Water can be harmful to certain kinds of jewelry, especially pieces made of sensitive materials or with particular coatings. Getting jewelry wet is not recommended for several reasons: water can change its appearance, cause damage, or make it lose its brightness.

1. Gold with stones or coatings
Gold itself isn’t afraid of water, but jewelry with stones or coatings, such as gold plating, can suffer. Some stones, such as opal, pearls, and lapis lazuli, absorb moisture, which can lead to loss of color, cracking, or the breakdown of their structure. This is especially true of pieces with coatings that can easily wear off or dull on contact with water.

2. Sterling silver
Silver, especially in its pure form (999 fineness), is prone to oxidation when it comes into contact with moisture. This can cause the piece to darken. Sterling silver (925 fineness) can also be damaged if it stays in contact with water for a long time or is stored in a damp place. Wet conditions can cause corrosion if the jewelry hasn’t been properly treated.

3. Jewelry with natural stones
Natural stones such as amazonite, malachite, and tourmaline, as well as some types of coral and pearls, can lose their shape or change color when exposed to water. Water can also break down the delicate structure of some minerals, making them less durable.

4. Costume jewelry
Most costume jewelry isn’t designed to come into contact with water. It may have cheap coatings that easily wear off or lose their shine when wet. This applies especially to pieces with artificial stones, plastic, or metals that aren’t highly resistant to moisture.

5. Watches with leather straps
A wet leather strap can quickly lose its shape and become soft and inelastic, which leads to rapid wear. Leather can also peel and crack when exposed to water, especially if it’s wet for a long time.

Conclusion
For your jewelry to last and keep looking good, it’s important to avoid contact with water, especially for sensitive materials and coatings. It’s best not to get jewelry with natural stones, pearls, costume jewelry, or leather elements wet. It’s safest to take your jewelry off before swimming or showering.

Jewellery Continent – take care of your jewelry so it serves you for a long time.