Your jewelry tells a story. Maybe it's a family heirloom passed down through generations, an engagement ring that cost months of saving, or simply your favorite everyday piece that makes you feel confident and complete. Whatever the significance, you'd be heartbroken if these precious pieces were damaged or lost.
The good news? Many jewelry disasters are entirely preventable. Over the years, I've heard countless stories from clients who've lost or damaged their beloved pieces—often in situations that could have been avoided by simply taking their jewelry off beforehand. While we can sometimes repair or replace damaged items, most clients tell me they wish they had just removed their jewelry in the first place.
Here are the six most common situations where jewelry gets damaged or lost, and why removing your pieces beforehand can save you heartbreak and costly repairs.
BEFORE YOU SWIM
This is hands-down the biggest culprit for lost jewelry that I encounter. If you take only one thing away from this article, let it be this: always remove your jewelry before swimming.
Whether you're surfing, snorkeling, or lounging in a pool, water creates multiple risks for your jewelry. Cold water causes your fingers to shrink, making rings more likely to slip off. A day at the beach can be instantly ruined when you realize your wedding ring was claimed by a wave—and once it's lost in open water, it's nearly impossible to recover.
The Chlorine Problem: Even if your ring stays put, chlorine poses a serious threat to precious metals. Chlorine slowly eats away at gold, silver, and platinum, causing them to become brittle over time. This effect intensifies dramatically in hot tubs, where the combination of heat and concentrated chlorine can cause metal to crack—often right at the prongs holding your diamonds in place.
BEFORE YOU CLEAN HOUSE
Like chlorine, common household cleaners can seriously damage your precious jewelry. Bleach is particularly destructive to precious metals, causing discoloration and structural weakness over time.
Even gentler cleaning products can harm gemstones, causing cloudiness or surface damage that diminishes their brilliance. Many cleaning chemicals can also cause buildup in the settings of your rings, making them appear dull and lifeless.
Simple Solution: Remove all jewelry before cleaning and store it safely in your jewelry box until you're finished.
AT THE GYM
Working out creates several risks for your jewelry that many people don't consider:
Physical Damage: Gripping weights or machine handles can scratch, dent, or bend your rings. The repeated pressure and friction can also loosen stones in their settings.
Circulation Changes: When you exercise, your circulation changes and your hands may swell, making rings feel tight and uncomfortable. Conversely, as you cool down, rings may become loose and more likely to slip off.
Hygiene Concerns: Sweat, bacteria, and gym equipment create an environment that's not ideal for jewelry. Save your pieces the exposure and leave them safely in your locker or at home.
BEFORE HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
DIY projects put unusual stress on your hands and jewelry. Whether you're wielding hammers, operating power tools, or doing detailed work, you're applying more pressure than usual to your rings and potentially exposing them to impact damage.
Material Hazards: Paint, glue, spackle, and other building materials can be incredibly difficult to remove from jewelry. These substances can get trapped in the intricate details of your pieces, requiring professional cleaning or potentially causing permanent damage.
Smart Strategy: Make removing your jewelry part of your project prep, just like putting on safety goggles or work gloves.
WHEN CARING FOR SMALL CHILDREN
Infants and toddlers find jewelry absolutely fascinating—and who can blame them? Your pieces are sparkly, colorful, and conveniently located right at their eye level when you're holding them.
Safety Concerns: Delicate chains can break when pulled by tiny hands, while dangling earrings present both a choking hazard and a tempting target for grabbing.
Baby-Friendly Alternatives: When you'll be spending time with little ones, opt for sturdier pieces like chunky bangles or secure stud earrings. There are even jewelry lines specifically designed for new moms, featuring safe materials that babies can touch and explore.
During Sleep
While many people safely sleep in their everyday jewelry, certain pieces are better removed at bedtime:
Delicate Chains: Can become tangled or kinked while you move during sleep
Earrings with Posts: May poke or become uncomfortable when lying on your side. Rings with High Settings: Can catch on bedding or pajamas, potentially loosening stones
Nighttime Jewelry Care: If you prefer to keep some pieces on overnight, consider smooth wedding bands or low-profile studs that won't interfere with comfort or safety.
Creating Good Jewelry Habits
The key to protecting your precious pieces is developing consistent habits around when to remove them. Consider investing in small jewelry dishes or travel cases to keep by your bathroom sink, gym bag, or workspace—making it easy to safely store your jewelry when you need to take it off.
Remember, the few extra seconds it takes to remove your jewelry before potentially risky activities can save you from the heartbreak of losing an irreplaceable piece or the expense of costly repairs.
When in Doubt, Take It Off
If you're ever unsure whether a situation might be risky for your jewelry, err on the side of caution and remove it. Your precious pieces will wait safely for you, and you'll have peace of mind knowing they're protected.
Your jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed, but a little mindfulness about when to give your pieces a break will ensure they stay beautiful and secure for years to come.
Looking for more jewelry care tips? Read our complete guide to cleaning and maintaining your precious jewelry to keep your pieces looking their best.