Can You Shower or Swim with a Diamond Ring?

Short answer: Diamonds are water-resistant; water in the shower does not harm the stone. But soap and shampoo leave a thin film under the stone that makes it dull, and a ring can easily slip off a wet, soapy finger and down the drain. In the sea, cold water makes fingers slimmer and the ring can slip off; chlorine in pools can damage the gold alloy over time. The safest habit: take your ring off in the shower, the sea, the pool, during sport and in bed.

In the shower

• Harm to the stone: water does not harm a diamond.
• Dullness: soap, shampoo and cream build up under the stone; over time the diamond looks dull.
• Risk of loss: a ring slips easily off a wet, soapy finger and can fall down the drain.

Our advice: take your ring off before the shower and always put it in the same place (a bowl or a jewellery box). Do not leave it on the edge of the sink.

In the sea

Salt water does not harm a diamond. But cold water makes fingers slimmer, so a ring can easily come off and be lost in the sand or the water. Grains of sand also scratch the surface of the gold. When you go into the sea, it is best to leave your ring at the hotel or somewhere safe.

In the pool and at the spa

Chlorine in pool water and chemicals in some spa waters can, with long and repeated contact, damage the gold alloy, and in particular weaken the prongs. On white gold, the rhodium plating can also wear faster. Do not go into the pool or the spa wearing your ring. What is rhodium plating?

During sport and heavy work

Lifting weights, ball games and manual work can knock the ring, bend the prongs or chip the stone. A ring can also trap the finger and cause injuries. Take your ring off at the gym and for heavy work. Can a diamond break?

In bed

While you sleep, the prongs can catch on sheets and hair and loosen over time. Fingers can also swell at night. Taking your ring off before bed protects both the stone and your comfort.

In the kitchen and when cleaning

Dough, oil and cleaning products get under the stone, and bleach can damage gold. Take your ring off or wear gloves when washing up and cleaning.

If it looks dull

If your ring has gone dull from soap or cream, do not worry; with lukewarm water, a few drops of washing-up liquid and a soft brush it easily returns to the light of its first day. How to clean a diamond.

Is it the same for lab-grown diamonds?

Yes. A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond too; it behaves the same as a natural diamond with water, soap and chemicals. All the advice applies just the same.

Frequently asked questions