Скачать или смотреть Can Your Jewelry Survive the Pool? The Truth About Chlorine

The Hidden Enemy We love swimming pools and jacuzzis, but the chlorine used to keep the water clean is a harsh chemical. While safe for humans, it is a silent killer for your jewelry. Here is why you should think twice before taking a dip with your accessories.

1. The Gold Myth (The Alloy Problem)
People often think, "Gold is a noble metal, it doesn't react to chemicals." This is true for 24k pure gold, but pure gold is too soft for jewelry.

The Science: Your gold jewelry is an alloy. It is mixed with harder metals like silver, nickel, or copper to make it strong.

The Reaction: Chlorine attacks these mixed metals, not the gold itself.

The Rule: The lower the carat (e.g., 9k or 14k), the more non-gold metals it contains, and the faster it will react.

The Result: Discoloration, weakening of the structure, and dullness (salt water also creates a dull layer).

2. Silver and Stainless Steel
Silver: Silver and chlorine are enemies. Chlorine causes rapid oxidation, turning your shiny silver black and dull almost immediately.

Stainless Steel: Despite the name "Stainless," this material cannot handle chlorine. Exposure leads to pitting and actual rust. Even the showers at the pool are forbidden territory for stainless steel.

3. Pearls (Organic Gemstones)
Pearls are organic. Their surface interacts with everything—shampoo, perfume, and especially chlorine. Chlorine eats away at the pearl's luster.

Interesting Exception: You can wear natural pearls in the sea (salt water), but never in a chlorinated pool or jacuzzi.

4. The Golden Rule: Take It Off
The safest option is always to remove jewelry before swimming or cleaning with bleach.

Risk Factor: Cold water shrinks your fingers, making rings loose. The risk of losing jewelry in the water is just as high as the risk of chemical damage.

5. Emergency Protocol: How to Clean
If you accidentally wore your gold in the pool, follow these 5 steps immediately:

Rinse: Immediately rinse with fresh, clean water.

Soak: Make a mix of lukewarm water and mild dish soap. Let it soak for 15 minutes.

Rinse Again: Wash off the soap.

Dry: Use a lint-free cloth.

Professional Help: If in doubt, visit a jeweler.

WARNING - DO NOT USE:

No Toothpaste: It contains fluoride, which damages metals.

No Baking Soda: It is too abrasive (scratches).

No Hairdryers: The heat weakens the metal structure.