If you are newly engaged or married, you probably want to wear your diamond ring all the time. While it is okay to wear your precious jewelry every day and everywhere, the pool is a potential danger zone for your diamond ring.
Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Not Wear Your Ring Into a Chlorine Pool
There are many reasons why you should exercise extra caution when going for a dip in a chlorine pool while wearing your ring, but these five are the most commonly cited by accredited jewelers from the Gemological Institute of America.
Metal Corrosion
While pure gold is a precious metal that cannot be harmed by chemicals, alloy metals are highly susceptible to damage when exposed to chlorine and other chemicals. Low carat metals such as 10-carat, 14-carat, and 18-carat gold contain other metals such as nickel, zinc, copper, and silver.
These alloy metals get corroded when exposed to harsh chemicals such as chlorine. You should thus avoid wearing your engagement band into the pool or hot tub if it contains any of these alloy metals. However, if your ring is made out of pure gold, platinum, or palladium then you need not worry about chlorine.
Dull Diamonds
The Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness ranks diamonds as the hardest stone, making them highly resistant to scratches and damage in comparison to other stones. Nonetheless, the harsh chemicals in chlorine pools can have a negative interaction with any treatments that have been done on your diamond. This can dull the luster in your diamond and make it lose its shine.
Loose Prongs
Prongs are the settings that hold your diamond in place. Visits to chlorinated pools and hot tubs can damage these metallic settings and loosen them up. It is easy for your diamond or any center stone to drop off from a ring that has loose prongs.
Discolored Precious Stones
It is not just diamonds that get affected by chlorine and other pool chemicals. Precious stones surrounding your centerpiece can get discolored as a result of exposure to chlorine. This can make your ring lose its value and beauty. Furthermore, turquoise, pearls, and other natural stones are known to dry out after prolonged contact with water and chemicals. Lotions and sunscreen creams that are often worn to the pool are also known to discolor metals and stones.
Slips and Drainage Accidents
So many brides and newly married women have lost their rings in the pool. This is because the contact with water makes it easy for your ring to slip off your finger, especially if it is an imperfect fit.
Protect Your Ring When Going for A Swim
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. Visit Argo & Lehne Jewelers to buy the classiest diamond rings or get your rings professionally cleaned and their prongs secured.
