Eclipse Days: Jewelry to Skip or Swap According to Traditions

Eclipse days carry a lot of cultural meaning. In many communities people adjust daily routines, including what jewelry they wear. Traditions vary, but the core idea is similar: avoid certain pieces during the eclipse and handle valuable or sacred items with care. Below I explain which pieces are commonly skipped or swapped, why those recommendations exist, and practical steps you can take to protect your jewelry and respect local customs.

Why people remove or swap jewelry during eclipses

There are two kinds of reasons behind these practices: symbolic/ritual reasons and practical reasons. Symbolically, eclipses are often seen as moments of disrupted light or altered energy. Some traditions hold that metals and certain stones may absorb negative influence or become ritually impure. Practically, eclipse rituals often involve bathing, crowding, or outdoor gatherings. Jewelry can be lost, damaged, or contaminated during those activities. Explaining both sides helps you decide what fits your beliefs and your jewelry care needs.

Common items to skip — and why

• Wedding and sacred jewelry (mangalsutra, wedding rings, nose studs, toe rings): In several South Asian traditions people remove these during the eclipse. The reason is symbolic — these pieces are considered sacred and should not be exposed to what is viewed as an inauspicious period — and practical, because ritual bathing or crowded gatherings raise the chance of loss. If the piece is permanently affixed (like some nose pins), many people cover it with cloth instead of removing it.
• Pearls, coral, amber and other organic gems: Many customs recommend removing organic gems. Practically, pearls and coral are porous and organic. They absorb oils, sweat and soap more readily and can be damaged by repeated immersion. Traditions also say they “absorb” negative energy; whether or not you accept that, removing them protects a 7–8 mm pearl strand from scratches and detergents.
• Soft or plated metals: Thin gold plating and base-metal costume jewelry should be avoided because ritual washing or hand-washing can remove plating or accelerate corrosion. For example, a 14k gold-filled necklace holds up better than a 12 mm gold-plated chain, but both are at risk if they’re repeatedly soaked or scrubbed.
• Large statement pieces during crowded events: Heavy necklaces, dangling earrings or long chains should be skipped for simple safety reasons. A 50–60 g statement collar can catch on clothing, and rings with protruding prongs risk bending when jostled.

What to swap to instead

• Neutral non-precious options: Surgical stainless steel (316L) or titanium are inexpensive, hypoallergenic, and durable. Swap a 1 ct diamond pendant for a 1 ct cubic zirconia or moissanite pendant set in 316L steel. These hold up to washing and handling better than fragile organic gems.
• Lab-created stones: Lab sapphires, lab rubies, and moissanite are chemically stable and hard. A 6.5 mm moissanite (about 1 ct equivalent) visually substitutes for a diamond but costs far less and is less stressful to wear during rituals.
• Glass or acrylic beads: For a necklace replacement, a 4–6 mm glass pearl strand gives the look of pearls without the care concerns. Glass beads can be wiped and stored without special treatment.
• Keep sacred pieces covered: If removing a mangalsutra or nose stud is impractical, cover it with cloth. This follows the spirit of the practice without risking loss or damage.

Handling and storing valuable or sacred jewelry during an eclipse

If you remove jewelry, aim for practical protection. Place items in a clean, dry box lined with soft cloth. For extremely valuable pieces — a 2 ct diamond ring or an heirloom gold necklace of known karat like 18k (75% gold) — use a small lockable pouch or a bank safe deposit if you expect extended ceremonies or travel. Label containers so you can find matching pairs (earrings) later.

Cleaning and “purifying” afterward — practical steps

Many traditions call for a ritual cleansing after an eclipse. You can satisfy tradition and protect your jewelry with basic, safe cleaning methods tailored to the material:

• Gold and diamonds: Warm water, a drop of mild, pH-neutral soap, and a soft-bristled brush. Rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth. Diamonds and 18k or 14k gold tolerate this well.
• Sterling silver (92.5% Ag): A soft paste of baking soda and water gently removes tarnish. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Avoid abrasive pads that strip plating.
• Pearls, coral, amber: Wipe with a damp soft cloth immediately after wear. Do not soak. Organic gems don’t like detergents, hot water, or ultrasonic cleaners.
• Emeralds, opals, turquoise: Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Use a damp cloth; emeralds often have filled fractures and opals are porous.

When to avoid buying or starting new jewelry projects

Across many traditions, starting new things during an eclipse is discouraged. The practical reason is straightforward: buying or making a major purchase during an emotionally charged or crowded event increases the chance of mistakes, fraud, or buyer’s remorse. If you’re commissioning a setting for a 1.5 ct stone, schedule the design and purchase outside eclipse windows to ensure clear decisions and thorough inspection.

Respect local variation and personal choice

Practices vary widely by region, religion and family. Some communities remove almost all jewelry for the duration; others only cover or avoid specific items. Choose what fits your beliefs and the physical realities of your pieces. If you’re unsure, ask an elder in your community or a trusted jeweler about your specific gems and alloys. The goal is simple: respect tradition while protecting pieces that are valuable or fragile.

In short, treat eclipse-day jewelry rules as a mix of cultural care and practical jewelry maintenance. Remove fragile or sacred pieces if tradition suggests it, swap to durable alternatives when needed, and use material-appropriate cleaning afterward. That approach keeps both tradition and your jewelry in good shape.