Can You Shower With Diamond Earrings? Plus How To Care For Your Diamond Jewelry
Diamond earrings are a popular choice for special occasions and everyday wear alike, but a common question is “can you wear them in the shower?” The answer, as with most things related to jewelry is… it depends!
As a general rule of thumb, it’s not a good idea to wear jewelry in the shower if you want it to last for a long time. Warm water, harsh chemicals from shower products, and mineral deposits from hard water can all damage jewelry pieces over time.
However, what about small, diamond stud earrings that you would most likely leave in for everyday wear? And what jewelry, if any, is safe to wear in water?
In this article, I’ll answer those questions, as well as the best way to care for your diamond jewelry and keep it in good condition, even with regular exposure to water.
Should you get gemstones like diamonds wet?
While diamonds are some of the hardest substances on earth, they are not immune to damage from water exposure.
The setting, polish, and overall condition of diamond earrings, and diamond rings for that matter, can be affected by exposure to shower water over time, so in general, it’s best to avoid wearing them in the shower altogether.
If you must wear diamond studs or other diamond jewelry pieces in the shower, be sure to dry them thoroughly afterward with a soft cloth and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals from shower products.
Risks of Wearing Diamonds in Water
Here are some risks you should consider before wearing your diamond earrings in water, whether it be the shower, pool, or ocean:
- Damage from harsh chemicals: Chlorine and salt water are commonly found in pools and oceans, and they can damage the precious metal settings that hold your diamonds. The chemicals can cause discoloration, and your diamonds may lose their shine.
- Soap scum and mineral deposits: When you shower or swim, soap scum and mineral deposits can build up on your diamond earrings, making them look cloudy over time. This can happen even if you rinse them off with warm water afterwards.
- Scratches: Even though diamonds are strong and durable, they can still get scratched when they come into contact with hard surfaces like the walls of a pool or the ocean floor.
- Loss: The risk of losing jewelry is elevated in water. There’s always potential that your earrings could fall off and get lost in the water especially during various water activities. In addition, prolonged periods of time in water can cause your fingers to become pruney (thus shrinking) and your rings can easily fall off.
It’s important to remember that diamonds are precious and delicate, and they require proper care to stay in good condition.
While it may be the most convenient option to wear your diamond earrings in the shower or pool, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid exposing them to water whenever possible.
Should you shower with diamond earrings?
While you of course can shower with diamond jewelry, as mentioned above – it’s not always the best idea. If you want to keep your diamond earrings or rings looking their best for as long as possible, you may want to think twice before taking them into the shower with you.
As we’ve discussed, water exposure can cause damage to certain types of jewelry. While diamonds themselves are extremely durable, water can cause damage to the metal setting and can cause the diamonds to become dull or scratched with less shine.
Ultimately, the decision to wear diamond earrings in the shower is a personal one. If you choose to do so, (or maybe you simply forgot!) make sure to take proper care of your earrings by cleaning them regularly and after any exposure to harsh chemicals.
Tips For Wearing Diamonds in the Shower
If you do decide to wear your diamond jewelry in the shower, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid using harsh shower products like body scrubs or exfoliants.
- Opt for warm water instead of using hot water, as this can loosen the setting.
- Clean them regularly with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush and mild soap (such as dish soap) to prevent buildup.
Can you wear diamonds in the pool?
It’s generally much safer to wear diamond jewelry in shower water than to wear them in the pool or hot tubs. Chlorine and other harsh chemicals found in pools can be very damaging to the precious metal and setting of your diamond ring or earrings.
These chemicals can cause your jewelry pieces to lose their shine or even damage them beyond repair.
Can you wear diamonds in the ocean?
Similar to wearing diamond jewelry in the pool, wearing them in the ocean can also negatively impact your jewelry.
Saltwater and other elements found in the ocean can cause damage to your precious jewelry, so it’s best to avoid wearing them in this body of water. If you do wear them, be sure to rinse them thoroughly with fresh water and clean them with a soft cloth afterward.
Jewelry That Is Safe To Shower and Swim With
If you’re looking for jewelry that is safe to wear in the shower or while swimming, there are a few options of precious metals that make a great choice for everyday wear or special occasions:
- Stainless steel jewelry: This type of jewelry is resistant to tarnishing, rusting, and corrosion. Plus, it’s affordable and comes in a variety of styles!
- Platinum jewelry: This precious metal is resistant to wear and tear, making it perfect for everyday wear and exposure to water.
- Solid gold jewelry: Pure gold is too soft to make into jewelry, so it’s usually alloyed with other metals to make it more durable. Lower karat gold values (less than 18k) can handle water exposure better than higher karat gold.
- Gold-plated jewelry: Gold plating creates a very thin layer of gold over a base metal, so it’s not as durable as solid gold, but it can handle occasional water exposure.
- Glass jewelry: This type of jewelry is non-porous, so it won’t absorb water or other liquids.
How To Care For Your Diamond Jewelry
Regardless of whether or not you regularly expose your jewelry to water, proper care is crucial to keep these pieces in good condition. Here are some simple tips for taking care of your diamond jewelry:
- Store your diamond jewelry in a safe place: When you’re not wearing your diamond jewelry, make sure to store it in a safe location to avoid losing or damaging it.
- Clean your diamond jewelry regularly: Diamonds are relatively easy to clean, but it’s essential to do it on a regular basis to maintain their sparkle. You can use a soft-bristled brush and mild soap (or white vinegar) to clean them.
- Inspect your diamond jewelry often: Regular jewelry inspection is the key to catching any problems early on. Look for any loose prongs or damage to the setting.
- Avoid wearing diamond jewelry during physical activities: It’s always best to take off your diamond jewelry when you’re doing anything active, such as sports or exercising. They can easily get damaged during these activities.
- Consider getting your diamond jewelry professionally cleaned: It’s a good idea to take your diamond jewelry to a jeweler for professional cleaning once or twice a year. Professional jewelers will use ultrasonic cleaners to thoroughly clean your jewelry and will most often do a jewelry inspection as well.
More Diamond FAQ’s
Can you wear diamond earrings everyday?
You can absolutely wear diamond earrings everyday! They make a great option for nearly every occasion. Simply make sure you are taking proper care of them to ensure they remain in perfect condition.
Can you sleep in diamond earrings?
It’s generally not recommended to sleep in diamond earrings. This is because they can get tangled in long hair or snagged on clothing or bedding, causing damage to your earrings or injury to yourself. If the earrings don’t have screw backs there is also a higher chance of them falling out and getting lost.
Can you wear a diamond ring while washing your hands?
Yes, you can wear a diamond ring while washing your hands. In order to avoid damage to your ring it’s best to use lukewarm water, gentle soap, and make sure your ring is properly fitted on your finger.
Conclusion
Now that you know the do’s and don’ts of showering and swimming with your diamond jewelry, you can take better care of your favorite pieces and ensure they remain in great condition.
It’s important to remember that water exposure is not always the best thing for your precious jewels, but with proper care and caution, you can still enjoy them in any situation.
If you’re still unsure about whether or not to wear your diamonds in water, the general rule of thumb is to always err on the side of caution. If it’s a family heirloom or an engagement ring, it’s probably best to keep it in a safe place and avoid water exposure altogether.
But if it’s a piece of jewelry meant for everyday wear, like diamond studs or a simple gold chain, you can still enjoy them in the shower or pool with the right care.
In the end, the most important thing is to take good care of your jewelry collection, regardless of whether or not it can withstand water exposure. Regular cleaning and proper storage can keep your jewelry in great condition for years to come.
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