This question is far more nuanced than you might think! First, defining "waterproof" is more difficult with modern day marketing muddying the water. There's tons of gold plated jewelry companies that claim their jewelry is waterproof, which is ironic because plating is the most vulnerable to water (it literally rubs off).
Jewelry can be waterproof, but not all jewelry is created equal when it comes to water resistance. The waterproof quality of jewelry depends primarily on the materials used and how it's constructed.
Furthermore, the question of whether you can put your jewelry in water vs. if you should put your jewelry in water is also different - it depends on your tolerance for wear and tear on your jewelry.
Materials for Waterproof Jewelry
Several materials are known for their excellent water resistance:
- Solid Gold: Pure gold is waterproof and won't tarnish when exposed to moisture. It can, however, dull over time but you can always re-polish your gold.
- 925 Sterling Silver: While not completely waterproof, sterling silver is water resistant. Sterling silver can dull and tarnish over time, but it can always be re-polished with silver polish, more natural methods, or a polishing cloth.
- Brass and Bronze: We consider brass and bronze water resistant because you can put them in water without the water damaging the metal, but it will cause tarnish. Because we are big proponents of bronze as a less expensive alternative to gold, we do a lot of education (see other blogs!) on how to care for bronze. If you do get your bronze wet, make sure to dry it fully afterwards. A polishing cloth used weekly will also keep your jewelry looking tip top.
- Platinum: Known for its durability, platinum is resistant to water and physical wear, making it an excellent choice for waterproof jewelry.
- Titanium: This lightweight yet strong metal is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for waterproof jewelry.
- Stainless Steel: This is one of the most popular choices for waterproof jewelry. It's naturally resistant to water due to its chromium content, which forms a protective layer against rust and corrosion.
Considerations for Waterproof Jewelry
- Gemstones: Some gemstones, like pearls, are more sensitive to water and should not be exposed to excessive moisture.
- Construction: The design and construction of the jewelry piece also play a role in its water resistance. Sealed joints and closures can prevent water from entering and affecting internal parts.
- Chemicals: While jewelry may be waterproof, it's not necessarily chemical-proof. Chlorine, lotions, soap, and cleaning supplies can damage or tarnish jewelry.
- Inlay: Almost all of our stones are set using an inlay method, which includes epoxy as a setting agent. Epoxy is vulnerable to deterioration if submerged in water, so it's best to keep inlay jewelry dry.
All that said, we are fans of wearing our jewelry through thick and thin. We see dulling metal and light scratches as signs that you love and cherish your pieces, not as damage. You can always bring your pieces back to us for a refresh if they're looking weary, and you can always polish pieces on your own!