Why You Should Remove Jewelry Before Swimming

It is not recommended to wear jewelry while swimming, primarily for safety reasons and to protect the jewelry itself.

Main Risks

• Safety Hazards: During water activities, jewelry can scratch or injure the wearer or others upon impact. Necklaces and similar items may also get caught or snagged, posing a choking or strangulation risk.

• Damage to Jewelry: Chlorine in swimming pools and salt in seawater can corrode metals such as gold and silver, as well as certain gemstones like pearls and jadeite, causing discoloration, loss of luster, or even cracks.

• Risk of Loss: Water currents and physical movement can easily cause jewelry—especially rings and bracelets—to slip off and become lost.

Precautions by Material

• Precious Metals (e.g., gold, silver): These are highly susceptible to oxidation and corrosion from chlorine or seawater and should be removed before swimming.

• Gemstones:

  • Pearls, jadeite, turquoise, etc.: These are sensitive to water and chemicals and may be damaged upon exposure.

  • Diamonds, rubies, sapphires (corundum): These are relatively chemically stable, but risks of impact and loss still need attention.

• Metal Jewelry: Regardless of the material, the increased chance of impact in water can lead to injuries from hard or sharp edges.

Recommendation

Remove all jewelry before swimming and store it safely, especially valuable pieces. If jewelry must be worn, opt for materials with high chemical stability, such as diamonds, but still carefully assess the safety risks.