CAN YOU SHOWER WITH 18K GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY? 


Can you really shower with 18K gold-plated jewelry? Does it make sense to do so when the metal is gold-plated, which is a relatively thin layer of gold applied over another metal like brass or silver? Read on to find out!

 

THE RISKS OF SHOWERING WITH GOLD-PLATED JEWELRY:


When it comes to 18K gold-plated jewelry, there are certain risks that you should be aware of. So, let's look at some of the potential risks associated with showering in gold-plated jewelry: 

clear   SOAP AND SHAMPOO
  • When you wear gold-plated jewelry (any type, i.e., gold plated, gold filled, gold vermeil, etc.) in the shower, there is a chance that it will come into contact with soap or shampoo. These cleaning products can cause a buildup of soap residue on the surface of your 18k gold, which can dull the golden layer's bright shine and cause a more muted glow.


  • Avoid exposing your jewels to the soap and shampoo in the shower, as the harsh chemicals in these cleaning products will also dull your stones' color and shine. For example, even though diamonds are resilient, it is not smart to wear diamond studs or a diamond ring while taking a shower. Soaps, oils, lotions, and other substances frequently leave a coating that reduces the brilliance of stones. You won't impact the integrity of diamonds by wearing them in the shower. Still, you'll need to have your bejeweled pieces deep-cleaned, which is time-consuming and raises the possibility that a stone will loosen in the future.
clear   HOT WATER
  • We frequently advise you to use warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap to clean 18k gold-plated jewelry. However, you must be extra careful when exposing your gold jewelry to water, especially hot water, for a longer period of time. Hot water can diminish your jewelry's shiny gold layer.


  • As you may already know, plated jewelry contains a thin layer of solid gold. When the solid gold content in this layer reaches extremely high temperatures, the metal becomes softer. Soft gold is not ideal for jewelry use because it is more prone to bending and scratching. Plus, soft gold cannot hold its shape as well as hard metal, so the shape of your gold-plated piece may become unattractively warped over time. 


  • Hot water also has the potential to cause your jewelry's plating to crack because the heat can cause the layers to expand, separate, and chip.
clear   STEAM
  • The humidity in the bathroom increases due to shower steam, which speeds up the tarnishing of gold jewelry. Humidity in the bathroom can also cause gold jewelry to become brittle and crack if it's exposed for too long.


  • In addition, the steam from a shower can cause the settings on your 18k gold-plated jewelry to loosen by softening the gold metal. Remember, soft gold is not good for holding gemstones; hence, loose settings may cause loss. Your stone may fall on a hard surface and chip if you are lucky, or it can fall down the drain to be inevitably lost forever.
clear   MOISTURE + HUMIDITY
  • You must dry your 18k gold-plated jewelry with a soft cloth after showing, as the moisture can cause the metal to tarnish. Tarnish is a type of corrosion that forms on the surface of metals (gold, brass, sterling silver jewelry, etc.) when exposed to oxygen and moisture. These harsh elements can cause your gold jewelry to turn yellow, brown, or black.


  • In addition to tarnishing, moisture can cause the bright finish on your 18k gold-plated jewelry to turn dull and lifeless if you wear gold in the shower. Moisture can also cause the gold plating to fade over time.


WRAPPING UP


So, can you wear 18k gold-plated jewelry in the shower? No, wearing 18k gold-plated jewelry in the shower is not recommended. The risks are too great: soap and shampoo can dull the metal's shine; hot water and steam can cause the settings to loosen or the metal to become soft; moisture and humidity can lead to tarnishing. It is best to keep your 18k gold-plated jewelry out of the shower and away from moisture to keep it looking its best.