From Corey Egan’s blog

We love SF-based jewelry designer Corey Egan’s blog update so much that we had to share it with all of you! She is sharing her jewelry knowledge with all of us to help clean, take care of, and prolong the life of our precious jewelry pieces! Read on to discover her suggestions on when to remove your jewelry!

Whether the jewelry you wear is steeped in family history, cost you a pretty penny, or is that favorite piece you wear day in and day out, odds are you’d be heartbroken if it were lost or damaged. The truth is, while jewelry does need repair and maintenance over time, many scenarios of costly jewelry repair can be avoided if we just learn when it’s appropriate to wear it and when it is not.

Today I’m sharing with you a list ofoccasions where my real life clients have lost or seriously damaged their jewelry. Sometimes these pieces can be repaired or replaced, but the most common thought I hear when they reluctantly share their story is that they wish they had just taken it off.

So let’s dive in to the 5 times I highly encourage you to remove your jewelry.

BEFORE YOU SWIM

This is THE BIGGEST culprit I’ve encountered for lost wedding rings. If you take only one thing away from this article, I will have done my job if it’s this: Remove your jewelry before you swim.

A day of surfing or playing in the ocean is quickly ruined when you realize your ring was carried away by the waves. It is nearly impossible to spot once it’s lost in the open water. And while you’re more likely to spot your ring if it falls off in a pool, chlorine is our enemy here. Chlorine eats away at precious metals. It is effect is amplified in the heat of a hot tub. The metal becomes brittle and can crack — often on the prongs which hold your diamonds in place!

BEFORE YOU CLEAN HOUSE

Just like chlorine, bleach eats away at precious metals. Even gentle household cleaners can be harmful to your gemstones.

AT THE GYM

The attack on our jewelry at the gym is multifold. You can damage your rings by gripping them against heavy weights or machine handles. Your circulation also changes when you’re working out, making rings feel tight and uncomfortable. Spare your jewelry the sweat and remove it before your workouts.

BEFORE YOU DO HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

DIY projects cause us to exert more pressure than normal on our hands. This is especially true when you’re wielding hammers and power tools. In addition, the paint, glue, spackle and other building materials can be tough to remove from gems and chains.

IF YOU’RE CARING FOR SMALL CHILDREN

Not all of your jewelry is at risk when you’re caring for toddlers or infants, but your delicate chains and dangling earrings might find themselves in jeopardy.

These items are right in grabbing distance when the baby is held in your arms. The jewelry is colorful and sparkly — it is so tempting for your wee one to grab!

Instead, opt for sturdier items like chunky bangles or stud earrings. There’s even a line of baby-friendly jewelry on the market made up of beads that they can chew on. Pretty cool solution for the mamas!