Jewellery is more than just an accessory — it’s an investment, an heirloom, and a piece of personal expression. But did you know that everyday things like sweat, perfumes, and even cleaning products can slowly eat away at your favourite pieces? Understanding what not to expose jewellery to is the key to keeping it looking beautiful for years.
1. Perfumes and Cosmetics
Spritzing perfume directly on your necklace or applying lotion with rings on might seem harmless — but these products contain alcohol, oils, and chemicals that can dull shine, weaken adhesives, and even cause tarnish.
👉 Always apply perfumes and lotions first, let them dry, and only then wear your jewellery.
2. Sweat and Humidity
Sweat contains salts and acids that can corrode metals over time. That’s why daily-wear rings or chains may lose polish faster. Humid environments, like bathrooms, also accelerate tarnishing.
👉 See our guide on storing silver jewellery safely to protect pieces when you’re not wearing them.
3. Harsh Chemicals (Household & Industrial)
- Bleach, chlorine, and detergents can strip polish and weaken gold and silver.
- Swimming pools are especially risky because of high chlorine levels.
- Hair sprays and deodorants can also damage gemstone settings.
👉 Always remove jewellery before swimming, cleaning, or handling harsh chemicals.
4. Excessive Water Exposure
Occasional contact with water is fine, but frequent exposure — like wearing rings in the shower — can loosen stones, dull polish, and accelerate tarnishing of silver.
👉 Learn how to clean gold jewellery safely at home instead of washing it casually under water.
5. Rough Surfaces & Physical Damage
Bumping or rubbing jewellery against hard surfaces causes scratches. Soft metals like gold are especially vulnerable. Remove jewellery before workouts, gardening, or heavy lifting.
6. Lack of Proper Storage
Jewellery tossed in a drawer can scratch and tarnish. Storing multiple metals together may also cause reactions.
👉 Store pieces separately in pouches or lined boxes. For silver, follow these anti-tarnish storage tips.
Pro Tips to Keep Jewellery Safe
- Check for BIS hallmarks before buying to ensure purity (here’s how to check hallmark in gold at home).
- Wipe jewellery with a soft cloth after each use to remove sweat or cosmetic residue.
- Use silica gel or anti-tarnish strips in storage boxes.
- Get professional cleaning once a year for high-value pieces.
FAQ – Jewellery Care: What Not to Expose Jewellery To
Q1. Is it safe to wear gold jewellery in the shower?
Occasionally, yes. But daily exposure to soap, shampoo, and hard water can dull shine and loosen settings.
Q2. Can sweat damage silver jewellery?
Yes, sweat accelerates tarnish on silver due to its salt and acid content. Always wipe silver after wear.
Q3. Why should I avoid perfume on jewellery?
Perfumes contain alcohol and oils that cause discolouration and weaken settings over time.
Q4. What should I store jewellery in?
Soft pouches or lined boxes. For silver, use airtight pouches with anti-tarnish strips.
Q5. How do I know if my jewellery is authentic?
Look for the BIS hallmark and verify it with the BIS Care App. Learn how to check hallmark in gold at home.
