A Guide to Waterproof Jewellery

Certain jewellery can be damaged by excessive water, so making sure your jewellery is waterproof if you are in and out of the water a lot is essential.

Whether you are a competitive swimmer, or just don't want to have to take your jewellery off every time you shower, waterproof jewellery can be a handy option.

There are many different types of metal that are compatible with excessive water exposure, but what ones are they?

In today's blog, we will take a look into all the options you have when choosing waterproof jewellery, and how you can care for your waterproof jewellery. Let's dive in.

Is Sterling Silver Waterproof?

A commonly asked question when it comes to waterproof jewellery options is if sterling silver is waterproof. The answer is, no – sterling silver is not completely waterproof.

No matter how high quality your silver jewellery is, it is not waterproof. Silver reacts badly to water exposure. Over time, excessive water exposure can lead to your jewellery losing its shine, ultimately making your silver jewellery appear black.

If you have silver jewellery, you should make sure you remove it before showering or swimming in a chlorine pool, it can cause pitting and once the damage is done it cannot be reversed.

The only time your silver jewellery should be wet is when you are cleaning it – when cleaning the silver jewellery, it should be dried immediately.

Is Gold Waterproof?

Yes, gold is waterproof. When jewellery is made from pure gold, it is waterproof and can withstand frequent exposure to water.

However, jewellery that isn't pure gold, and is alloyed with other metals that may not be waterproof, can hinder the gold jewellery's ability to withstand water exposure.

Chlorine reacts with the alloys in gold jewellery, causing them to disintegrate over time. This can lead to a blackened appearance, especially in areas with solder or metal stress. So it’s best not to go swimming in them.

Gold jewellery that isn't pure, can be coated with PVD which makes it more waterproof.

What Makes Waterproof Jewellery Waterproof?

Usually, jewellery labelled ‘waterproof’ is actually just stainless steel with PVD coatings of metal that is waterproof.

The PVD coating is also known as physical vapour deposition. Is a process where a thin layer of durable metal is applied onto the surface of the jewellery. The PVD coatings are highly durable making them resistant to wear, corrosion and tarnishing.

The coatings can produce various colours and finishes, like gold, rose gold, silver and even black.

Sometimes, you may find waterproof jewellery with PVD coatings labelled 18k gold, this is an alloy of either brass or stainless steel, with a PVD coating over the top. 18k gold jewellery usually contains 18 parts gold, with 6 parts other metals adding up to 24k.

Can the PVD Coating Wear Away Over Time?

Although designed to be long-lasting and durable, PVD coatings can wear away over time. The longevity of the coating can be affected by how often the jewellery is exposed to abrasive surfaces and harsh chemicals.

The coating on pure gold jewellery, however, doesn't wear away over time, because there isn't one! With purer metals, you do not have to worry about your coating wearing away.

Over time, frequent wear of PVD-coated jewellery can be scratched, leading to the coating becoming weaker and the jewellery no longer being water resistant.

What are PVD coatings Made From?

The metals chosen in PVD are chosen for their durability, aesthetics and resistance to wear and tear. Some materials used in the coatings include:

• Titanium nitride
• Zirconium nitride
• Aluminium titanium nitride
• Gold

Why Choose Waterproof Jewellery?

There are many reasons why people may choose waterproof jewellery options. Waterproof jewellery is easier to maintain and requires less effort.

Removing your jewellery every day to shower can be tedious, and you may forget which can lead to your non-waterproof jewellery becoming damaged.

Some of the main reasons why people choose waterproof jewellery are:

• It's durable
• It's convenient
• It’s low-maintenance
• It's reliable
• Peace of mind

Waterproof Options

If you are looking for a high-quality metal that will not tarnish and is water-resistant, then we recommend going for gold or platinum options. Most ‘waterproof’ jewellery is just stainless steel or brass with a PVD coating.

We believe purchasing pure gold options is the perfect choice if you are looking to get the most out of your jewellery as it will last much longer and is a lot higher quality.

How to Care for My Waterproof Jewellery

Like most jewellery, waterproof jewellery requires regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain its shine.

You can clean your jewellery using unfragranced soap and warm water. Soak your jewellery in soapy water for 10 minutes to allow any dirt and grime to lift from the jewellery.

Once soaked, take a gentle bristle brush, like a baby toothbrush, and lightly clean your jewellery paying attention to any intricate parts where dirt may have got into the jewellery.

Continue the process until your jewellery is completely clean, and then thoroughly dry with a microfibre cloth.

If you want to restore the shine even further, take a polishing cloth and polish your jewellery in circular motions.

If you have pure gold or platinum pieces, we recommend getting annual maintenance by a professional on your jewellery. A professional will be able to identify any problems with your jewellery, repair your jewellery and fully restore the shine on your jewellery.

Looking to Upgrade Your Collection?

If you are looking for some waterproof jewellery to add to your collection, here at Miltons Diamonds, we have an extensive range of jewellery options available, including:

• Platinum
• Yellow gold
• White gold
• Rose gold

All of these metals are water-resistant and perfect for everyday wear as you don't need to take them off!

We have a selection of earrings, rings and necklaces for you to browse all brand new or second-hand.

All of our second-hand pieces are in amazing condition and have had their shine restored by our amazing jewellery specialists.

So, if you are looking for the perfect gift for a loved one (or yourself!), we are here to help at Miltons Diamonds. Our team would love to guide you on your jewellery-buying journey.

If you have any questions or require any assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out and a member of our team will be happy to help.