The Myth of Waterproof Jewelry: What You Need to Know Before You Swim, Shower, or Sweat in It

Let’s clear something up once and for all: waterproof jewelry doesn’t exist.

Not in the way we wish it did.

In an era of clever marketing and viral TikToks, you’ve probably seen brands throw around terms like waterproof, sweatproof, or tarnish-free forever. But if you’re someone who wears your jewelry in the shower, to pilates, or straight into the ocean (we see you), you should know the truth: no jewelry is truly immune to water, wear, and time. Even the finest materials have limits.

So, what happens when jewelry gets wet?

It depends on the material.

• Gold-plated and gold-filled pieces may look luxe at first, but their outer layer is thin and vulnerable. Repeated exposure to water, soap, chlorine, or sweat erodes that layer, leaving behind a dull, tarnished base metal.

• Sterling silver naturally oxidizes over time—even faster when exposed to moisture. While it can be polished back to shine, it's not maintenance-free.

• Solid gold (14k or 18k) is your best bet for everyday wear, but even that isn’t “waterproof.” Saltwater, chlorine, and harsh soaps can still erode surface shine or loosen prong settings over time.

The bigger issue? It’s not just water.

It’s everything in the water—chemicals, pH, salt, minerals, and even the heat from your shower can all affect your jewelry. So while your favorite gold ring might survive a dip in the pool once or twice, over time, you’re accelerating its aging process.

What should you look for instead?

Forget “waterproof.” Look for solid gold, platinum, or high-quality stainless steel if you want durability. And even then, treat your pieces with care.

At Vardui Kara, we design jewelry you can live in—but we also believe in being honest with our customers. Our pieces are crafted from solid 14k and 18k gold, which makes them far more resilient than most. But we still recommend removing them before taking a dip, applying lotions, or hitting the steam room.

Why? Because heirlooms aren’t made by testing limits. They’re made by honoring what’s precious.

TL;DR: If it’s being sold as “waterproof jewelry,” read the fine print.

The truth is, all jewelry deserves a little TLC. Not because it’s fragile—but because it’s worth protecting.