06/27/2021
Q: What type of swimming pool is safe for fine Jewelry?
A: Natural salt water pools and baquacil pools are the safest bet if you want to wear jewelry while you swim.
Chlorinated pools will destroy the finest jewelry - Jewely from gold karats (like 10 karat, 14 karat or 18 karat gold) are not completely solid gold as they have base metals like copper, silver, nickel and zinc. The lower the karat of your jewelry, the less gold it has and the higher the base metal.
Base metals a highly susceptible to damage from chemicals and chlorine is one of the worst. Chlorine reacts with base metals in your gold jewelry, forming microscopic bubbles. The reaction with the chlorine causes the base metal to “leech” out. This eventually makes the metal weaker and more brittle. 100% platinum or palladium are NOT affected by chlorine. Chlorine will also eventually reduce the luster of your gemstones.
