jewelry options that you can wear in the pool.
The reason for this is that tungsten carbide is not only hard and scratch-resistant but also resistant to corrosion by the pool water. Though not indestructible as perceived, the rings made of tungsten are versatile and would look great on you and also won’t fall off in the pool.
The only catch is that you would have to make sure that the size of the ring is right so that it doesn’t fall off. It is also hypoallergenic and will not get tarnished in the swimming pool.
3. Silicone jewelry
If you must swim with jewelry on or if you just prefer having jewelry on at all times, you will be happy to know that you could never go wrong with silicone jewelry.
A silicone ring that fits around the finger tightly but comfortably is important and will be safe on your finger while swimming. It is non-reactive, won’t corrode or tarnish, and also, silicone jewelry won’t be damaged in the swimming pool.
The stability and strength of silicone jewelry come from the fact that the silicone rubber used for jewelry boasts stable and strong siloxane bonds that are not only resistant to heat but also chemically stable and well-insulated from everything, including water.
Silicone jewelry also boasts a high degree of resistance to heat, as well as low-temperature conditions. Silicone doesn’t lose its properties and shape, even in extreme temperature conditions and constant exposure to chlorinated water in the swimming pool.
Other safe metals include:
- Titanium– is also safe in the pool water and non-reactive.
- Platinum– it is non-reactive and won’t be tarnished or corroded.
What kind of jewelry can you not wear in the pool?
Now that you know what jewelry option would be safe in the swimming pool, here are the materials that are unsafe in the pool.
1. Copper
Copper is highly reactive, and choosing to swim with any kind of jewelry made of copper will mean that you will end up with a green-tinged piece of copper jewelry. So, you may want to avoid wearing copper jewelry in the swimming pool.
2. Bronze
Bronze is also highly reactive, and wearing the jewelry in the swimming pool would not be smart as it would react and get discolored easily. So, although the jewelry looks great generally, you should avoid the bronze jewelry when going for a swim.
3. Diamonds
Diamonds are not indestructible, as you may have been led to believe. They are also very delicate and expensive, which is why we recommend taking off your diamond-studded jewelry whenever you are in the pool, the kitchen, or anywhere else that the diamonds may be jeopardized.
There is also the rest of losing the diamond ring in the pool, and even if you don’t, the diamonds will be cloudy over time and make it look old and definitely not the shiny piece of gemstone you always wanted or wore. So, just don’t swim in your diamond ring or bracelet.
4. Gold Jewelry
You shouldn’t wear any kind of gold or gold-plated jewelry to and in the swimming pool because the zinc and copper in the gold will react with the chlorinated water in the swimming pool, resulting in the tarnishing of the jewelry.
Conclusion
Some metal jewelry options are safe in the swimming pool, but others aren’t, as seen above.
Before you wear the jewelry in the swimming pool, consider the reactivity of the metals and how the gemstones react.
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Tiger is a fashion&jewelry lover. He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer that help thousands of small business to grow and also do business with some big fashion jewelry brands. He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for.