Pure gold is not easily damaged by chlorine because it is a precious metal that does not react to other chemical substances. Other metals, such as silver, nickel or copper, are sensitive to aggressive chemicals such as chlorine. Your gold ring with diamonds or gemstones can end up severely discoloured.
Avoid Wearing Your Gold Jewelry
Pure gold, also known as 24-karat (K) gold, does not react with salt or chlorine. However, 24K gold is soft and likely be easily damaged, which is why most gold jewelry comprises an alloy of gold with other precious metals, including silver, copper, nickel, and palladium.
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.
How about when swimming? We were reminded this earlier in February that many people aren't aware of the damage bleach and chlorine can cause to gold. Both cause a chemical reaction that disintegrates the alloys in the jewelry over time. (Nearly all gold jewelry is alloyed, because pure gold is too soft on its own.)
Chlorine is not a problem for 24k pure gold, but it has very damaging effects upon some of the other precious metals that are used to alloy gold to the various gold karat values commonly used to make engagement rings, such as 10k, 14k, and 18k gold.
The Chlorine Used in Pools Can Be Incredibly Damaging to Gold Jewelry. Actually, it's not the gold itself in fine jewelry that is damaged by chlorine but the other metals. Pure gold (24kt) is rarely made into jewelry because it is very soft. Instead, gold is mixed with other metal alloys.
Before going into a hot tub or swimming pool.
Chlorine can damage and discolor metals (like gold and platinum) and can slowly erode the finish and polish of gemstones.
Pure gold is not easily damaged by chlorine because it is a precious metal that does not react to other chemical substances. Other metals, such as silver, nickel or copper, are sensitive to aggressive chemicals such as chlorine.
Cleaning your home: chemicals may harm the metal and gemstones. Doing sports, especially contact sports or working out in a gym. Swimming in a pool: water with chlorine can weaken gold. Swimming in the sea: a ring can easily slip off in a cold water.
The best way to protect your ring from damage and potential loss in the pool is to remove it and store it safely. You should buy a ring holder or a small jewelry case to store your rings on the go. If you have been swimming with your diamond ring on, you can always have it professionally cleaned to restore its luster.
Solid Gold Jewelry
This precious metal is one of the few that won't tarnish or rust over time. Since it's non-reactive, it will resist corrosion for a long time and can be worn in the shower without any fear of tarnishing. Whether it's regular gold, white gold, or rose gold, it's safe in the shower.
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.
This means it won't corrode, rust or change colour like many other metals do. At Nyrelle, our solid gold fines are made of 9K gold (37.5% pure gold) and 18K gold (75% pure gold), meaning that they're more than capable of withstanding water.
Chlorine is gold's worst enemy: with repeated exposure, chlorine will weaken your gold jewelry's structure and eventually lead to it breaking. Make sure to take your jewelry off before getting in a pool or spa. Cover or remove while cleaning: household cleaners with acids or abrasives will damage your jewelry's finish.
Many people choose to wear their engagement rings, wedding bands or other jewelry all day. As long as you're not wearing your ring in situations that can potentially damage it or result in losing the ring, it's generally perfectly safe to wear your ring all day.
Metals react with chlorine
Many swimming pools use chlorine in large quantities for cleaning. This chemical can react with the metal on your ring, earrings or necklace and lead to corrosion.
"If you're wearing jewelry made of solid gold, gold fill, or sterling silver, the sweat and oils from your skin won't damage it," explains Lisa Rueff, a yoga teacher, jewelry designer, and founder of Collective Hearts, a jewelry brand that also hosts charity wellness events in the San Francisco Bay Area.
For example, exposure to strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid, can dissolve gold and cause it to be destroyed. Similarly, exposure to strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide, can cause gold to corrode and become damaged. In addition to chemical reactions, gold can be damaged by physical forces.
Because of gold jewelry's high chance of tarnish*, there are a couple specific substances to avoid: Soap – Steer clear of any soap with unknown ingredients. Basic blue Dawn dish soap is fine, but remove your gold jewelry before showering to avoid accumulating a film from other body washes.
Wearing your gold chain in a swimming pool, you have to be mindful of chlorine in the water. While yellow gold chains are not at all a problem when it comes to chlorine and other harsh chemicals, white gold chains often contain certain alloys, like nickel, which can react to chlorine.
WHY BLEACH & CHLORINE DAMAGES GOLD. metals—eventually converting them into a type of salt making your gold and prongs brittle and permanently damaging the crystal structure!
"Chlorine will interact with your metal and can potential damage your prongs. Loose prongs increase your chance of losing your diamond and/or making it susceptible to damage," Lutz ays. This is especially true if your ring has any amount of nickel in it, which our pro explains can be affected by daily wear as well.
Soak in a solution of Dawn dish soap and warm, not hot, water for 15 minutes. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush any dirt or grime that may have accumulated on the gold. Rinse in a bowl of clean, warm water. If rinsing under the faucet, make sure the drain is closed.
If you're wondering if you can shower in gold plated jewelry, the safe answer is to avoid daily showers wearing the jewelry. It's okay on occasion, but not everyday. That will increase the chances of fading. Chlorine especially at elevated temperatures could be damaging and lead to color fading.