This Is the Absolute Worst Thing You Can Do to Your Jewelry

Your morning routine is brutal enough: Wake up hella early, try not to trip over piles of clothes as you walk toward the shower, and — errr, pause — we're gonna stop you right there. Do you still have your jewelry on? (I mean, not to sound like the TSA, but have you removed all of your rings, earrings, and necklaces?) If not, you're committing the worst jewelry crime in the books.

"A plain metal wedding band is probably fine to wear in the shower, but it's always better to take jewelry off, if you can," says Elizabeth Doyle, gemologist and owner of Doyle & Doyle Jewelers in New York City. "Shampoo and conditioner can get stuck behind mountings, and might also contain chemicals that can damage the metal over time."

Oops. Before you rush to your jewelry box for an inspection, we do have some good news. It is safe to wear your accessories for a dip in the pool or a quick rinse down in the shower (say, at the gym). Jennifer Gandia, owner of Greenwich Jewelers in New York City, simply warns agains making it an everyday occurrence: "The effects of hard water and soap scum are hard to remove." Noted!

And no, costume jewelry isn't an exception: "Steam can loosen the glue that holds pieces together, or you can cause rusting," explains Gandia. So whether your piece cost thousands of dollars or just a few bucks, steer clear of the water works.

Via