Perhaps you are recently engaged and wondering, "Can I wear my engagement ring in the pool?" Well, this post can help you keep your precious engagement ring safe. It's really important to think carefully about how and where you swim to ensure the longevity and pristine condition of your precious rings, including your engagement ring. So we thought it would be useful to go into the finer detail about swimming whilst wearing your engagement ring and provide detailed advice on whether it's a good idea to take your beautiful jewellery for a dip.

Can I Wear My Engagement Ring In The Pool?

The short answer is no; it's not recommended to wear your engagement ring in the pool. There are multiple reasons why wearing fine jewellery, such as a diamond ring or wedding band, in a swimming pool, hot tub, or saltwater pool can lead to potential damage. Let’s explore these in more detail.

Understanding the Risks

Harsh Chemicals and Pool Water

Swimming pools and hot tubs are filled with water treated with chlorine and other harsh chemicals to maintain cleanliness. These chemicals can react with the metal of your ring, particularly if it's made of softer precious metals like white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold. This chemical reaction can lead to discolouration and degradation of the ring metal over time.

Impact on Diamond and Metal Setting

The pool water itself, especially if treated with chemicals, can create a cloudy layer of film on the surface of your diamonds, reducing their sparkle. Additionally, the metal setting that holds your diamond sparkler could be weakened by the constant exposure to harsh pool chemicals, leading to loose prongs or a loose stone, which increases the risk of losing your diamond

Physical Activity and Ring Safety

Risk of Damage During Physical Activities

Swimming involves physical activity that could expose your ring to hard surfaces and potential impacts. This is particularly true for water sports or even casual swimming in a pool. These activities can lead to scratches on the ring or even bend the metal band, especially in softer metals.

Cold Water and Finger Size

Cold water in swimming pools can cause your fingers to shrink, making your ring fit more loosely. This increases the risk of your ring slipping off and getting lost in the water, which is a common issue many people overlook. We've all been at a pool where someone is diving to the bottom to find a piece of jewellery or a locker key. It's a frustrating pursuit and often the person who has lost the item spends most of their pool time desperately searching for the missing item along the bottom of a pool. It's not a fun game and quite often the item is quite hard to see against the pool tiles.

Safe Practices for Ring Care

Secure Place for Your Ring

The best way to protect your engagement ring is to leave it in a secure place before swimming. A jewellery box or ring box is an excellent option. If you're travelling, consider a portable, well-ventilated place, such as a small plastic bag, to keep your ring safe. If you are just going for a dip at the local pool, why not slip your ring off before you even leave the house and leave it somewhere safe at home? That way you will return knowing exactly where your engagement ring is.

Proper Care After Swimming

If you accidentally wear your ring in the pool, it’s crucial to rinse it with fresh water immediately afterwards. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean any build-up of oil or chemicals from the surface of your diamonds and the metal of your ring. This helps maintain the ring’s best condition and shine.

Long-Term Care Tips

Professional Cleaning

Regular professional cleaning is essential for maintaining the beauty and integrity of your engagement ring. A jeweller can inspect for loose prongs, loose settings, or any potential damage and clean your ring more thoroughly than you can at home. Quite often the jeweller that you purchased from will offer some kind of cleaning service for your ring - most of the time this is included for several years, based on the fact that you bought your ring from them.

Insurance Policy

Having an insurance policy for your expensive jewellery, including your diamond engagement ring and wedding rings, provides peace of mind. It covers potential risks, including loss or damage, ensuring that you can replace or repair your precious rings without incurring a significant financial burden. Check your policy, as you may need special cover for expensive items like rings and you may also need a policy that allows you to claim for items taken out of the home.

Special Occasions

Holidays and Saltwater Pools

On holiday, it's tempting to wear your beautiful ring everywhere. However, saltwater pools and the ocean can be just as harmful as chlorinated pools. Saltwater can cause stress corrosion on the metal of your ring and increase the risk of a loose diamond.

Use of Rubber Rings and Silicone Rings

For those who don't want to go without a ring, consider wearing a rubber ring or silicone ring during physical activities or when in the pool. Rubber rings and silicone rings are safe, inexpensive, and won't react with pool chemicals or hard surfaces.

Everyday Care and Maintenance

Daily Wear and Tear

Daily wear and tear can also affect the longevity of your engagement ring. Activities like food prep, heavy lifting, and using household cleaners or beauty products such as hand cream, hair sprays, and suntan lotions can all contribute to the build-up of grime and potential damage to the ring metal and stone.

Hand Sanitiser and Other Chemicals

Frequent use of hand sanitiser, especially during the winter, can be harsh on precious metals and the mounting of your ring. Whenever possible, remove your ring before applying hand sanitiser or any strong beauty products.

Jewellery Storage and Care

Storing Your Ring

When not wearing your ring, store it in a secure, safe place. A dedicated jewellery box with compartments for different pieces can prevent scratches and damage from other jewellery items. Make sure the storage area is well-ventilated to avoid moisture build-up, which can cause tarnishing.

Regular Checks

Periodically check your ring for any signs of wear, such as a loose stone or worn prongs. The sooner you catch these issues, the easier and less costly it will be to fix them.

Choosing the Right Metal for Your Ring

Stronger Metals for Durability

Different metals offer varying levels of durability. While white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold are popular choices, they are softer and more prone to damage. Platinum and other stronger metals may be a better choice for those with an active lifestyle.

Plain Bands vs. Detailed Settings

A plain band is generally more durable than a ring with an intricate setting. Detailed settings can catch on objects and are more susceptible to damage during physical activities.

Wearing your engagement ring in the pool might seem harmless, but the potential risks far outweigh the benefits. From harsh chemicals and physical activity to changes in finger size and the impact of beauty products, your beautiful ring faces many threats in the pool environment. The safest and easiest way to ensure the longevity and pristine condition of your diamond engagement ring and wedding band is to store them in a secure place whenever you plan to swim.

By following the proper care guidelines, including regular professional cleaning, careful storage, and being mindful of your holiday activities, you can maintain the beauty and integrity of your precious rings for years to come. Remember, the best way to enjoy your fine jewellery and keep it looking its best is through careful, considered care and maintenance.

Taking these precautions not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that your engagement ring continues to sparkle and symbolise your love for your other half.