Waterproof Jewelry 101: Myths, Facts & Care Tips | GLDN

Is jewelry waterproof? What does waterproof jewelry even mean? “Waterproof” has become a bit of a buzzword in the jewelry world—and we’re breaking down the most common myths about waterproof jewelry to help you curate a durable, tarnish-resistant collection you can wear with minimal care.

 

Myth: All water is safe.

Fact: Certain waters contain harmful chemicals.

First thing’s first: jewelry is waterproof, not chemical-proof. Chlorine pools and hot tubs are rife with chemicals that can damage or tarnish your beloved pieces—same goes for shampoos, conditioners, body washes, skincare and cleansers with chemical additives. Even beaches aren’t your jewelry’s best friend (thanks to potential micro-scratches from sand)! The safest bet is always removing your pieces in case they come in contact with any harsh chemicals (or wearing gloves to protect your rings while cleaning). And when in doubt, rinse it out—a splash of clean water and a quick dry do wonders for sparkle and shine.

 

Myth: “Waterproof” also means “sweat-proof.”

Fact: Sweat is an acid that can tarnish certain metals.

Science time: sweating is how our body rids itself of excess fats, fatty acids and amino acids which can tarnish certain metals (the more you know!). Some metals naturally corrode in the presence of moisture, too, but don’t sweat it. Just remove your gold-filled, gold vermeil or sterling silver pieces before a workout (and wipe down your solid gold pieces afterward to maintain their shine). Solid gold is some of the best waterproof, sweat-proof jewelry you can get—so we always recommend 14k or 10k for those pieces you want to put on and never take off.

Myth: I have to sacrifice quality for waterproof jewelry.

Fact: Nah, GLDN’s got you.✨

It’s true: all GLDN jewelry is tarnish-resistant and long-lasting when cared for properly! 

While some brands (👀) market stainless steel pieces as their waterproof jewelry of choice, our gold-filled, sterling silver and solid gold pieces are waterproof, too, and way higher quality—you’ve just gotta show them a little extra love now and then.

Myth: Caring for jewelry is difficult.

Fact: It’s actually insanely easy (and we’ll show you how)!

 

  

So, what type of jewelry is waterproof?

If you’re wondering what metals are waterproof, see the list below: solid gold, stainless steel, platinum, palladium and titanium are all 100% waterproof.

Solid Gold

Enter: the best waterproof jewelry you can get! Thanks to its purity, 14k solid gold is your best bet for waterproof pieces. It’s tarnish-proof, durable for day-to-day wear and activities, won’t corrode over time and it’s hypoallergenic to boot!

Stainless Steel

We don’t sell stainless steel here at GLDN (we’re obsessed with gold, what can we say!) but stainless steel is a highly durable metal loved by many. High-grade stainless steel is known for being corrosion-resistant, though lower grades are more likely to tarnish or rust. If you’re looking for a stainless steel piece, opt for ones marked with 316 or 304.

The 'Um's

By that, we mean: platinum, palladium, titanium and aluminum! Again, we don’t craft pieces in these metals here at GLDN, but they’re known for being corrosion-resistant, too, making them a good waterproof choice if solid gold isn’t your thing! (Gotta share that knowledge, you know.)

 

 

What makes jewelry waterproof?

A piece of jewelry is waterproof when it’s made of materials that can resist water damage without tarnishing, rusting or losing its shine.

 

Is gold waterproof?

Yes! All solid gold—be it 10k, 14k, 18k or 24k—is waterproof and can be worn while showering or swimming.

 

Is gold vermeil waterproof?

While gold vermeil can withstand a quick shower or hand wash, we wouldn’t call gold vermeil 100% waterproof (especially if you use highly fragranced products in the shower)! Gold vermeil is made with an extra-thick layer of solid gold over a sterling silver core. Over time, if you shower in a gold vermeil piece repeatedly, it could possibly start to lose its plating.

 

Is gold filled waterproof?

