Mood rings have been popular jewelry items since the 1970s. These rings change colors based on body temperature to purportedly indicate the wearer’s mood or emotional state. A common question many mood ring wearers have is whether the rings can get wet, such as when washing hands or swimming. There are a few factors to consider when determining if mood rings can get wet.
How Mood Rings Work
Mood rings contain thermochromic liquid crystals inside the stone or band that are heat-sensitive and change colors based on temperature changes. The crystals are calibrated to turn different colors within certain temperature ranges that can indicate moods according to a color chart. When worn on the finger, the ring responds to changes in body temperature and blood flow, which is believed to correlate with shifts in mood, stress levels, and emotions.
For the thermochromic crystals to function properly, they have to remain at a consistent operating temperature. Dramatic or sudden temperature changes, such as from hot or cold water, can impact the accuracy and performance of the crystals. So can full submersion in water over time. Therefore, most mood ring retailers advise avoiding getting the rings wet.
Effects of Water on Mood Rings
Exposing mood rings to water can affect them in a few ways:
- Thermal shock – If a mood ring is dunked in hot or cold water, the sudden temperature change can “shock” the thermochromic crystals and alter their calibration. This can temporarily or permanently affect the accuracy of the color changes.
- Water seepage – If water seeps into the setting and makes contact with the crystals, it can interfere with the temperature sensitivity. Rings are not fully waterproof.
- Corrosion – Prolonged exposure to water can cause corrosion of the metal setting and band over time, which can damage the ring.
- Crystal decomposition – The thermochromic liquid crystals can break down when submerged in water for too long. This will cause them to stop working.
Even getting mood rings wet briefly to wash hands can negatively impact their performance if done frequently. The optimal conditions for mood rings are to keep them dry and at a stable finger temperature.
Are Mood Rings Waterproof?
Most mood rings on the market today are not fully waterproof, so they can get damaged by exposure to water. However, some higher-end mood rings are made to be more water-resistant:
- Silicone band – A flexible and waterproof silicone band prevents water damage and drying out.
- Crystal coating – The thermochromic crystals may be coated for water protection.
- Resin setting – The ring may be set in resin rather than metal, preventing corrosion.
- Gaskets – Rubber gaskets inside the band seal out moisture.
Even with these features, rings are not meant for submersion. But they can better withstand incidental contact with water or being worn in wet conditions.
Precautions for Wearing Mood Rings in Water
While dunking or soaking mood rings in water is not advised, light water exposure from handwashing or being out in the rain generally will not damage a ring when some precautions are taken:
- Wipe rings dry immediately after getting wet or washing hands to limit water exposure time.
- Take the ring off before prolonged contact with water such as showering, swimming, doing dishes, etc.
- Rinse rings in clean water after contact with soaps, chemicals, hot tubs, pools, etc. to prevent residue buildup.
- Avoid drastic temperature changes like moving from hot water to cold right away.
- Remove rings before applying lotions, creams, perfumes, etc. to prevent chemicals seeping under the stone.
- Allow rings to adjust to normal finger temperature before determining mood from the color after getting wet.
- Be gentle when drying to prevent damaging the crystal or scratching the stone.
Following these tips will help keep mood rings working properly under normal everyday conditions. But take care to limit direct water exposure as much as possible.
Using Mood Rings in Wet Work Conditions
People with occupations that involve having wet hands frequently may wonder if they can wear mood rings safely. Here are some tips for wearing mood rings in wet work conditions:
- Choose a silicone, resin, or otherwise water-resistant band.
- Take the ring off for lengthy direct water exposure or use gloves.
- Rinse hands under gentle stream of lukewarm water only.
- Pat dry thoroughly with a soft cloth each time hands get wet.
- Allow ring to adjust to normal finger temperature before checking color.
- Remove while handling harsh cleaners, chemicals, etc. that could seep under stone.
- Have a designated place to store ring when removed to avoid losing it.
- Clean ring regularly to prevent buildup of soap, chemicals, dirt, etc.
With extra care and limited water contact, mood rings can still be worn by those who frequently have damp or wet hands for their jobs. But the rings may need replacement more often than someone who keeps theirs dry.
Swimming and Bathing with Mood Rings
It is not recommended to wear mood rings while swimming, bathing, or soaking in hot tubs. The prolonged water submersion can damage rings in several ways:
- Pool chemicals may seep under stone and harm thermochromic crystals.
- Hot tub high temperatures can shock and shift crystal calibrations.
- Band can dry out from soaking, causing cracks.
- Minerals or chemicals in bath water may corrode or erode the band.
- Rubbing against pool walls or hot tub surfaces can scratch the stone.
- Increased risk of ring slipping off and being lost in water.
For swimming and bathing, the best option is to gently wash the ring, thoroughly pat dry, and place it in a ring box or dish for safekeeping until ready to put it on again. Be sure to rinse off any pool, tub, or bath products to prevent residue buildup.
Mood Ring Water Damage Indicators
Here are some signs that water may have damaged your mood ring:
- Ring shows incorrect colors or fails to change color
- Colors change slowly or temperamental
- Stone appears cracked, faded, or worn
- Metal shows corrosion or rust
- Band feels loose, dried out or shows cracks
- Stone rotates loosely in setting
- Green or black spotting under stone
- Moisture bubbles under stone
At the first signs of water damage, stop wearing the ring and consult a jeweler. Catching problems early increases the chances of repairing or restoring rings. Allowing damage to progress may necessitate replacement.
Can Damaged Mood Rings Be Fixed?
In some cases, mood rings showing signs of mild water damage can be repaired by a skilled jeweler. Here are some potential fixes:
- Replacing thermochromic crystals – The liquid crystals can be replaced if unbroken.
- Resealing gaskets – Gaskets inside bands may just need fresh sealant if compromised.
- Polishing stones – Light scratches on stones can often be buffed out.
- Filling cracks in stones – Clear fillers can repair small cracks in crystals.
- Reshaping misshapen bands – Dried out or warped bands may be gently reshaped.
- Recalibrating crystals – Crystals shifted out of calibration can potentially be reset.
However, some water damage like deep cracks, metal corrosion, complete crystal decomposition, or major distortions may only be fixable by fully replacing the mood ring.
Conclusion
While mood rings are not designed for submersion in water, incidental contact with moisture does not necessarily ruin them when proper precautions are taken. Seeking out more water-resistant styles can also help mood rings better withstand exposure to wet conditions. In general, aim to keep mood rings dry for ideal functioning and longevity. But an occasional splash won’t necessarily break them as long as rings are dried and cleaned after getting wet. With some care and common sense, mood rings can feasibly be worn in many wet environments or daily activities without sustaining damage.
| Water Condition | Risk Level | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Hand washing | Low | Pat dry immediately, wipe gently |
| Dish washing | Moderate | Remove for cleaning, rinse after |
| Swimming | High | Do not wear in water, rinse after |
| Hot tub | High | Avoid high heat, chemicals |
| Showering | Moderate | Avoid direct water stream |
| Working with wet hands | Moderate | Silicone band, limit exposure |