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There is no denying it, our reality has changed significantly over the last year due to the coronavirus. New ‘norms’ are being established as people adjust to heightened hygiene habits. Handwashing should have already been standard behavior for most Americans, but if it wasn’t then, it most certainly is now.
At this point, we have all gotten the memo to ‘Wash your hands!’ It is a trending hashtag on Twitter and people are continually shouting it from the proverbial parapets. Amidst this flurry of constant handwashing, what does it mean for jewelry like wedding bands and engagement rings? Should you separately sterilize your jewelry, or temporarily remove all your rings and even watches until COVID-19 retreats? These seem like fair questions at this point.
REMOVING YOUR RINGS BEFORE WASHING YOUR HANDS? THINK AGAIN!
As you’d imagine, if you remove your rings to wash your hands, you should disinfect your rings too. What would be the point in washing your hands if you’re just going to put contaminated rings back on clean hands? But even if you do go the extra mile to sterilize your rings before putting them back on, is it really a risk you want to take? It may be that not wearing jewelry at all is the best decision.
According to a study from Georgia State University, healthcare professionals that wore rings while on the job created "a protected area in which bacteria can flourish," researchers wrote. It was also discovered that individuals that decided NOT to wear rings during their workday, combined with regular handwashing, were able to kill more germs than those that decided to keep their jewelry on.
And if you thought you could continue to wear your jewelry and just use hand sanitizer, well you’d run into the same problem. Not only is hand sanitizer harmful to certain gemstones and precious metals, but researchers found that nurses who kept their rings on and used antimicrobial soap or wipes wound up with more bacteria on their hands afterward, as opposed to healthcare workers that simply left their rings at home.
Viruses like the novel coronavirus flourish in the crannies of our hands. Rings create even more places for germs to hide. Obviously this is just another sacrifice we have to make as we struggle through this pandemic as a united front, but these minor behavioral adjustments are vital to the health and safety of others. Removing your jewelry will help to ensure you are effectively washing your hands and not spreading the virus onto other surfaces.
JEWELRY YOU SHOULD STOP WEARING FOR THE TIME BEING
There are some metals like copper and stainless steel that are rumored to shorten the lifespan of the virus based on their elemental composition, but this is hardly something you should rely on during this time of high-alert.
As mentioned above, deciding to temporarily not wear rings and watches is the best way to minimize the chance of contaminating other surfaces with COVID-19. But it should be acknowledged, aside from the obvious deterrents, certain types of gemstones and precious metals don’t fare well when they come in contact with sanitizers and constant hand washing.
Organic gems like coral, pearls, opals, and turquoise can be damaged if they regularly come in contact with hand sanitizers or harsh antibacterial soaps. The same can be said for most kinds of crystal rings as well. Since your jewelry is important to you, take one for the team and leave your precious jewels at home for the time being. Not only will you be saving your gemstones from coming in contact with harsh chemicals, but you’ll be doing your part to help keep your community germ-free.
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