Can I Swim With My Engagement Ring?

As the summer season is approaching, the warmer weather makes the perfect time for beach trips, poolside lounging and summer vacations. And for many brides-to-be planning their holiday, they wonder the question “Can I wear my engagement ring while swimming?” 

Whether you’re lounging by a tropical pool, swimming in the ocean, enjoying a relaxing spa day or simply taking a shower, there are a few considerations to think about and some things you can do to protect your precious piece!

Let us further explain 

Temperature affects your finger size 

An important factor that's often overlooked - that it’s not necessarily swimming within the water causing risk to your engagement ring, but the temperature of it instead. Cold water can cause your fingers to shrink, while heat can make them swell. Meaning even a perfectly fitted ring can become loose when submerged in cold water when swimming. Swimming in a pool or the ocean makes it quite easy for a ring to slip off your hand unnoticed, especially with the added movement in the water. Swimming with your ring only increases the risk of losing it. We recommend storing your diamond ring safely away rather than wearing it in the water.
 

Water doesn’t damage Diamonds

Diamonds are extremely hard and resilient and they remain largely unaffected by water. So technically it is fine to swim with your engagement ring and to get your diamond wet. In fact, fresh water has no damaging effect to a diamond. However, it’s more than likely that when you’re swimming it won’t be in fresh water, and instead that you’ll be in a pool or in the ocean. And this is where the real concern lies for your engagement ring, with the chlorine or saltwater.  Chemicals from pools and salt from the ocean all leave a residue and dull your diamond instantly. Diminishing its shine and taking away its brilliance. To restore your diamond back to its beauty, we recommend to clean it immediately after if worn whilst swimming. 

Metals and Settings Matter

Whilst your diamond itself will survive the water, it's the band and setting of your engagement ring that deserves the extra care and attention. Chemicals inside swimming pools are most harmful to the precious metals (the 18ct gold) of your ring, even more so than the centre diamond. Most swimming pools will contain some type of chlorine, a chemical which can gradually damage gold and delicate settings over time. This is due to the fact that the chlorine chemical is corrosive to gold, slowly wearing away and weakening the metal over time. Your ring may look fine at first, but repeated exposure can cause the metal to gradually deteriorate or discolour. We don’t recommend wearing your diamond engagement ring within a swimming pool or spa, to protect the precious metal of your setting and to maintain its longevity.

Delicate Gemstones require even more care. Engagement Ring styles featuring gemstones are even more sensitive to swimming. Porous and softer gemstones, such as pearls, turquoise and opals can be damaged immediately when submerged in chlorinated pool water or salt water. It’s not advised for any delicate gemstone to be worn when swimming as it may affect their look and colour forever after. Delicate stones require extra care to stay beautiful. Discuss with your consultant at JANAI to learn more about how porous your gemstone is and how best to take care of it. 

Laying out by the Beach/Pool  

Brides-to-be should be mindful that even when you’re not in the water, sitting and sunbathing next to a pool or beach can also affect your diamond rings. Sweat, suncream lotions, tanning oils and natural skin oils will all dull your engagement ring. High temperatures and high humidity also add environmental stress to the gold of your engagement ring setting. We recommend removing your ring during sunbathing, or in very hot humid and tropical environments. It is an easy and simple way to preserve its beauty. 

Tips for keeping your Ring Safe when Swimming 

• Remove It: The safest option is to not wear your ring and place it in a soft pouch or jewellery box.

• Check Your Setting: Have a jeweller inspect your ring periodically. A claw check can save you from losing a diamond in the water. Our clients at JANAI receive complimentary cleaning and claw check/tightening for the lifetime of your purchase. Ensuring your diamonds stay safe and beautifully secure. 

Tips for caring for your Engagement Ring  

You can swim with your engagement ring, but whether you should is a different story. Diamonds are remarkably strong, however, when visiting the pool, the ocean or other swimming activities it isn’t recommended to wear your diamond rings. We understand that diamond engagement rings are symbols of love you never want to take off.  But the best way to protect the beauty of your ring and its sparkle is by treating it with care. After all, your engagement ring is the ultimate symbol of your love. It deserves to be treasured, and unaffected by swimming. 



Janai Jewellery - The best place for Diamond Engagement Rings Melbourne