When to Remove your Jewelry
Your jewelry may be steeped in family history. Perhaps it cost you a pretty penny. Or maybe it's your favorite thing to wear day-in and day-out. Odds are you'd be heartbroken if any of these pieces should be damaged or lost. We can avoid many scenarios of costly jewelry repair if we learn when it's safe to wear it, and when to take it off.
Today I'm sharing a list of occasions where my clients have lost or damaged their jewelry. Sometimes we can c or replace these items. But they often my clients lament that they wish they'd just taken it off.
BEFORE YOU SWIM
This is THE BIGGEST culprit I've encountered for lost wedding rings. If you take only one thing away from this article, let it be this: Remove your jewelry before you swim.
A day of surfing or snorkeling is quickly ruined when you realize your ring was washed away by a wave. It is nearly impossible to spot once it's lost in the open water. And while you're more likely to spot your ring if it falls off in a pool, chlorine is our enemy here. Chlorine eats away at precious metals. Its effect amplifies in the heat of a hot tub. The metal becomes brittle and can crack — often on the prongs which hold your diamonds in place!
BEFORE YOU CLEAN HOUSE
Like chlorine, bleach eats away at precious metals. Even gentle household cleaners can be harmful to your gemstones.
AT THE GYM
The attack on our jewelry at the gym is multifold. You can damage your rings by gripping them against heavy weights or machine handles. Your circulation also changes when you're working out, making rings feel tight and uncomfortable. Spare your jewelry the sweat and remove it before your workouts.
BEFORE YOU DO HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
DIY projects cause us to exert more pressure than normal on our hands. This is especially true when you're wielding hammers and power tools. Paint, glue, spackle and other building materials can be tough to remove from gems and chains.
IF YOU'RE CARING FOR SMALL CHILDREN
Your delicate chains and dangling earrings might be in jeopardy when caring for an infant. They find jewelry fascinating! It's sparkly, colorful ...and right within their reach when held in your arms.
Instead, opt for sturdier items like chunky bangles or stud earrings. There's even a line of baby-friendly jewelry on the market made up of beads that they can chew. Pretty cool solution for the mamas!
