Can I Swim in My Jewelry?

When summer comes along, I'm often asked “Can I swim in my jewelry, won't it change its color”?

The short answer is, for the most part, you can. One of Boutique Baltique's core beliefs is that you should be able to wear your jewelry while leading an active and fun life, which doesn't exclude swimming. Our clients frequently say that they swim and enjoy summer activities without any limits while wearing our necklaces, earrings, anklets and bracelets.

“Love the lightness of the aquamarine drop. And how dainty the necklace looks. I recently came back from the holiday - salt, sea, coconut oil, soap in showers... I know to protect the jewellery I should be taking it off for all these things and activities but I am pleasantly surprised it still looks shiny and like new! Even if I would ruin it I would probably get a new one. Love it! Thank you.🙏☀️”

- Marci

That said, there are some things you must know in order to keep your jewelry bright, clean and "like new". Read on to find out what they are.

Bathing or Showering With Jewelry

Showering or taking a bath with your jewelry is generally safe, but we strongly recommend to take it off. If you use a scrub or sponge you can mechanically deform or damage delicate metal. It's very easy to make it a routine to take off your jewelry before a shower or bath and keep it safe.

Its important to mention that Ethiopian Welo Opal is one stone which should be kept away from water at all costs. Ethiopian Opals are super hydroscopic and absorb water quickly - please never soak them in water or other liquids. They may lose their play of color, crack or become yellow permanently. Please use a soft cloth to clean your opal jewelry.

Swimming With Jewelry

This largely depends on where you swim and what type of metal your jewelry is made of. Ocean or sea water can be corrosive to certain types of jewelry because it contains salt. Pool water, because it contains chlorine, is much more corrosive. Still water lakes are generally okay to swim in with various kinds of jewelry.

Sterling Silver 

Swimming in sterling silver usually won’t cause damage, but you might want to avoid wearing it in pools. Chlorinated water can cause sterling silver to tarnish. Luckily, if you really want to wear sterling silver in a pool or forget to take it off, you can still prevent tarnish by simply washing your silver afterwards. Wash it with soap and water, then gently pat the jewelry dry with cloth or paper towel. If you want to go the extra mile, you can polish it with a polishing cloth.

(Interestingly, sleeping in sterling silver also helps keep it clean because natural oils minimize tarnish).

Solid Gold 

Pure 24k gold is safe to swim in in any type of water, but 18k, 14k or 10k gold, which is a mix of gold and other metals, can be damaged by chlorine. The chlorine causes these other metals to drain from the jewelry which creates microscopic bubbles that can weaken your gold jewelry.

Other Things to Remember

It’s important to mention that there’s always a risk of losing your jewelry in water. You should avoid pulling on it as it could break, fall, or slip off. If the Jewelry is very valuable or a family heirloom, you might want to ask yourself if swimming in it is worth the risk.

Share your stories if you swim in our jewelry, or if you have had any issues with that.

Enjoy the summer, it is so special this year,
Angela