Your complete guide to waterproof and water resistant jewelry
What Makes Jewelry Waterproof
If you wear your jewelry every day, you’ve probably wondered which materials can handle water without losing their shine. “Waterproof” jewelry can safely be exposed to water for long periods without tarnishing or fading. “Water resistant” jewelry, on the other hand, can handle occasional splashes but should not be submerged for too long.
Most jewelry falls into the water resistant category, but with the right materials and coatings, you can get very close to waterproof performance.
The Best Materials for Waterproof Jewelry
Below are the most reliable materials for waterproof or water resistant pieces that last.
1. Stainless Steel, PVD Coated With Real Gold
Stainless steel is one of the most durable materials for jewelry. It resists rust, tarnish, and corrosion, which makes it perfect for daily wear. It’s ideal for pieces you never take off, such as rings, necklaces, and earrings. Besides, protective coatings like PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) makes the gold layer waterproof.
2. Titanium
Titanium is lightweight, strong, and hypoallergenic. It handles moisture extremely well and keeps its color even with frequent contact with water.
3. Platinum
Platinum is a premium material known for its strength and corrosion resistance. It maintains its shine under all conditions and is great for fine jewelry.
4. High Karat Solid Gold
Gold with higher karats (18K or 24K) is naturally resistant to tarnish. However, it’s softer and may scratch more easily. Still, it performs better under moisture than lower karat gold.
5. Gold Plated or Gold Filled
Gold plated jewelry is not fully waterproof because the surface layer can wear off with constant exposure to water. It’s better to wear these pieces occasionally and avoid swimming or showering with them. Understand the difference between gold plating and gold coating and why PVD coating is waterproof while cheap gold plating is not.
6. Treated Pearls and Gemstones
Pearls and soft stones like opal and turquoise are more sensitive to moisture. Harder stones such as quartz, sapphire, and diamond resist water better and require less maintenance.
Why Coatings and Construction Matter
The materials are important, but so is how the jewelry is made.
- Soldered joints prevent water from entering small gaps.
- Protective coatings like PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) or rhodium plating add extra corrosion resistance.
- Strong, sealed gemstone settings keep moisture from getting underneath.
- Avoid porous materials such as leather, untreated wood, or fabric for pieces you plan to wear in water.
How to Care for Waterproof Jewelry
Even waterproof jewelry needs a bit of care to keep it looking perfect.
- Rinse with clean water after exposure to salt or chlorine.
- Dry carefully with a soft cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals such as alcohol, perfume and harsh cleaning products.
- Store pieces separately to avoid scratches.
- Polish occasionally with a soft cloth to maintain shine.
FAQs About Waterproof Jewelry
Is gold plated jewelry waterproof?
No. Gold plating can fade with repeated water exposure. It’s best to treat it as water resistant and remove it before swimming or showering.
Can I wear stainless steel jewelry in the shower?
Yes. Stainless steel jewelry is highly resistant to water, sweat, and humidity, which makes it safe for daily wear in the shower or at the beach.
Which gemstones can handle water?
Hard gemstones like diamond, sapphire, and quartz are the most resistant. Soft and porous stones like opal, turquoise, or amber should stay dry.
Why Divé Jewelry Is Truly Waterproof
At Divé, we design jewelry for real life. Our pieces are made of stainless steel with a high-quality gold PVD coating, which makes them waterproof, sweatproof, and tarnish resistant. You can shower, swim, or work out without worrying about fading colors or dullness.
Each piece is built to shine through every moment, from beach days to business meetings.
Explore our Waterproof Collection and find jewelry that fits your lifestyle, confidence, and rhythm.