6 Everyday Activities That Damage Your Jewellery

Expensive jewellery isn’t indestructible. It’s actually quite fragile. Wearing these pieces during certain day-to-day activities actually threaten their structure and integrity, leading to worn out rings, tarnished necklaces, and lost gemstones.

The finer a piece of jewellery, the more likely it is to be damaged by regular wear or everyday events. Avoiding wearing jewellery during the following activities can help protect those precious pieces from premature damage and costly repairs.

1. Working Out

The claws holding those gems in place can easily become damaged if hit hard enough as well. This can cause the devices holding your jewels to bend or fully break. And once those claws are broken or damaged, the jewel is able to fall out.It’s not the sweat that we’re worried about here. When you’re working out – lifting weights or playing sports – you risk smashing or cracking your jewellery. While many gems are durable, that doesn’t mean they won’t chip under the right amount of pressure.

Rings are especially risky to wear while working – simply because they’re more likely to smashed against weights or equipment. A hard hit can knock loose a diamond. It can also scrape or scratch the metal, leading to a costly repair.

2. Cleaning House

Housework can lead to the same type of damage to your jewellery. Knocking your rings against surfaces – especially tough metal – can lead to damaged prongs and claws, which can cause diamonds and other gems to loosen and fall out. These dings can also scratch the surface of the silver, gold, or platinum.

Chemicals used to clean houses can also damage your fine jewellery. Taking off your rings before using these abrasive products will prevent discolouration and tarnish. In all, it will also extend the life of your jewellery.

3. While In Hot Tubs or Pools

Wearing rings in water – regardless of its chemical balance – is always a bit risky. Since water creates slippery surfaces, it’s easier to lose rings in pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water. Even showering with rings can easily end disastrously.Hot tubs and pools require specific chemicals to keep them functioning properly. Unfortunately, these same chemicals are known to damage jewellery. From tarnishing and discolouring metals to creating premature deterioration, swimming pools and hot tubs should be enjoyed sans jewellery – especially anything expensive, fine, or precious.

4. Putting on Makeup, Lotion, or Perfume

Your jewellery should be the last step in your morning routine. Makeup, lotion, perfume, and even hairspray have the potential to damage your finery. These products can also become lodged in cavities, blending together to create a corrosive mixture that deteriorates metals.

Removing your jewellery before applying these products is always best. Of course, it’s not always realistic. Part of keeping makeup, lotion, and perfume from building up in the cavities of your jewellery is ensuring you bring those pieces in for regular cleanings. 

5. Sleeping

Few of us stay perfectly still while asleep. Our constant and unconscious motions put rings, bracelets, and timepieces at risk of being smacked, bumped, or scratched on various surfaces.

Sleeping with jewellery on can also lead to breakages. As we toss and turn, necklaces can get caught on blankets, pillows, or other body parts. Even if this movement doesn’t break a chain, it can stretch, tangle, and put tension on them. As tensions increase, future breaks become more and more likely. 

6. Gardening & Cooking

Gardening and cooking are two different activities, but both cause damage to your jewellery. Gardening without using gloves is hard on your rings and can damage prongs and gems as they’re hit against surfaces.

Oils and grease from cooking can build up inside the cavities of rings and other jewellery. This leads to deterioration and can seriously damage the structure of your pieces.

So, What’s The Solution

The best solution is to remove your jewellery during these activities. Regular cleaning and inspection of your precious items also ensure that they won’t be damaged by built-up lotions or other chemicals.

Silicone rings are popular for gym enthusiasts and athletes to wear while working out or playing sports. These rings are durable and flexible, allowing you to showcase your commitment without damaging your engagement ring or wedding band.