With 10K 14K or 18K solid yellow gold, there's very little to worry about when it comes to sand or water. Be careful with gold plating, as exposure to water, chlorine and salt all chip away at it over time and you will have to get your accessory re-plated entirely if that's the case.
Solid gold, gold-filled, platinum, and sterling silver jewelry are the best at handling salt water.
Everyday Wear
10K gold is made so that it's durable enough for daily activities without losing its charm. Like any other gold jewelry, remove it before engaging in activities where there is a risk of damage, such as household chores, yard work, or other physical labor.
Second, the less the gold, the more scratch resistant and endurable the piece is. This is because the additional metals are harder than pure gold. Both 10k and 14k are naturally waterproof and tarnish resistant.
It's not just chlorine that can damage your gold jewellery and diamonds; saltwater can damage them too. Salt causes erosion of soldered gold, silver or platinum elements. As a result, the precious metal may weaken meaning your jewellery could potentially break. The diamonds can also get blemished by salt.
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.
DON'T Wear Your Ring in Salt Water
That's because salt in the ocean is extremely corrosive to metals like copper, gold and rose gold. Rose gold is especially sensitive to salt water as it will corrode much faster than traditional yellow or white gold.
throw the term heirloom or heirloom-quality around…but what do we mean by that? Basically, we refer to our solid gold pieces here at GLDN—both 10k and 14k—as heirlooms because they'll last a lifetime and can be passed down to future generations.
Remember to avoid exposing your 10k rose gold jewelry to harsh chemicals, chlorine, or abrasive materials, as these can damage or dull its appearance.
Gold, no matter what its purity, is a good investment for different reasons. If you're looking for something long-lasting, then you'd consider 10k gold to be a great investment because its high durability factor will likely last you a lifetime.
If your jewelry is made of pure gold, there is nothing you should worry about when it comes to getting your jewelry wet. Whether it is a gold necklace, bracelet, ring, or earrings, if they are 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K, gold will not get affected by water.
The biggest advantages of 10k gold are its cost and durability. 10k gold is the most budget friendly, making it a good option if you're shopping for a ring or other jewelry on a tight budget. The main disadvantage of 10k gold is its risk of causing skin irritation if you're allergic to certain metals.
Gold, on the other hand, is both sweat- and tarnish-proof, adds a touch of style and luxury to your gym look, and is an investment-worthy metal that will stand the test of time! If you do go for gold, it's always best to opt for a piece that is lower in karats, such as 10K or 14K.
10K, 14K, 18K and even 22K Solid Gold is not a concern when it comes to getting your necklace wet.
Instead, opt for tarnish-free jewelry like stainless steel, solid gold, or titanium, which provide long-lasting and wearable options for waterproof accessories that fit your lifestyle and aesthetic.
In fact, salt (or sea) water will not affect gold in any way, no matter how long the gold is exposed to it. However, The salt found in oceans is corrosive to metals such as copper, more so than yellow gold.
10K gold is the least pure, least expensive, yet most durable, form of gold used widely in jewelry today. With its 41.7% gold purity, it's the most impure gold available on the market that can still legally be called “gold” in the US and most other countries.
You might hear that 10 karat gold is the lowest purity. This isn't strictly true, in fact gold jewelry can be found in 9k, 8k, and even lower. When you consider this, 10k gold certainly isn't worthless, and is still of interest to pawn shops.
The most noticeable difference between each karat option is the gold color. Because pure gold is naturally yellow in color, the higher the karat, the more yellow the metal will appear.
One advantage of 10k is that it is more durable than 14k. Because it has a lower gold content it's stronger, and less likely to scratch, scuff or bend. A second advantage is the price - it's less expensive than 14k because it has less gold.
Gold jewelry should be gently cleaned weekly to keep it looking shiny and new. All you need to clean most gold jewelry is warm water, dish soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Take Your Engagement Ring Off When Traveling
If you're going to the beach, definitely avoid wearing it. The sand can damage the setting of your engagement ring and you risk potentially losing it in the ocean. In any case, you can always hide your engagement ring in a safe or a jewelry box while you're out having fun!
If you were hoping make your fortune mining the sea, consider this: Gold in the ocean is so dilute that its concentration is very small. One study found there is only about one gram of gold for every 100 million metric tons of ocean water in the Atlantic and north Pacific.
Can you wear 18k gold in the ocean? The salty ocean water has little or no effect on pure gold. However, saltwater easily corrodes most metals alloyed with gold. So, the general advice is not to wear your 18k gold jewellery in the ocean.