Can You Wear 14k Gold in the Shower?

Are you tired of taking off your favorite 14k gold jewelry every time you shower?

You’re not alone!

But before you jump in the shower with your precious piece, you might want to know whether it is a good idea to wear 14k gold in the shower.

In this article, we will explain why showering with 14k gold jewelry can be risky and how to protect your precious pieces from tarnishing or losing their shine.

Can You Shower With 14k Gold?

The short answer is yes, you can, but it is not recommended. ^[1]

14k gold is a type of gold alloy that contains other metals, such as copper, zinc, or nickel.

These metals can react with water and soap over time and cause your 14k gold jewelry to lose its shine and color.

Also, some people may have allergic reactions to these metals when they come in contact with their skin.

Will 14k Gold Rust or Tarnish in the Water?

The hot water from a shower will begin activating chemicals that are contained in the 14k gold jewelry.

As a result, pitting may occur when you repeatedly expose your 14k gold jewelry to a shower.

Both the chemical reaction of 14k gold and the physical friction of the shower water on the gold will cause the gold to discolor, fade, and become worn over time.

The mineral content of shower water can also negatively impact your precious 14k gold jewelry.

If you live in an area with hard water, your 14k gold jewelry will become faded and lackluster when exposed to shower water.

This happens because hard water causes a deposit of calcium and other minerals on surfaces like your 14k necklace, bracelet, ring, or earrings that it comes into contact with.

Regularly cleaning your gold jewelry will help, but the deeper crevices of your jewelry will begin to whiten with buildup over time.

Recommended Read: How to Fix Hard Water in the Shower

Is 14k Gold Waterproof?

While gold and most other metals aren’t really waterproof, they are water-resistant and don’t easily absorb water.

When you shower with your 14k gold jewelry items on your body, you will be exposing these to water and soap, which can trigger reactions that will wear away the quality of the gold in time.

A quick splash once in a while is okay since most 14k gold jewelry is coated in rhodium, which ensures the gold is protected, but even this rhodium protection will wear away with repeated showers.

I Got My 14k Gold Wet. What Do I Do?

It’s really easy to forget you are wearing your jewelry items and step into the shower. If you have wet your 14k gold, it is important to take steps to minimize the damage.

Rinse Your 14k Gold Jewelry

While you are in the shower, use a mild setting on the showerhead to rinse the gold jewelry. Be sure to rinse off any soap. Do not scrub your gold jewelry with a loofah or shower brush.

Remove your gold jewelry as soon as you step out of the shower and before you dry yourself or apply any lotions.

Dry Your 14k Gold Jewelry

Using a piece of toilet paper or tissues, dry your gold jewelry without rubbing at it aggressively. Make sure to check whether there are any signs of soap still on the jewelry. Take special care with the chain, links, clasps, and any crevices of your jewelry piece. Make sure to dry away all the moisture.

You should ideally place the jewelry on a soft cloth and allow the gold items to air dry further to ensure there are no damp spots on the 14k gold jewelry.

Inspect the Jewelry For Damage

Once the 14k gold jewelry is dry, inspect it for any damage. You may want to check for any broken clasps, rubbed links, loosened stones or settings, and any signs of deposits on the gold from the shower water or soap.

If your 14k gold jewelry shows any sign of damage, it is a good idea to book an appointment with your jeweler who can polish the gold and, if necessary, rhodium plate it again as a means of protecting the jewelry from future damage.

Store Your Gold Jewelry Safely

If you are in a public place such as the showers at the gym, then carefully dry yourself before wearing your gold jewelry again as this is the safest way to transport your jewelry. Once home, check your 14k gold jewelry again under a better light for signs of damage or dampness. If necessary, dry the jewelry again before storing it safely.

How to Wear 14k Gold Jewelry in the Shower

1. Don’t Wear Your 14k Gold Jewelry When Showering

The best tip for prolonging your 14k gold jewelry’s life is to not wear it in the shower at all. Get into the habit of taking your jewelry off when you shower or bathe. In fact, even your body sweat can tarnish 14k gold jewelry, so you shouldn’t wear it to the gym or while exercising.

2. Store Your 14k Gold Jewelry in the Shower

If you have no choice and need to shower with your 14k gold jewelry with you, then find a safe space in or near the shower where you can place the jewelry while you shower.

Placing your jewelry in your shoe, inside your phone cover, or wrapped around your car keys are some ideas where you can store your gold jewelry when showering.

Should you really have no safe space where you can place your jewelry when you remove it, then you can take some other precautions to protect your gold jewelry while showering.

3. Turn It Over 

If you can’t remove your 14k gold jewelry for a shower, you can minimize its exposure to water. Wear your 14k gold earrings the wrong way round, hiding the earring face behind your earlobe to minimize their exposure to water and potential friction.

Your 14k gold necklaces can be left around your neck, but when you soap and rinse your neck, turn the chain around so the pendant (if any) hangs over your back instead as there will be less water and soap on your back.

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