The Myth of Waterproof Jewelry: Why “Everyday” Doesn’t Mean Forever

We've all heard it: “You never have to take it off!” That gold ring, your favorite pendant, the bracelet you wear to the gym, beach, and shower — it’s supposed to be tough, right?

The truth? Even the most well-made, high-quality jewelry isn’t truly waterproof.

Let’s dispel the myth.

In recent years, a wave of trendy, mass-produced jewelry brands have popularized the phrase “waterproof jewelry” — often tied to gold-plated or stainless steel pieces. On the surface, it sounds like freedom: wear it to the beach, in the shower, while working out. No damage, no worries.

But here’s the reality: There is no such thing as truly waterproof jewelry. And this kind of marketing often hides important truths about materials, wear, and longevity.

Waterproof in a technical sense means the piece is impervious to water, which isn’t true for most materials used in these pieces — especially plating. Even vermeil (gold over silver) will wear down, revealing base metals underneath. Stainless steel may not rust, but it’s not fine jewelry, and it doesn’t behave like gold or platinum over decades.

Gold & Water: A Complicated Relationship

Pure gold (24k) doesn’t tarnish or corrode — but it’s also too soft for everyday wear. That’s why most fine jewelry is made from 14k or 18k gold, which is alloyed with other metals for strength. Those metals? They react to water, soap, chlorine, and salt.

💧 Freshwater: Not the worst, but still not ideal. It can dull the metal's surface over time and leave residue under prongs and stones.

🧼 Shower Water: Soap and shampoo build up over time, making stones look cloudy or dull.

🌊 Ocean Water: Salt is corrosive, and sand can scratch softer stones and metal.

🏊 Pools & Hot Tubs: Chlorine is brutal — it can eat away at gold alloys, weaken prongs, and discolor your favorite pieces.

What About High Quality Fine Jewelry?

Many clients ask me, “Can I wear this every day?” And the answer is yes—but with care. Daily wear is totally fine if you’re mindful:

• Remove your rings when doing dishes, gardening, going to the gym, or swimming

• Clean your jewelry at home with Dawn dish soap and a soft toothbrush

• Get it checked every 6 months to a year for loose stones or significant wear

Your Jewelry Deserves Ritual, Not Risk

Jewelry is more than an accessory. It's often tied to memory, commitment, or legacy. It deserves your care, not your shortcuts. Treating your ring with intention—removing it before diving into the ocean or scrubbing a sink—isn’t overcautious. It’s reverent.

At Exodus Goldsmiths, I personally craft each piece to be sturdy enough for life’s big moments—but honoring its limits is part of keeping it beautiful for years to come!