Can you wear jade every day? Shower, gym, sea and sleep

Jade is one of the best gemstones for everyday wear. It's tough, its colour can't wear off, and it doesn't mind a bit of life. That said, "can I wear it in the shower?" is one of the most searched jade questions for a reason. Here are straight answers.

Can you wear jade every day?

Yes. Jade's crystals interlock, which makes it unusually hard to break, and at 6 to 7 on the hardness scale it shrugs off most everyday scratches. That toughness is why it can be carved into thin links in the first place. Wear it daily, just take it off for the few things below.

Can you shower with jade on?

The stone doesn't mind water. Soap, shampoo and body wash are the problem. They leave a film that dulls the polish over time and builds up between the links. The stainless steel clasps on our pieces handle water fine, but sterling silver clasps tarnish faster when they're exposed to products.

Our advice: take it off for the shower if you can. If you forget, rinse it in clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Can you swim in the pool or the sea?

Salt water won't hurt jade, and neither will a quick dip. Chlorine and salt are harder on metal, especially silver. The bigger risk is losing a piece in the waves or on the bottom of the pool. Take it off before you swim. If you do wear it in, rinse it in fresh water afterwards and let it dry.

Gym and sport

Take it off. Jade is tough, but a link knocked hard against a barbell, a dumbbell or a concrete floor can chip, like any gemstone. Contact sport puts strain on the clasp too.

Can you sleep in jade?

You can, and the stone won't mind. A chain can catch on bedding or get twisted under you, though, which puts strain on the clasp. Most people find it easier to take it off at night.

Will jade change colour over time?

Natural, untreated jade doesn't fade or yellow from being worn. Over months of wear it often picks up a soft sheen from your skin, which many people like.

Treated jade is a different story. Resin in bleached and filled (B) jade can yellow as it ages, and dyed jade can fade. That's one more reason we only sell jade that is never dyed, bleached or polymer-filled. Read more in Type A, B and C jade.

Why does jade feel cold?

Stone draws heat away from your skin faster than plastic does, so jade feels cool when you first put it on and then warms to your body. It's a nice feeling, but it isn't a test for real jade, because glass and other stones do the same. More on that in how to tell if jade is real.

Will jade break if I drop it?

A drop onto carpet, grass or a wooden floor is usually fine. A drop onto tiles or concrete from standing height can chip a link, so be careful in the bathroom and on hard floors. If something does go wrong, get in touch. Our returns policy explains how we handle faulty items.

Cleaning and storing

• Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. For a deeper clean, use lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap, then rinse and dry.
• Keep it away from harsh cleaners, perfume and hand cream. Put those on first, then your jewellery.
• Store it on its own, in its gift box, so harder jewellery can't rub against it.

Looked after like this, a jade piece will outlast most of what else is in your jewellery box. Browse the jade collection.