Waterproof Jewelry 101: What You Can (and Can’t) Wear in the Water | GLDN

We’ve all been there: you’re halfway to the beach (or the gym or the shower) and suddenly wonder, "Wait... can I wear this necklace in the water?"

Good news: some jewelry can totally hang. Other pieces? Not so much. Whether you’re looking for sweat proof jewelry, water resistant jewelry, or just trying to avoid the dreaded green ring effect, we’re breaking it all down so you don’t have to worry.  

What does waterproof really mean when it comes to jewelry?

Spoiler alert: very little jewelry is truly waterproof—but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck taking your jewelry off every time you wash your hands. While most metals aren't technically impervious to water forever, there are plenty of pieces that are up for the challenge of real life. Think: daily hand washing, sweaty workouts, steamy showers, and the occasional swim. Basically, if you're someone who likes their jewelry to work as hard as you do, you've got options.

When we say “waterproof,” we’re talking about pieces that can handle:

• Daily hand washing

• Showers

• Sweat

• Saltwater dips

• Chlorine exposure (within reason)
  

Basically, the things you don’t want to worry about on vacation, or, you know, when you’re just living your life.

Waterproof gold jewelry: let’s talk karats

Solid gold is the most waterproof of all gold jewelry, but not all gold is created equal. Here’s the breakdown:

10k Solid Gold: Ultra-durable, low-maintenance, and more affordable than you might expect. Perfect for everyday jewelry like the Flow Ring, Band Rings, or the 24/7 Hoops. Want to wear it to the beach, in the shower, or while swimming laps? Go for it. 

14k Solid Gold: Slightly softer, slightly warmer in tone. Still great for waterproof wear, but you might want to be a little more mindful (especially with delicate chains).

Gold Vermeil: A thick layer of gold over sterling silver. Gorgeous and more affordable, but it won’t hold up to water in the long run. Occasional splash? Fine. Daily swims? Not so much.

Gold Fill: More durable than gold vermeil and much more water-friendly, but it still benefits from a little TLC. This includes most of GLDN’s standard collection.

Is sterling silver waterproof?

Technically, yes—sterling silver won’t rust or disintegrate in water. But it can tarnish faster if exposed to moisture regularly (especially salt water or sweat).

So if you’re planning on wearing silver rings 24/7, make sure they’re cleaned and dried often. And if you want a low-fuss option, go for our solid gold styles instead. The cool thing is we have you covered no matter what your preferences and needs are! 

So what should I actually wear in the water?

Think about what jewelry you want to wear nonstop. Your go-to earrings, a signature ring, that chain you never take off. That’s where waterproof matters most.

Here are our favorite pieces to wear 24/7:

Everyday waterproof earrings

• 24/7 Hoops: The name says it all. Made from solid gold and perfect for daily wear.

• 24/7 Huggie Hoops: Slightly smaller, just as mighty.

Everyday waterproof chains

• Liquid Gold Chain: Shimmery, sleek, and simple.

• Shimmer Chain: The sparkle you want, with the durability you need.

• Mirror Chain: Minimalist and modern.

Everyday waterproof rings

• Band Rings: Choose your width, your metal, your vibe. Perfect for stacking or as a wedding band.

• Flow Ring: Sculptural and surprisingly sturdy.

Everyday waterproof charms

• Seashell Charm: Coastal vibes, year-round.

• Butterfly Charm: Delicate, lightweight, and durable.

These are the pieces we love for vacations, hot yoga, and forgetting to take your jewelry off before bed (again).

How to care for waterproof (and water-adjacent) jewelry

Even the toughest waterproof jewelry deserves a little TLC. A quick rinse here, a soft cloth there, it doesn’t take much to keep your favorite pieces looking as shiny as the day you got them. Here’s how to keep your everyday essentials in tip-top shape:

• Rinse with fresh water after swimming in the ocean or pool.

• Pat dry with a soft cloth (especially for sterling silver).

• Store in a dry place when you’re not wearing it.

• Use a gentle jewelry cleaner every few weeks.

TL;DR: What jewelry can I wear in the water?

If you’re going all in on waterproof jewelry, your best bet is 10k or 14k solid gold. These styles were made to live in—no need to remove them for every splash or sweat sesh.

Gold fill and sterling silver can hang too, as long as you show them a little extra care. Vermeil is best for the occasional wear (and deserves to stay dry).

With our waterproof jewelry you’ll find the styles you’ll never want—or need—to take off. Plus, your summer stack just got way easier.