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.
Let’s break down what can actually happen.
What Chlorine Does to Jewellery
1. Discolouration and Tarnishing
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Sterling silver is particularly vulnerable. Chlorine reacts with the metal and causes it to tarnish faster. You’ll see it dull, darken or turn slightly green.
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9ct gold is more resistant, but it’s not invincible. Over time, chlorine can break down the alloys in gold (like copper or zinc), which may lead to fading, brittleness, or a weakened structure.
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.
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.