Can You Shower With Cubic Zirconia Jewelry?

When you invest in beautiful cubic zirconia jewelry, it's natural to wonder about proper care—especially regarding everyday activities like showering. Many jewelry owners face this common dilemma: should you remove your cubic zirconia pieces before stepping into the shower, or is it safe to keep them on? This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to properly care for your cubic zirconia jewelry to maintain its brilliance and extend its lifespan.

What Is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthesized crystalline material that serves as a popular and affordable alternative to diamonds. It's composed of zirconium dioxide, created in laboratories under controlled conditions to produce gemstones with remarkable clarity and fire. While cubic zirconia resembles diamonds in appearance, its physical properties differ in ways that affect durability and care requirements.

Can You Shower While Wearing Cubic Zirconia Jewelry?

The short answer: It's best to avoid it regularly.

While occasional exposure to water won't immediately damage your cubic zirconia stones, regular contact with shower water can gradually affect both the stones and their settings. Here's why showering with cubic zirconia jewelry isn't recommended as a regular practice:

Effects of Shower Water on Cubic Zirconia

1. Chemical Exposure: Shower water contains chlorine and other chemicals that can gradually dull cubic zirconia's brilliance. These chemicals can create a cloudy film on the stones over time.
2. Soap Buildup: Shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and other shower products leave residue that adheres to jewelry surfaces. This buildup reduces the sparkle of cubic zirconia and can be difficult to clean from prong settings and small crevices.
3. Hard Water Deposits: Areas with hard water experience mineral buildup on cubic zirconia, which appears as a whitish coating that diminishes the stone's fire and brilliance.
4. Setting Damage: The metal settings holding your cubic zirconia stones—whether silver, gold, or gold-plated—can experience accelerated tarnishing or discoloration from regular exposure to shower water and products.

How Shower Exposure Affects Different Types of CZ Jewelry

Not all cubic zirconia jewelry responds the same way to shower exposure:

Sterling Silver Settings

Silver settings are particularly vulnerable to shower exposure as they tarnish quickly when in contact with sulfur compounds and moisture. The tarnishing process accelerates when silver is exposed to body care products containing sulfates.

Gold-Plated Settings

Gold-plated jewelry features a thin layer of gold over a base metal. Regular shower exposure can cause this plating to wear away more quickly, exposing the underlying metal which may cause skin discoloration or irritation.

Solid Gold Settings

While solid gold settings are more resilient, they aren't completely immune to the effects of shower chemicals and products. Fine scratches can develop over time, and certain gold alloys may still experience some degradation.

Coated Cubic Zirconia

Some cubic zirconia stones receive special coatings to enhance brilliance or durability. These coatings, while beneficial for everyday wear, can deteriorate with regular exposure to shower conditions.

Proper Care for Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

To keep your cubic zirconia jewelry looking its best:

Daily Care Routine

1. Remove Before Showering: The safest practice is to remove your cubic zirconia jewelry before showering, swimming, or engaging in activities involving chemicals or abrasives.
2. Designated Storage: Keep a small jewelry dish in your bathroom for temporary storage while showering to establish a consistent habit.
3. Regular Cleaning: Clean your cubic zirconia pieces regularly with a soft brush, mild soap, and lukewarm water, then dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.

Deep Cleaning Methods

For more thorough cleaning:

1. Mild Soap Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, soak your jewelry for 10-15 minutes, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush before rinsing and drying thoroughly.
2. Commercial Jewelry Cleaner: Use cleaners specifically formulated for cubic zirconia or fashion jewelry—avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners which might loosen stones.
3. Professional Cleaning: For valuable pieces or those with complex settings, consider professional cleaning services offered by jewelers.

What If You Occasionally Shower With Your CZ Jewelry?

If you occasionally forget to remove your cubic zirconia jewelry before showering, don't panic. A few instances of shower exposure won't cause immediate damage. However, take these steps afterward:

1. Dry Thoroughly: Immediately after your shower, dry your jewelry completely with a soft, absorbent cloth.
2. Quick Clean: If possible, clean the piece with a soft brush and mild soap to remove any product residue.
3. Inspect Settings: Regularly check prongs and settings for any signs of loosening or damage.

The Verdict on Showering With Cubic Zirconia

While cubic zirconia is relatively durable, removing your jewelry before showering is a simple habit that can significantly extend its lifespan and maintain its sparkle. This small preventive measure preserves both the stones and their settings, ensuring your beautiful pieces continue to shine for years to come.

Bottom Line

Treating your cubic zirconia jewelry with proper care will reward you with continued brilliance and longevity. For everyday wear, cubic zirconia offers remarkable beauty and durability—just remember that a little care goes a long way. By establishing good habits like removing jewelry before showering, cleaning regularly, and storing properly, you'll enjoy your cubic zirconia pieces at their sparkling best for much longer.

Remember that while cubic zirconia offers an affordable alternative to diamonds, it still deserves thoughtful care to maintain its impressive brilliance and fire. With minimal effort, your cubic zirconia jewelry can remain a beautiful addition to your collection for years to come.