What Jewelry Is Safe to Wear in the Pool? A Guide to Chlorine-Safe Pieces

The sun’s out and the pool’s calling, and you're wondering what jewelry is safe to wear in the pool. Here’s what to know before you dive in.

Unlike the ocean, which mostly causes tarnish and dulling over time, pool water is treated with chlorine, which is much harsher, especially on metals and adhesives used in jewelry settings.

✅ Jewelry That Can Handle the Pool (for the most part)

Solid Gold (14k or higher) - Gold doesn’t rust or tarnish easily, but chlorine can still weaken it over time, especially in hot tubs. Wearing it every once in a while is probably fine, but it’s better not to make it a habit.

Platinum - This is one of the most chemically stable metals out there. Platinum holds up well in chlorine and is your best bet for fine jewelry that needs to survive a swim.

Titanium and Stainless Steel - These are great for casual or sportier jewelry. They’re durable and super resistant to chemical damage, so they won’t mind a little splash.

❌ Jewelry That Doesn’t Mix With Chlorine

Sterling Silver - Chlorine and silver are a bad match. It can tarnish quickly, and in some cases, the damage is permanent.

Gold-Plated or Gold-Filled Jewelry - These finishes wear off fast with repeated chlorine exposure, leaving behind the base metal underneath. Definitely not ideal.

White Gold - This type of gold is often mixed with nickel and coated with rhodium. Chlorine can wear down that rhodium layer, leading to discoloration or weakening over time.

Gemstone Jewelry

Soft stones like opal, pearl, and turquoise don’t like chlorine at all. They can dry out, crack, or change color.

Glued settings (common in fashion jewelry) may loosen in the water.

Even harder stones like emerald, tanzanite, or quartz can lose their polish or turn cloudy if they’re exposed too often.

Basically - don't wear any gemstones in the pool if you can avoid it. 

💡 Tips for Poolside Jewelry

• It’s always safest to take your jewelry off before you swim.

• If you do wear it, rinse it with fresh water right after and dry it off with a soft cloth.

• Store it somewhere safe like a jewelry pouch or travel case.

• Skip the hot tub. The heat speeds up chemical reactions and can make the damage worse.

• And if the piece is sentimental or expensive, it’s better to just leave it out of the water entirely.

TL;DR: Can You Wear Jewelry in the Pool?

Platinum and titanium are your best bets. Solid gold is okay now and then, but it’s not ideal for regular swims. Try to avoid silver, white gold, anything plated, and most gemstones. Chlorine can be surprisingly rough, even on your toughest pieces.

Looking for pool-friendly pieces that still look good on land? Browse our solid gold designs at Nova Lita, perfect for everyday wear—even if that includes a splash or two.