There’s jewelry we’d actually consider saltwater-proof, because here you’re not only dealing with water…but corrosive salt! Tiny salt crystals can scratch, corrode and tarnish your jewelry even faster than freshwater, so the next time you’re at the beach, we recommend leaving your jewelry at home.

That said, if you absolutely must have your jewelry on (total mood) go for solid gold over gold filled or gold vermeil.

 

Is there such a thing as saltwater proof jewelry?

Unlike gold vermeil, gold filled jewelry is made by heat- and pressure-bonding a thick layer of solid gold over a high-quality brass core, making it more durable than gold vermeil. While we’d consider gold filled jewelry waterproof (in that showers and hand washing is totally fine), we’d still recommend keeping your pieces away from chlorine and other chemicals.

 

Caring for solid gold pieces:

Caring for solid gold pieces:

For some truly effortless upkeep, do yourself a solid 14k (or solid 10k) gold! Our lowest-maintenance, most water-resistant metals of all, pieces crafted in solid 14k and 10k are the prime waterproof gold jewelry option. They’ll last a lifetime (and then some) as they're truly tarnish-free. Chlorinated waters can add a dull film to solid 14k and 10k pieces, so it’s always best to remove them to maintain that sensational natural shine—but it’s easy to get that sparkle back with a jewelry cloth if needed. (If you’re looking for a wear-everywhere, vacation-ready piece for your daily life, these metals are the ones.)

Build your 14k solid gold collection.

 

Caring for gold-fill pieces:

Made by heat- and pressure-bonding a thick layer of 14k gold to a high-quality brass core, this option is highly durable, hypoallergenic and perfect for daily wear with minimal upkeep. Remove your pieces in chlorine and saltwater, but showers are totally fine—just no harsh chemicals, please (and remember to dry ’em off afterward!).

Explore our gold-fill pieces.

 

Caring for gold vermeil pieces:

A thick layer of gold lovingly draped over a sterling silver core, gold vermeil is another hypoallergenic metal we love. You’ll want to baby these a bit more than you would gold-fill pieces (as this layer of gold isn’t pressure-bonded). Keep these pieces away from harsh chemicals, skincare products and fragrances, and be sure to dry them off immediately after any contact with water.

Find affordable gold vermeil pieces.

 

Caring for sterling silver pieces:

These icy pieces love being worn—the oils in our skin naturally clean and shine ’em up! Much like gold-fill, showers and gentle soaps won’t harm these hypoallergenic pieces (they can actually help remove any built-up residue). Stay away from hot tubs and pools, though, as they can discolor the metal and may require more upkeep than you wish.

Stun in our sterling silver pieces.

 

Sometimes jewelry just takes a little bit of work to keep it looking beautiful—but what’s more meaningful than caring for something you love? Polish your pieces with a soft cloth (included with every order), store them away from humidity and excess moisture (see: steamy bathrooms) and wear them daily with delight.

 

 

Reasons to choose waterproof jewelry

If you landed here, there’s a good chance you’re looking for waterproof everyday jewelry—and there are so many reasons why this is a great option!

Durability

Waterproof jewelry is more durable than non-waterproof jewelry, increasing its lifespan and preventing you from having to re-purchase your favorite pieces again and again. Like we mentioned above, just remember that waterproof jewelry should still be kept away from harsh cleansers, beauty products, chlorine and saltwater—because waterproof doesn’t mean chemical-proof.

Convenience

With waterproof jewelry, you can put on your pieces and never take them off—unless, again, you’re interacting with harsh cleansers! Wearing a bracelet and need to hop in the shower? Easy. Wearing a ring and need to wash your hands with gentle soap? All good. The convenience of waterproof jewelry is one of its best features, in our opinion. 

Looking for a new water-friendly piece? Look no further:

Waterproof Necklaces
Waterproof Rings
Waterproof Bracelets
Waterproof Earrings
Waterproof Anklets