Can You Shower With 14K Gold? What Solid Gold Can and Cannot Handle

One of the best things about solid gold is that you can stop thinking about it. Unlike plated jewelry, it will not turn green or flake in the shower. But "you can wear it everywhere" comes with a few sensible exceptions.

The short answer

Yes, you can shower with solid 14K gold. Water will not damage it, tarnish it or change its color. Over time, soap and shampoo can leave a thin film that makes gold look dull, which is easy to clean off. The pieces you should take off are those with pearls, glued stones or delicate settings.

What solid 14K gold handles well

• Showering: safe for plain gold. Rinse and dry now and then to keep the shine.
• Sea water: safe. Rinse with fresh water afterwards.
• Sweat and exercise: safe. Gold does not tarnish.
• Sleeping: fine for small studs, huggies and sleeper hoops. Larger hoops and fine chains are better off at night.

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What to avoid

• Chlorine: pool and hot tub water can weaken gold alloys over time, especially at solder points and clasps. Take jewelry off before swimming in chlorinated water.
• Household chemicals: bleach and strong cleaners can discolor gold and damage stones. Wear gloves or remove rings when cleaning.
• Heavy work: lifting weights, gardening and moving furniture can scratch or bend rings and crush hoops.
• Perfume and hairspray: apply them first, let them dry, then put your jewelry on.

When there are stones or pearls

The gold may be fine with water, but what is set in it may not be:

• Pearls are soft and porous. Keep them away from water, soap and perfume. Put them on last and take them off first.
• Cubic zirconia and gemstones are fine with water, but soap residue behind the stone makes them look cloudy. A gentle clean brings the sparkle back.
• Enamel, as on some evil eye pieces, is best kept away from harsh chemicals.

Plated jewelry is a different story

Everything above applies to solid gold. Plated, vermeil and gold filled jewelry should be kept away from water, sweat and creams, because they speed up wear of the thin gold layer. If you want jewelry you never have to take off, solid gold is the material to choose. Read more in solid gold vs gold filled vs gold plated.

Everyday pieces made for real life

Huggies, sleeper hoops, plain bands and simple chains in solid 14K gold are the pieces you can put on and forget about.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I swim in the sea with 14K gold?

Yes. Sea water will not damage solid gold. Rinse it in fresh water afterwards and dry it.

Can I wear 14K gold in a pool?

It is best not to. Chlorine can weaken gold alloys over time, especially at clasps and solder points.

Can I sleep with gold earrings in?

Small studs, huggies and sleeper hoops in solid gold are made to be slept in. Large hoops and drop earrings are better taken off at night.

Will 14K gold turn my skin green?

No. Green marks come from copper-rich base metals under plating. Solid 14K gold does not leave marks on skin.

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