Gold is a precious metal that has been used for jewelry and other decorative items for centuries. It is known for its durability and lustrous appearance. But can you wear gold in the shower? Or more specifically, 14k Gold in the shower?
The simple answer is yes you can wear 14K Gold in the shower. However, this should be occasional. Since 14K Gold isn’t pure, frequent exposure to water and other bathroom chemicals like shampoo, soap, and bath gels, will rust off metals in the gold jewelry, and its shine will fade over time.
Further, in this blog post, we will explore the answer to that main question and some other questions that you have in mind regarding wearing jewelry in the shower.
What is Gold Karat?
Karat is a unit of measurement for the purity of gold. The higher the karat, the purer the gold. Pure gold has 24 karats. This is the upper limit and the purity of gold is then measured based on this comparison.
What does 14k Gold indicate?
14k gold means that it has 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals like copper, zinc, silver, etc. With 58.3% gold, 14k gold is much more popular in the US and most jewelry items are made from this grade.
Does Gold Rust in Water?
No, pure gold (24k) does not rust. In fact, Gold is one of the least reactive metals, or in chemical terms, it is the noble metal of the periodic table.
That’s why pure won’t rust or fade over time. So, if your jewelry is purely made of gold i.e. 24k gold. Then, there’s nothing to worry about. However, most of the time, jewelry is not made of 24k gold. It is usually 10k, 14k, or 18k gold.
Even if the water does not rust the pure gold, experts still suggest minimizing wearing jewelry in the shower. Why? Because you not only use water in the shower space, there is soap, shampoos, shower gels, and other cleaners. Their frequent use even on pure gold will tarnish its color.
Is wearing 14K Gold in the Shower a Good Option?
Occasionally, wearing 14 karat gold ornaments is fine. However, making it practice will fade the shine of your jewelry.
14k is not pure, it has just 58.3% gold and the rest are some impurity metals. Gold may not rust when exposed to water, however, other metals react with oxygen and rust in wet conditions. Similarly, some homes do receive hard water, which is again terrible for precious ornaments. Hard water can leave calcium deposits on your jewelry fading away its color.
All in all, showering with 14k gold ornaments is not a good option if you want to make sure your gold looks nice and shiny for a long period.
Can I shower with gold-plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry is more prone to fade in the shower in comparison to one built completely out of gold. In the case of gold-plated jewelry, a very thin layer of gold is plated over ordinary metals. It may give may feel and shine like gold, however, the layer can easily wear if you wear it daily during the shower. The soap, shower gels, and whatever lotions you use will take away its shine gradually.
Can I wear 14K Gold while Swimming?
Just like frequent showering is bad for 14k gold, swimming also doesn’t suit it well. The swimming pools contain chlorine, which eats away the other impurities present in the 14k gold. As a result, the gold jewelry will lose its shine and look very early.
What do to if your 14k Gold gets wet?
As mentioned earlier, water doesn’t harm gold much. So, if your jewelry gets wet, there’s nothing to worry about.
First, remove it gently. Then, with a few tissue papers, dry it out. Don’t rub it aggressively. If it’s a chain, make sure it is dried out completely before you store it. You can also place it on a soft piece of cloth and let it dry for a while.
5 Tips to Make your Jewelry Last Long
Do you want your gold pearls last long? Here are five tips you can use to make them look shiny and bright for years to come!
Tip #1: Keep it dry
If you have 14k gold jewelry, avoid wearing it during the shower or swimming. Also, don’t forget to take it out before applying any kind of lotion or chemicals. If you accidentally drop it in water, make sure to clean and dry it
Tip #2: Take it out Before shower
Make it a habit to take your jewelry before stepping into the shower. Water, soap, and other chemicals will not only make it dull but can also cause skin irritation.
Tip #3: Don’t apply lotion or chemicals over it
Lotions, perfumes, deodorants, etc. contain chemicals that can react with the metal and can cause skin irritation. So, it is better to take out your jewelry before applying any such thing to your body.
Tip #4: Use a soft cloth to clean it
To clean your 14k gold jewelry, use a soft and clean cloth. Gently rub the cloth over the jewelry to remove dirt and grime. Avoid using any chemicals or scrubbing too hard as it can damage the metal.
Tip #5: Store it in Airtight bags/boxes
To keep your jewelry shining for a long time, it is important to store it properly. Store it in airtight bags or boxes. This will protect your jewelry from moisture, which can cause tarnishing.
With proper care and cleaning, you can make your 14k gold jewelry last for a long time. Don’t forget to have it inspected by a qualified jeweler every few years to make sure it’s in good shape.
FAQs
What kind of jewelry can be won when taking a shower?
Water won’t harm any pure gold jewelry and you can wear it in the shower. However, long-term exposure to cleaning products and hard water will fade its color.
What is the difference between 10k and 14k Gold
Gold is measured in karat (k). 10k gold means 10 parts of gold and 14 parts of any other metal. Similarly, 14k gold means 14 parts of gold and 10 parts of impurities.
Final Words
Wearing your 14k gold jewelry in the shower is fine if you do it once in a while. But making it a habit can cause damage to the metal and shorten its lifespan. Follow these tips to keep your jewelry shining for years to come!
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.