What is Waterproof Jewellery?

You’d be forgiven for thinking that all jewellery is waterproof. Water damage to jewellery is cumulative - it may not show right away, but with repeat exposure to water, sweat, or humidity, precious metals can react over time, leading to dullness, tarnishing, and structural weakness. 

Wearing jewellery shouldn't come with constant worry about whether water will ruin it. Daily routines—washing hands, showering, sweating, or even getting caught in the rain—mean exposure to moisture is inevitable. This is why the majority of our jewellery is Stainless Steel. Stainless steel is naturally water-resistant, making PVD gold plated versions highly durable against exposure.

With gold coated stainless steel there’s no need to remove your rings before washing up or feel concerned about tarnishing when wearing necklaces at the beach.

The Truth About Traditional Jewellery: Why It’s Not Waterproof

Jewellery is meant to last, but not all pieces are built to handle daily life. While traditional jewellery has long been associated with elegance and craftsmanship, there’s one major flaw many don’t consider—it isn’t waterproof.

One of the biggest misconceptions about gold jewellery is that it’s entirely resistant to water. While gold is less reactive, most gold jewellery isn’t pure gold—it’s often mixed with other metals like copper or nickel, which makes it vulnerable to corrosion over time. Solid gold may not rust, but that doesn’t mean it won’t suffer when exposed to moisture. The softness of higher-karat gold (such as 18k or 24k) makes it prone to bending and scratching, and when water gets into crevices, it can lead to long-term wear and deterioration.

Even gold-plated jewellery has its limits. If the plating is thin or of lower quality, repeated exposure to water can cause the gold layer to fade or peel, revealing the base metal underneath. This is why high-quality coating matters – we use multiple layers of PVD gold plating for far greater durability against water exposure.

Stainless Steel for Waterproof Jewellery

With people leading increasingly active lifestyles, jewellery needs to keep up. Waterproof jewellery such as stainless steel coated with durable plating is designed to withstand exposure to water without suffering damage. It eliminates concerns about tarnishing, fading, or weakening, making it the perfect choice for everyday wear.

While traditional jewellery has beauty and heritage on its side, it’s clear that it isn’t built for modern life. Shop our stainless steel collection and invest in some waterproof jewellery for fewer worries and longer-lasting wear without sacrificing your style.