Is It OK to Wear Jewelry While You Work Out?

Is It OK to Wear Jewelry While You Work Out? Is exercising in jewelry bad for your accessories—and your skin? Here's the deal. Jewelry made of pure gold, gold fill, sterling silver, and silicone survives sweat better than other metals. Less expensive jewelry made with materials like nickel, copper, and brass can corrode when exposed to sweat. Even gold-plated jewelry can corrode if you wear it to work out. Working out in sterling silver can tarnish the jewelry, but it can be cleaned with soap and water. The chemicals used in swimming pools can harm your jewelry more than sweat can—even with high-quality gold pieces. Using machines or lifting weights can bend softer metals like gold and silver. They're also prone to scratching. Certain metals, like nickel, can cause skin irritation, while others, like copper and brass, can stain the skin green. Hoop earrings and long necklaces can get caught on equipment or clothing during strenuous workouts. When using machines or weights, stick to minimalist pieces—stud earrings and lightweight bracelets and necklaces.