Product Care
Can You Wear Jewelry in the Shower or While Swimming? | Van Adams Jewelers ̵
Published: Jul 10, 2025
Wearing your favorite necklace, engagement ring, or gold bracelet every day feels natural—but what about when it’s time to jump in the shower or take a swim? Many customers at Van Adams Jewelers in Snellville, GA ask us, “Can you wear jewelry in the shower or while swimming?” It’s a great question—and an important one for protecting your fine jewelry.
The short answer: It's best to remove your jewelry before showering or swimming.
Here’s why, and how to care for your jewelry the right way.
Showering with your jewelry might seem harmless, especially if it’s something you wear all the time. But over time, water and products like shampoo and body wash can cause real damage.
Here’s what happens when you shower with jewelry on:
Even though water alone won’t destroy most jewelry, the combination of heat, pressure, and chemicals in your products can.
Whether it’s a pool, hot tub, lake, or ocean, you should never swim with fine jewelry on. Here’s why:
Many people have lost valuable engagement rings or heirloom pieces while swimming. It’s simply not worth the risk.
Pearls – highly porous and easily damaged by chemicals and moisture
Opals and turquoise – absorb water and can become discolored or cracked
Delicate antique or vintage pieces – often have fragile settings and glue-mounted stones
Custom or pave settings – tiny stones can loosen from temperature and water pressure
If you forgot to take it off—don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
Create a safe place (like a ring dish or soft pouch) near your sink, shower, or beach bag.
Remove jewelry before applying sunscreen, lotion, or hair products.
Schedule regular cleanings and inspections to keep stones tight and metal looking its best.
At Van Adams Jewelers in Snellville, GA, we offer complimentary cleaning and inspection for all fine jewelry, whether you purchased it here or not. Our in-store specialists can clean, polish, and restore your jewelry safely—no appointments necessary.
Stop by our showroom at 1870 Scenic Hwy N, Snellville, GA, and let our expert jewelers help your pieces sparkle like new.
The short answer: It's best to remove your jewelry before showering or swimming.
Here’s why, and how to care for your jewelry the right way.
Why You Shouldn’t Wear Jewelry in the Shower
Showering with your jewelry might seem harmless, especially if it’s something you wear all the time. But over time, water and products like shampoo and body wash can cause real damage.
Here’s what happens when you shower with jewelry on:
- Soap buildup dulls the sparkle of diamonds and gemstones.
- Residue and hard water can leave mineral deposits on metal.
- Gold and silver may lose their luster or begin to tarnish.
- Chains and prongs can become more fragile with repeated exposure to heat and moisture.
Even though water alone won’t destroy most jewelry, the combination of heat, pressure, and chemicals in your products can.
Can You Swim with Jewelry On? Not a Good Idea.
Whether it’s a pool, hot tub, lake, or ocean, you should never swim with fine jewelry on. Here’s why:
- Chlorine in pools and hot tubs can weaken gold alloys and damage the finish on white gold and platinum.
- Saltwater is highly corrosive and can eat away at metals over time.
- Cold water can cause your fingers to shrink slightly—making rings much more likely to slip off unnoticed.
- Sand and grit in lakes and oceans can scratch gemstones and metals.
Many people have lost valuable engagement rings or heirloom pieces while swimming. It’s simply not worth the risk.
Jewelry You Should Never Wear in Water
Pearls – highly porous and easily damaged by chemicals and moisture
Opals and turquoise – absorb water and can become discolored or cracked
Delicate antique or vintage pieces – often have fragile settings and glue-mounted stones
Custom or pave settings – tiny stones can loosen from temperature and water pressure
What to Do If You Accidentally Get Jewelry Wet
If you forgot to take it off—don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
- Dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth
- Clean gently at home using warm water and mild soap (no chemicals)
- Bring it in to Van Adams Jewelers for a professional cleaning and inspection, especially if it’s a diamond ring or something sentimental
How to Keep Jewelry Safe Near Water
Create a safe place (like a ring dish or soft pouch) near your sink, shower, or beach bag.
Remove jewelry before applying sunscreen, lotion, or hair products.
Schedule regular cleanings and inspections to keep stones tight and metal looking its best.
Visit Van Adams Jewelers for Professional Cleaning & Care
At Van Adams Jewelers in Snellville, GA, we offer complimentary cleaning and inspection for all fine jewelry, whether you purchased it here or not. Our in-store specialists can clean, polish, and restore your jewelry safely—no appointments necessary.
Stop by our showroom at 1870 Scenic Hwy N, Snellville, GA, and let our expert jewelers help your pieces sparkle like new.