What jewellery can I wear in the shower?
We all love the convenience of wearing our favourite jewellery all day, but when it comes to hopping in the shower, many people wonder whether it’s safe to leave their jewellery on. Some metals and gemstones can withstand the moisture, while others might be prone to damage or tarnishing. So, what jewellery can you wear in the shower, and what should you avoid? Let’s break it down.
1. Gold Jewellery
Pure 24k gold is one of the few metals that doesn’t tarnish and is generally safe to wear in the shower. However, most gold jewellery is made from lower karat gold, like 18k or 14k, which is mixed with other metals such as copper or silver. These metals can be prone to tarnishing or discolouration when exposed to moisture. Over time, the exposure to water, soaps, and shampoo can dull the shine of your gold jewellery.
Recommendation: While pure gold is more resistant to water, it’s always best to remove gold jewellery before showering to maintain its shine and prevent any potential damage
2. Sterling Silver Jewellery
Sterling silver is a popular choice for everyday wear, but it is highly prone to tarnishing when exposed to moisture and humidity. Wearing sterling silver jewellery in the shower can accelerate the tarnishing process and cause the metal to lose its lustre.
Recommendation: We strongly advise removing all sterling silver jewellery before showering to prevent tarnish and keep your pieces looking bright and shiny.
3. Platinum Jewellery
Platinum is a durable metal that is naturally resistant to tarnishing and corrosion. It is less likely to be affected by water exposure than silver or gold alloys, making it one of the better options for wearing in the shower. However, like all jewellery, frequent exposure to soaps and shampoo can dull its shine over time.
Recommendation: While platinum is more durable, it’s still a good idea to remove platinum jewellery before showering to keep it looking its best.
5. Gemstones
When it comes to gemstones, the water tolerance can vary greatly depending on the type of stone. Harder stones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are generally safe in the shower and can withstand moisture. However, softer and porous gemstones like pearls, opals, and turquoise can be damaged by water and lose their lustre over time.
Recommendation: Always remove any gemstone jewellery before showering to avoid moisture damage, especially for softer stones like pearls and opals.
Why You Should Remove All Jewellery Before Showering
While some jewellery materials are more resistant to water than others, we always recommend removing all jewellery before showering or bathing. Here’s why:
Soap and Shampoo Build-up: Even if your jewellery is water-resistant, soap, shampoo, and conditioner can build up on the surface of your jewellery, causing it to lose its shine and become dull over time. This build-up can be difficult to clean off and may cause your jewellery to look less vibrant.
Tarnishing: Water, particularly in areas with high humidity, can accelerate the tarnishing of metals like sterling silver and lower-karat gold. Keeping your jewellery out of the shower will help preserve its lustre and prevent unnecessary tarnishing.
Loose Stones: Frequent exposure to water can weaken the settings on rings and other pieces, increasing the risk of gemstones becoming loose or even falling out.
Prolonged Wear and Tear: Water exposure, combined with heat and humidity from showers, can weaken metals and shorten the lifespan of your jewellery. To protect your pieces, it’s always best to remove them before stepping into the shower.
Although some jewellery may be safe to wear in the shower, it’s always best to remove all jewellery before showering or bathing to protect it from damage, tarnishing, and wear. To keep your favourite pieces in top condition, store them in a jewellery box organiser, travel jewellery case, or leather jewellery box when not in use. By taking these simple precautions, you’ll ensure your jewellery stays beautiful and shiny for years to come.
Explore our range of jewellery storage boxes and jewellery cases to find the perfect way to protect your collection from the elements.