It is so tempting to leave your favourite dainty necklace or huggie hoops on all day and all night. But can you shower, swim or sleep in sterling silver jewellery? Here is the honest answer.
Can you shower with sterling silver?
Water alone won’t harm sterling silver. A quick splash won’t ruin your jewellery. The problem is everything that comes with your shower:
- Soap and shampoo leave a dull film on silver.
- Conditioner and body wash collect in chain links and clasps.
- Hot, steamy air speeds up tarnish.
- Hard water can leave spots.
So while one shower won’t damage it, showering in your silver every day will make it dull and tarnish much faster. Our advice: take it off before you shower. Keep a small dish next to the basin so it becomes a habit.
Can you swim with sterling silver?
No, please take it off.
- Pool water contains chlorine, which reacts strongly with silver. It can darken it quickly and, over time, weaken solder joints and fine chains.
- The sea is salty, and salt is harsh on silver. Waves also pull dainty pieces off easily, and it is heartbreaking to lose a favourite necklace at the beach.
- Hot tubs combine heat and chemicals. That is the worst of both.
Can you sleep in sterling silver jewellery?
You can, but it is not ideal for dainty pieces. Fine chains can tangle or snap when you turn over, and earring posts can bend or poke. Small studs and huggie hoops are usually fine to sleep in, but take off necklaces and bracelets at night.
Can you wear silver to the gym?
It is best not to. Sweat is salty and slightly acidic, and it speeds up tarnish. Weights and equipment can also scratch or bend your jewellery.
What to do if your silver gets wet
Accidents happen. If your silver went into the shower, pool or sea:
- Rinse it in clean, fresh water.
- Wash it gently in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap.
- Dry it completely with a soft cloth, especially clasps and chain links.
- Leave it out to air dry for a few minutes before you store it.
If it already looks dull, follow our step-by-step guide on how to clean sterling silver at home.
The easy rule: last on, first off
Put your jewellery on last, after make-up, perfume, lotion and hairspray. Take it off first, before showering, swimming, exercising or cleaning. This one habit keeps silver beautiful for years.
Frequently asked questions
Does sterling silver rust?
No. Silver does not rust like iron. It tarnishes, which is a surface reaction that can be cleaned off.
Is it bad to wear silver every day?
Not at all. Wearing silver regularly actually helps keep it bright. Just avoid water, chemicals and sweat.
Can I wear silver in the rain?
Yes. A little rain will not hurt it. Just dry it when you get home.
Which jewellery can I leave on all the time?
Small studs and huggie hoops are the most practical “leave-in” pieces. Browse our dainty silver earrings.
Find your everyday favourites
Discover our silver bracelets and dainty silver necklaces, all in real 925 sterling silver and gift-boxed with a care card.
