Can You Shower in Gold Jewelry? It Depends on the Gold

definitions: ftc jewelry guides (16 cfr part 23). chlorine guidance for solid gold: gia jewelry care tips.

water on its own isn't the enemy of gold. what decides whether a piece can stay on is what's underneath the gold, how thick the gold layer is, and what else is in the water: chlorine, salt, soap, lotion and sunscreen.

the base metal matters. brass and copper react with water, sweat and air, which is why cheap plated jewelry darkens and can turn skin green. sterling silver tarnishes. stainless steel resists corrosion.

the thickness of the gold matters. the ftc lets a piece be called gold electroplate at 0.175 microns; vermeil needs at least 2.5 microns. once a thin layer wears through, water reaches the base metal.

what's in the water matters. tap water is gentle. chlorine is harder on metal. salt leaves residue. soap, lotion and sunscreen leave a dull film on any metal, solid gold included.

• solid gold: yes. wipe off soap film now and then.
• gold filled: now and then, if you dry it after.
• gold vermeil: most sellers advise taking it off. soap and friction wear the gold layer, and the silver underneath can tarnish.
• gold plated: take it off.
• gold pvd over stainless steel: yes. it's what it's made for.

pools and hot tubs: chlorine is the main concern. gia advises removing fine jewelry before a chlorinated pool, solid gold included. kinsora pieces are fine for pool days; we advise against long chlorine soaks. rinse in fresh water after and pat dry.

the ocean: salt dries onto the surface and can feel gritty on a chain. rinse in fresh water and dry with a soft cloth. leave plated and vermeil pieces in your bag at the beach.

sleep: for solid gold and gold pvd over steel, the material isn't the issue. the risk is tangling and kinks. restless sleeper or wearing layers? take the longer chains off at night. plated and vermeil are better on the nightstand.

gym: sweat carries salt and acids. on plated pieces it reaches the base metal and causes the green mark. solid gold and pvd over steel handle sweat much better.

sunscreen and lotion: they don't damage gold, but they leave a dull film. wipe with a soft, dry cloth after.

• wipe each piece with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
• for a deeper clean: a drop of mild dish soap in lukewarm water, rinse, dry well.
• skip jewelry cleaners and ultrasonic devices for coated pieces.
• keep jewelry away from bleach and cleaning sprays.
• take it off before long chlorine soaks like hot tubs.
• rinse after the ocean and dry before you put it away.
• store pieces separately so chains don't tangle.

the bigger difference between the three most common everyday gold options isn't whether they can touch water. it's the routine each one asks of you.

solid gold: the forever option. gold alloy all the way through, so there's no coating to wear away. the most stable option and the heirloom pick, and it costs the most. wear it, clean it gently, take it off for chlorine and hard knocks.

gold vermeil: a take-it-off routine. gold over sterling silver. the gold doesn't tarnish, but the silver underneath can, and water, sweat, lotion and perfume speed that up. that's why sellers of vermeil usually say take it off before washing your hands, showering, working out or bed. sensible for the material, and fine if you already take everything off each night.

gold pvd over stainless steel: a leave-it-on routine. pvd (physical vapor deposition) bonds a gold coating to stainless steel in a vacuum. it's a gold coating, not solid gold. steel doesn't tarnish the way silver or brass can, so it can stay on through showers, workouts and sleep. still not indestructible: skip bleach, harsh chemicals, long chlorine soaks and abrasives.

• choose solid gold if you want one piece that lasts generations and the budget allows.
• choose vermeil if you love the look and don't mind taking jewelry off for the shower, gym and bed.
• choose pvd over steel if you never want to take it off, or you'd rather build several layers than buy one solid piece.

kinsora makes chains, pendants, bracelets and sets, sold online only. want earrings, rings or stones, or to try pieces on in person? solid gold or vermeil may suit you better.

kinsora is stainless steel with a 14k or 18k gold pvd coating (each product page names the karat). shower in it, work out in it, wear it on pool days. just keep it away from bleach, harsh chemicals and long chlorine soaks.

it's not solid gold, and we'd rather say that plainly. it's a real gold coating over a sturdy steel base, at a fraction of the price. free shipping on every order, and 30 days to return unworn pieces.