Can You Wear 10K Gold in the Shower?

Many people appreciate that 10k gold is strong and inexpensive, however, you should not take chances wearing it in the shower. You can wear your 10k gold in the shower, although it’s usually not recommended as a long-term habit because it could harm your jewelry. To understand, you have to study gold’s internal structures and their effects on other elements you’d find in a shower setting.

What is 10k Gold?

Before we can fully see the impact of showering on 10k gold, we need to know what it’s made of. Karats are used to measure gold purity and 24k gold is about as pure as you can get, at 99.9%.

Meanwhile, 10k gold means the metal contains 10 parts of pure gold and 14 parts of other alloys which makes the gold 41.7% pure. Alloys in gold jewelry generally consist of silver, copper, zinc and occasionally nickel to provide strength, endurance and the special color chosen (yellow gold, rose gold, white gold). 

This means that 10k gold experiences some reactions more often than the higher karat golds of 14k or 18k. On its own, pure gold does not react, but the alloys in gold mixed products can tarnish when exposed to different substances.

The Impact of Showering on 10k Gold

In the shower, your 10k gold can come in contact with things other than water alone. It meets various conditions that shape its look and durability.

1. Water Quality (Chlorine)

• Pure Water: Gold is not damaged by pure water. You don’t have to worry about rusting or corrosion

• Chlorine: Chlorine which is used for sanitation, is usually found in very small doses in tap water.Using your 10k gold jewelry in water that contains chlorine or your hot tub can cause much greater damage. Chlorine tends to react with alloy metals such as copper and silver found in 10k gold. That reaction might end up leading to:

• Discoloration: Discoloration: Your metallic jewelry may grow a greenish or blackish color. It causes the alloys to react with air and create a somewhat grayish layer.

• Weakening of Metal:Exposing the alloy metals to chlorine for a prolonged period can cause the gold to turn brittle. It is especially worrying for small details, gemstone prongs and thin bracelets, since it may result in damage or gemstones dropping out.

2. Soaps, Shampoos, and Conditioners

• Residue Buildup: Residue may remain on your gold jewelry after you use body care products. With time, this film can make the gold look less noticeable, shiny and sparkly.

• Trapped Dirt and Grime: It’s possible for soap scum to hold dirt, skin cells and debris in the details or spaces around the stones of your jewelry. If you do not clean it properly, all that can stick can make it look dingy around the jewels.

• Abrasive Particles: Tiny abuse in the form of gritty particles from some exfoliating body products can leave invisible scratches on the gold and slowly dull its finish.

3. Hard Water:

• Jewelry kept in hard water (water high in minerals) may develop a layer of minerals (like calcium and magnesium) over them.Sometimes, these deposits create a haze that takes away the luster of gold and of any gem included in the ring.

The Consequences of Regular Showering

Often wearing your 10k gold jewelry while in the shower may cause:

• Accelerated Tarnishing: The fast, common result is that the gold dulls and its color changes to green or black where chemicals remain.

• Reduced Luster and Sparkle: When gold jewelry has residue and small scratches, the luster of the gold and the sparkle of any diamonds or gemstones will fade.

• Increased Need for Cleaning: Frequent Cleaning Required: To help your jewelry shine again, you’ll need to clean it more often.

• Potential Damage to Gemstones: Although the gold might tolerate periods in the water, porous gems like pearls, opals, turquoise and emeralds can be permanently damaged by shower chemicals, water and high temperatures. The brightness found in all coins can diminish and they sometimes may become cracked.

• Weakening of Settings: Chemicals can gradually soften the prongs of your jewelry which might cause your stones to loosen.

• Risk of Loss: Chains are more likely to tangle on loofahs or clothing and can be broken or dropped down the drain.

Best Practices for Gold Jewelry Care

To keep 10k gold jewelry (and other gold pieces) beautiful and lasting, use the best practices listed below. Don’t Forget to Take it Off Before Final Shower: This is the most basic and best tip. 

• Remove Before Showering: Put away your gold jewelry each time you go into the shower, bath or hot tub.

• Remove Before Swimming: Always Remove Articles Before Swimming in a Chlorinated Pool.

• Remove Before Cleaning:If you use strong household cleaners, they may destroy gold and gemstones.

• Remove Before Exercising:It’s important to remove your jewelry before you start exercising, because chemicals in sweat may harm silver alloy and activity could cause scratches.

• Remove Before Applying Lotions/Perfumes: Apply lotions or perfumes after placing on your jewelry to avoid any buildup on your jewelry.

• Regular Cleaning: Routinely clean your 10k gold jewelry using mild soap and warm water and a soft brush, as if you were brushing your teeth.First, rinse the surface entirely and then use a clean and lint-free cloth to dry it.

• Professional Cleaning: A visit to a jeweler for a cleaning every once in a while will take care of stubborn spots and help restore the sparkle of your gemstones.

• Proper Storage: For best results, store your jewelry in a dry and clean box or pouch that is lined with fabric, so it doesn’t become scratched or tarnish quickly. Separating pieces helps prevent the paint from one piece scratching the surface of another.

In the End

While gold in the 10k level is renowned for lasting over time, it’s the other smaller metals within the gold that can corrode in the shower. Contact with chlorinated water, soaps, shampoos and hard water can cause jewelry to tarnish quickly, build up residue, look less shiny and risk harming both the metal and any stones.

That said, to keep your gold necklace looking as good as new and bright, many jewelers and gemologists suggest that you take it off before showering. Just a little bit of effort to take your jewelry off before getting in the water will help you avoid problems and ensure your 10k gold necklace stays beautiful for ages.

READ MORE :: Custom Jewelry Manufacturer in Wyoming, Western United States