These alloy metals get corroded when exposed to harsh chemicals such as chlorine. You should thus avoid wearing your engagement band into the pool or hot tub if it contains any of these alloy metals. However, if your ring is made out of pure gold, platinum, or palladium then you need not worry about chlorine.
While stronger metals like platinum hold up better against the salty ocean water, softer metals won't fare so well. This means anyone with a gold engagement ring or wedding band should be extra cautious before wading into the ocean.
Chlorine can damage and discolor metals (like gold and platinum) and can slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones. Before playing in the sand (or gardening.) Dirt and small rocks are abrasive. If not cleaned right away, your jewelry can be permanently damaged.
Platinum Jewelry: Platinum remains one of the best options for waterproof jewelry. While platinum can be expensive, it is durable, does not tarnish, and never gets oxidized. This makes it worth the cost and ensures that platinum jewelry maintains its value in the long run.
Platinum is unaffected by air and water, but will dissolve in hot aqua regia, in hot concentrated phosphoric and sulphuric acids, and in molten alkali. It is as resistant as gold to corrosion and tarnishing.
Platinum's cool white sheen is perfect for accentuating the sparkle and brilliance of diamonds as it doesn't cause any colour to be reflected in the stone. Platinum is extremely durable and strong making it ideal for jewellery that's worn on a daily basis.
Very little. But if you're wearing a particular platinum jewelry piece every day, then be cautious of what it comes into contact with. Harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach are a strict no-no. Even repeated exposure to chlorine in swimming pools causes the platinum to weaken over time.
One disadvantage associated with platinum jewelry is its high cost relative to other types of metals, such as Gold and Silver.
Why: working out with your jewelry on introduces risk to your pieces. The metals that many rings are made of--gold, sterling silver, and platinum--can be bent from the impact of lifting weights or using exercise machines.
Platinum is a very dense metal, and while this can often mean more of it is needed to craft the ring, it also means platinum rings are durable and will most likely last you a lifetime.
Typically, solid gold, gold-filled, platinum, or sterling silver jewelry can handle a bit more water. Be careful with plated jewelry, as plating can wear off, and what's left underneath can tarnish over time. Brass jewelry is better to avoid mixing with water, though it can be cleaned.
Platinum is another fairly safe metal. It doesn't react at all with the chemicals in hand sanitizer, although it's still best to avoid it and keep up with regular cleaning to avoid any residue that will dull the shine. White gold, on the other hand, is more likely to be damaged by hand sanitizer.
Showering & Washing Your Hands
You're not the only one to wonder, "can I shower with my engagement ring?" And we're here to put the matter to rest once and for all with a big no, please, don't. It's just not worth the risk and the wear.
Yes, you can shower with platinum on. Usually what makes platinum dirty are things like lotions, soaps or sweat.
Water does not affect platinum, making it safe for showering. Over time, a patina might develop on your jewelry. A platinum patina is a change in the metal's glossy appearance to a satiny or frosty one. But it comes from regular usage, not just exposure to water.
Because of its rarity, platinum is valuable and will hold its value as the years pass. We now know that platinum is a naturally white metal. Because of its pure white color that won't change over time, you never have to worry about any unwanted color reflecting into the diamond.
While both precious metals are strong, platinum is more durable than gold. Its high density and chemical composition make it less likely to break than gold, so it lasts longer. The chemical structure also means that the metal displaces on the surface when it is hit so you don't lose any of the precious metal.
Platinum is generally valued higher than gold. This is because platinum is rarer than gold, has a higher density and is purer. Platinum rings require more platinum than gold rings require gold, which can increase the overall cost.
To clean your platinum jewelry, mix the dish soap and a couple drops of ammonia in warm water. Add your platinum jewelry and let it soak for a minute or two, or leave it for up to ten minutes for intricate or especially dirty pieces. Use the toothbrush to scrub your jewelry gently.
It's best to clean your jewelry regularly, so pick one day out of the week to do this simple but-oh-so important task. Take the time to visit your jeweler once a year (scheduling a date close to your birthday makes it easy to remember) to bring back that “just purchased” glow.
In one study of 446 people, only two had any reaction to platinum. Because most platinum jewelry alloy metals are 95% pure, and the other metals commonly used in them are also hypoallergenic, you shouldn't have any problems wearing platinum, even if you have sensitive skin.
Platinum is easier to maintain over time than white gold. Platinum is also the most hypoallergenic of all metals, because of its purity. Platinum is made of 95% pure platinum, where white gold is made out of 75% pure gold, and 25% other metals.
Gold is a soft metal. But platinum can bend, too. It's not indestructible. Another reason you should avoid wearing your engagement ring to bed is that blankets, sheets, and hair can snag on your ring, which can pull and loosen prongs.
Platinum is considered a biologically compatible metal because it is non-toxic and stable, so it does not react with, or negatively affect body tissues. Recent research has also shown platinum to inhibit the growth of certain cancerous cells.