Most people understand that it’s best to remove sterling silver jewelry before entering the shower; however, many don’t realize its susceptibility to tarnish when exposed to water.
Care for silver jewelry properly to prevent it from tarnishing and keep its shine, including wearing showerproof jewelry pieces! Discover more here about which type of silver pieces can be worn while showering and how you can keep them looking their best!
What type of jewelry can be worn in the shower?
No matter where your life takes you, whether that be showering, swimming in the pool, or simply relaxing by the beach, knowing which jewelry to wear when engaging in water-related activities is essential. Unfortunately not all pieces can withstand prolonged contact with moisture; certain pieces can rust or corrode quickly if exposed.
There are various metals used to craft jewelry pieces, so it is essential that you know which metal each piece is composed of before showering or swimming with it. Here are a few options for safe jewelry materials:
Silver, gold and platinum are great corrosion-resistant metal choices to consider for jewelry purchases. If your plated sterling silver requires removal before showering to avoid damage to its coating.
Tungsten carbide is another inert material that will not tarnish when exposed to water, making it suitable for creating rings and bracelets that won’t easily be damaged by moisture. This material can often be combined with other metals for durable jewelry designs that won’t tarnish easily when in contact with moisture.
Stainless steel jewelry is an ideal choice for showerwear and is water-proof. Made up of an iron, carbon, magnesium and chromium alloy that resists chlorine salt water and other harsh chemicals found in everyday bath products like body soap and lotion, stainless steel is resistant against this corrosive environment.
Nickel-containing jewelry should be avoided when showering, as this metal can irritate skin and trigger allergic reactions. Wearing pearls during a shower session could damage their luster and shine due to chemicals found in soap and water that could break them down over time.
Silicone is an ideal material for rings and bracelets that don’t react with water or other substances, thanks to its soft, stretchy properties that make it the perfect option when selecting jewelry that must fit comfortably on your finger.
Some people like wearing mood rings while showering, which change color according to your finger temperature. They’re easy to wear and won’t tarnish over time; however, they may not last as long as other forms of jewelry.
Sterling silver is a good choice
Before wearing jewelry in the shower, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Sterling silver is an excellent option as a strong yet lightweight metal that does not tarnish easily.
Hypoallergenic and free from chemicals known to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive skin types. Therefore, this product makes for an ideal option.
Sterling silver may be durable material but over time can tarnish due to copper’s presence, which accelerates its tarnishing process.
To maintain its brilliant appearance, make sure that when showering you use a mild soap with anti-tarnishing agents and rinse thoroughly afterwards. This will remove any tarnishing and keep the piece sparkling bright!
But be careful when showering, as you could expose your sterling silver jewelry to harmful chemicals that could compromise its value. This includes chlorine and other cleaning solutions which could corrode it further and lead to it tarnishing over time.
Avoid these issues by taking off and storing your jewelry in an airtight and dry location to protect it from being exposed to water and chemicals.
Maintain the condition of your silver jewelry to extend its longevity for many years to come. You can clean sterling silver pieces by immersing them in warm water with mild cleaner or baking soda for several minutes to clean it thoroughly.
If your silver jewelry is plated with rhodium, be aware that water exposure may accelerate its tarnishing process and lead to dull or faded effects over time. Oxidation from water exposure accelerates this tarnishing process and may accelerate it significantly over time.
Avoid swimming pools and hot tubs when wearing sterling silver jewelry to minimize its exposure to chlorine, which can corrode its metal and cause it to tarnish over time. If you do wear it while swimming, ensure it fits loosely around your wrist before showering to reduce corrosion risk.
It tarnishes easily
Sterling silver is an alloy composed of silver mixed with copper and other metals that makes it stronger and more durable than pure silver. It is typically marked 925 to denote how much silver its composition contains.
If you want to prevent your sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing, be sure to clean it regularly. Doing this will remove any dirt or natural oils that have accumulated through wear that could accelerate its oxidization process.
Store your silver in an Intercept bag or pouch to protect it from water, salty air and other potential threats. There is a range of sizes and shapes to suit every storage need – you should find one which meets them all!
Storing silver in an Intercept bag won’t guarantee it won’t tarnish; many factors, including humidity, sunlight exposure, salty air, and chemicals found in water may contribute to its degradation.
To prevent tarnishing, it is crucial that high-quality sterling silver that bears the 925 mark be purchased. This guarantees that its composition contains at least 95% silver by weight.
As it pertains to sterling silver jewelry, it’s also vitally important to avoid exposure to chlorine and other harsh chemicals which could potentially harm it. This includes swimming pools, hot tubs and any other environment where these could occur.
Your sterling silver is easy to maintain by submerging it in warm or lukewarm water and gently scrubbing with a soft cloth, then patting dry afterwards so it maintains its shine.
Bi-carb soda can also be an effective method of cleaning sterling silver, providing another effective option for restoration. You can mix a small amount with water to form a solution before placing your tarnished silver into it for 15 seconds to soak up any residue.
Instead of just soaking your sterling silver jewelry, use a brush to keep it clean. This is an efficient and cost-effective way to prevent dirt, oil, or any other substances that could potentially tarnish its finish over time.
It is not affected by water
Sterling silver jewelry is popular due to its beauty and durability; however, over time if it is not treated properly it can tarnish and become dull over time.
To avoid tarnishing, the best way to protect silver jewelry from being damaged by water is to take precautions before showering or swimming, and keep it away from other sources that could expose it to bacteria-laden environments such as public showers. When wearing silver jewelry in the shower it’s essential that it comes into contact with only filtered water that won’t expose it to chemicals that could damage your piece(s).
One effective way of protecting sterling silver jewelry from moisture damage is storing it in an environment free from moisture. A tarnish-resistant bag or box will help absorb excess moisture before it has the chance to discolor your silver pieces.
If you don’t wish to keep your sterling silver jewelry in its own bag, an alternative way is placing it in a dish or lidded box on your bedside table. This will protect it from coming into contact with any foreign objects and substances found therein, thus keeping its condition as pristine as possible.
Your sterling silver should also be stored in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag to prevent airborne contaminants from damaging it over time, particularly if you live in areas with harsh climates such as cold or dry environments.
Silver is an alloy and as such will tarnishes when exposed to other metals or chemical compounds. Copper, nickel and zinc are frequently found in sterling silver products; all three metals can tarnish when exposed to oxygen and water.
However, if your jewelry is washed in the shower and dried thoroughly afterward, it should be fine. A mild soap may help prevent any tarnishing that may have formed; drying will remove any deposits left from tarnishing.
One important fact to keep in mind when purchasing sterling silver jewelry is that its surface can discolor when exposed to chlorine, such as that found in swimming pools. Therefore, if you plan on frequent swimming sessions it would be a wise idea to remove your silver pieces prior to entering the water so it does not get damaged by chlorine and thus reduce any chances of tarnishing.