Can You Wear Gold or Silver Jewellery in Chlorine? Here’s What You Need to Know
Whether you're heading off on holiday or just doing a few laps at the lido, it's tempting to keep your favourite pieces on. After all, our jewellery is designed to be worn every day. But when it comes to chlorine- things get a bit trickier.
We’re here to give you the facts, minus the fluff. No scare tactics, no snobbery. Just straight-up advice so you can make the best call for you.
So… Can You Wear Jewellery in the Pool?
Short answer? You can, but it’s not the best idea- especially over time.
Chlorine, which is found in pools, hot tubs and even some tap water, is a chemical that keeps water clean by killing bacteria. Unfortunately, it doesn’t play so nicely with precious metals like sterling silver and 9ct gold.
Does chlorine tarnish silver?
Yes. Chlorine reacts with sterling silver and accelerates tarnishing, causing it to dull, darken or discolour faster than normal wear.
Let’s break down what can actually happen.
What Chlorine Does to Jewellery
1. Discolouration and Tarnishing
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Does chlorine tarnish Sterling silver? Yes. Chlorine reacts directly with sterling silver and speeds up tarnishing noticeably. Even a single swim can cause dulling or discolouration over time, so it's worth removing silver before you get in the water.
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Does chlorine damage 9ct gold? iNot immediately, but repeatedly yes. 9ct gold contains alloys like copper and zinc alongside the gold, and chlorine gradually breaks these down. You're unlikely to notice damage from one swim, but regular exposure can cause fading, brittleness or a weakened structure over time.
2. Weakened Settings and Clasps
Repeated exposure to chlorine can corrode solder joints and weaken the clasps or settings that hold stones or charms in place. This means you're more likely to lose something without even realising it.
3. No Immediate Damage- But It Adds Up
Think of chlorine like sun exposure or heat styling your hair. One-off exposure isn’t usually a big deal. But repeated, long-term exposure can cause gradual damage that’s hard to reverse.
A Word from Our Founder: "I Still Swim in My Jewellery (Sometimes)"
"I wear my 9ct gold jewellery all the time- even in the pool on holiday. Have they survived? Yes. But I know the risks and I’m okay with a bit of surface wear over time. We’re not here to tell you off, just to help you make an informed choice."
- Catch, founder of Catch Rhys
Jewellery is meant to be lived in. But if you want your pieces to last for years, not just seasons, it’s worth treating them with care, especially when chlorine is involved.
What Should You Do Instead?
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Remove your jewellery before swimming or hot tubbing.
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Rinse your jewellery with fresh, clean water if it’s been exposed to chlorine, and dry it thoroughly.
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Store your jewellery in a dry, sealed place (such as your Catch Rhys tin) when not wearing to slow tarnishing.
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Clean silver regularly with a soft polishing cloth to keep it looking fresh.
If you're looking for pieces built for everyday wear, our recycled sterling silver hoops and recycled 9ct gold hoops are a great place to start.
Final Thoughts: It's Your Jewellery, Your Call
At Catch Rhys, we don’t believe in rules for the sake of rules. Our 9ct gold and sterling silver pieces are made for real life, including the occasional dip in a pool. But we want you to have all the info so you can decide what works for your lifestyle.
Want to keep your pieces looking their best? Maybe skip the chlorine where you can. But if you don’t, no judgment, bestie. Just a gentle heads-up that it might show, eventually.
To Sum Up, Can You Wear Jewellery in Chlorine?
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Sterling silver? Avoid it- tarnishes fast.
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9ct gold? More durable, but chlorine can still wear it down over time.
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Best practice? Take it off before swimming. But if you forget, it’s not the end of the world.
Looking for jewellery that can handle your day-to-day?
Explore our edit of recycled 9ct gold and sterling silver pieces, made to wear 24/7- no myths, no markups, no waste.
