Take your jewelry off before the gym, the pool or hot tub, cleaning with household chemicals and contact sports, and take off chains and bracelets before sleep. Solid gold can handle a quick shower, but soap film, chlorine, impact and snagging are what wear jewelry down over time.
Should you wear jewelry to the gym?
It is best to take it off. Lifting puts weight and pressure on rings, which can bend a band out of round, scratch the gold or crack a stone setting. Grip work can also pinch your finger. Chains and bracelets can catch on equipment and snap. Sweat leaves a film that dulls the shine and, on plated pieces, speeds up wear. If you want something on, a small pair of studs is usually the safest choice.
Can you swim with gold jewelry?
Take it off for the pool, hot tub and ocean.
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Chlorine can weaken gold alloys over time, especially lower karats, and dull the finish.
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Salt water and sand are abrasive and get into links and settings.
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Cold water makes fingers shrink, and rings slide off easily. Rings lost in the water are rarely found.
Can you shower with gold jewelry on?
Solid gold will not be harmed by water itself. The problem is what comes with it. Soap, shampoo and conditioner leave a film on gold and behind diamonds, which makes them look cloudy. Hot water can also loosen glued stones. Gold-plated pieces should always come off, since water and soap shorten the life of the plating. If your solid gold ring or studs stay on, give them a regular clean. See how to clean gold jewelry at home.
Should you sleep in your jewelry?
For most pieces, no. While you sleep, chains twist and can kink or knot, clasps get pulled, and earrings press into the ear. Large hoops can bend or catch on pillowcases, and prongs can snag sheets and loosen over time. Small, smooth studs and a plain band are the pieces most people sleep in without trouble. If you are wearing new earrings after a piercing, follow the instructions you were given at the piercing.
Quick guide: on or off?
| Activity |
Chains |
Rings |
Earrings |
Bracelets |
| Gym and lifting |
Off |
Off |
Small studs OK |
Off |
| Pool, hot tub, beach |
Off |
Off |
Off |
Off |
| Shower |
Off for plated |
Solid gold OK |
Solid gold studs OK |
Off for plated |
| Sleep |
Off |
Plain band OK |
Small studs OK |
Off |
| Cleaning, gardening |
Off |
Off |
OK |
Off |
| Applying lotion or perfume |
Put on after |
Put on after |
Put on after |
Put on after |
What other times should jewelry come off?
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Cleaning. Bleach and household sprays are hard on gold and stones. Gloves are not enough for rings.
-
Cooking with your hands. Dough, oils and raw meat collect in settings.
-
Contact sports and moving furniture. Impact can crack stones or crush hollow links.
-
Medical procedures and imaging. Follow what your provider tells you.
Where should it go when it comes off?
The biggest risk of taking jewelry off is losing it. Pick one safe spot at home, like a ring dish on the dresser, and use it every time. Never leave rings by the sink. At the gym or pool, a zip pouch in a closed bag is safer than a pocket. For longer-term storage, see how to store jewelry so chains don't tangle.
Visit or text us
Not sure if a piece is safe for everyday wear? Ask us at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800. We are open 7 days. Looking for pieces built for daily wear? Browse our solid gold studs and chains.
When to Take Off Your Jewelry: Gym, Pool, Shower and Sleep
Take your jewelry off before the gym, the pool or hot tub, cleaning with household chemicals and contact sports, and take off chains and bracelets before sleep. Solid gold can handle a quick shower, but soap film, chlorine, impact and snagging are what wear jewelry down over time.
Should you wear jewelry to the gym?
It is best to take it off. Lifting puts weight and pressure on rings, which can bend a band out of round, scratch the gold or crack a stone setting. Grip work can also pinch your finger. Chains and bracelets can catch on equipment and snap. Sweat leaves a film that dulls the shine and, on plated pieces, speeds up wear. If you want something on, a small pair of studs is usually the safest choice.
Can you swim with gold jewelry?
Take it off for the pool, hot tub and ocean.
Can you shower with gold jewelry on?
Solid gold will not be harmed by water itself. The problem is what comes with it. Soap, shampoo and conditioner leave a film on gold and behind diamonds, which makes them look cloudy. Hot water can also loosen glued stones. Gold-plated pieces should always come off, since water and soap shorten the life of the plating. If your solid gold ring or studs stay on, give them a regular clean. See how to clean gold jewelry at home.
Should you sleep in your jewelry?
For most pieces, no. While you sleep, chains twist and can kink or knot, clasps get pulled, and earrings press into the ear. Large hoops can bend or catch on pillowcases, and prongs can snag sheets and loosen over time. Small, smooth studs and a plain band are the pieces most people sleep in without trouble. If you are wearing new earrings after a piercing, follow the instructions you were given at the piercing.
Quick guide: on or off?
What other times should jewelry come off?
Where should it go when it comes off?
The biggest risk of taking jewelry off is losing it. Pick one safe spot at home, like a ring dish on the dresser, and use it every time. Never leave rings by the sink. At the gym or pool, a zip pouch in a closed bag is safer than a pocket. For longer-term storage, see how to store jewelry so chains don't tangle.
Visit or text us
Not sure if a piece is safe for everyday wear? Ask us at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, or call or text (973) 673-3800. We are open 7 days. Looking for pieces built for daily wear? Browse our solid gold studs and chains.