Last Updated on December 29, 2023
Nearly every culture in human history has used some form of jewelry. And yet, despite its ubiquity, so many people don’t know if it’s safe to wear their favorite jewelry in the shower. It’s an important question, and today we’re going to try to answer it.
Can you shower with sterling silver jewelry?
You should not shower while wearing sterling silver jewelry. Although the water alone may not cause too much damage to the silver, other elements could. Forgetting to thoroughly dry your sterling silver jewelry after showing can make it tarnish, causing it to look duller and less beautiful than before.
Certain minerals or deposits in the shower water — or even your favorite soaps or cleaners — can tarnish it as well. The humidity and steam present in the shower can also damage the sterling silver. As a general rule, you should refrain from showering with your sterling silver.
Can you wear gold in the shower?
Yes, you can wear gold jewelry in the shower; however, it is not recommended that you do. Over time, the water can wear away at the gold’s shine and sparkle, making it lose some of its brilliance.
In general, solid gold jewelry will not tarnish when exposed to the shower. However, gold alloys (gold with other metals mixed in) will often tarnish when worn in the shower because most other metals react poorly to the water, heat, soap, and mineral deposits.
Therefore, if you want to keep your gold shining and beautiful for as long as possible, you should not wear it in the shower.
What jewelry is safe to shower in?
You should never wear your jewelry in the shower if you can avoid it. It can be a hassle, but it’s the only way to ensure that your jewelry will retain its beauty and shine for as long as possible.
Showers typically won’t damage metals like solid gold, platinum, and palladium, but they will lose their shine after prolonged exposure. However, stainless steel can be worn in the shower with no worries.
Can you shower with a gold chain?
Yes, you can shower with a gold chain, although doing so regularly is not recommended. Water exposure doesn’t harm or tarnish gold, but — over time — it can cause the gold to lose its luster and shine. If you want your gold to stay beautiful and sparkly, just slip it off before you step in the shower.
Can you wear 14k gold in the shower?
Yes, you can wear 14k gold in the shower, but you shouldn’t. Since 14k gold is an alloy, there are other reactive metals in it. These metals can tarnish after extended exposure to water, causing the gold to look dull. Plus, certain alloy metals, like copper, can turn your skin green after being worn in the shower.
Can 14k gold get wet?
14k gold should not get wet. Since it is an alloy, 14k gold has metals in it other than gold. These metals can react poorly to water and the minerals within it. So, while getting your 14k gold wet once or twice shouldn’t be a problem, don’t do it regularly.
Can gold melt in the shower?
No, your gold will not melt in the shower. However, you should never wear gold-plated jewelry in the shower.
Since gold-plating is often so thin, the humidity, water pressure, and chemical exposure of the shower can cause your beautiful gold-plating to wear away. Over time, it could even peel the gold-plating off completely.
Can you take a shower with diamond earrings?
You should not take a shower with your diamond earrings on. Lotions, soaps, and cleaners leave a residue on the diamonds that can eventually lead to less sparkle and shine.
If you shower with your diamond earrings on regularly, you will probably notice a color change over time. Diamonds are meant to shine and sparkle, and showering with them regularly will almost definitely take both away.
Can you shower with platinum jewelry?
You should not shower with platinum jewelry. Much like gold, regular exposure to water will cause platinum to lose its shine and brilliance, resulting in a duller, less alluring piece.
However, forgetting to take it off every once in a while shouldn’t cause too much damage to the platinum. If you do shower with it, be sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth afterward.
Can showering with jewelry turn your skin green?
Yes, showering with jewelry can turn your skin green. Most jewelry is made with alloys and contains metals like copper, nickel, and zinc. When exposed to water and minerals, these metals can cause skin discoloration, which can sometimes be embarrassing or even alarming.
Some metals — like certain variations of sterling silver — can turn skin green or even black. Therefore, you should always remove your jewelry before you shower if you can.
Can you shower with your engagement ring?
No, you should not shower with your engagement ring. Over time, showering with your engagement ring can damage the look, appeal, and shine of the ring. Regardless of the metal and stone type, it is never a good idea to shower with your engagement ring.
You should also slip your engagement ring off before putting on lotions or creams since they can also damage your ring. Frequent use of hand sanitizer can also cause damage, dulling its shine and sparkle over time.
Can I wash my hands with my rings on?
Yes, you can wash your hands with rings on. Gentle soaps shouldn’t cause your jewelry any harm; in fact, a little soap and water can help keep your ring clean and sparkly. However, you should avoid using any harsh soaps or rough-drying clothes.
With the spread of COVID-19, many people are washing their hands more thoroughly and feel that removing their rings is the best way to do so. If you want, keep ring dishes at every sink in your house, so that you can keep up with their location.
