What Makes Jewellery Waterproof?

We’ve all been there, falling in love with a beautiful piece of jewellery only to have it fade, tarnish, or turn your skin green. If you’ve ever wondered “Isn’t all jewellery waterproof?” or “What makes some pieces last while others don’t?” this post is for you.

Let’s break down what actually makes jewellery waterproof, because while yes, it is a metal and when it gets wet it doesn't immediately get ruined, what good is a piece of jewellery if you can only wear it a few times? 

Gold plating is often perceived as a premium finish - but it's what underneath that matters. Most gold-plated fashion jewellery uses cheap base metals like brass or copper. The gold layer is often very thin, meaning it wears off quickly and exposes the base metal underneath, especially with water or daily wear. Not ideal for long-term use.

Isn’t All Jewellery Waterproof?

It’s a common misconception that all jewellery can withstand water. But here’s the truth: most fashion jewellery is not waterproof, especially those made with low-cost metals or thin plating.

Water, sweat, lotion, perfume and even humidity can cause traditional jewellery to:

• Tarnish (lose shine or colour)
• Corrode (metal starts breaking down)
• Discolour skin (hello, green fingers)
• Cause irritation (especially for sensitive skin)

That’s why investing in tarnish-free jewellery is a great, affordable, alternative. It offers the look of gold, the durability of steel, and the confidence to wear your pieces every day whether that’s in the shower, at the gym, or on holiday. With an added bonus of saving money in the long term because you don’t have to keep replacing your most loved pieces. With extra aura points for reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill sites.

Metals in Jewellery: Explained

Not all metals are created equal and when it comes to jewellery, your base metal matters more than you think. Let’s look at the most common metals used in fashion jewellery and how they hold up to water, wear, and daily life:

Metal	Waterproof?	Skin-Friendly?	Durability
Brass	❌ No	❌ Often irritates	Low
Copper	❌ No	❌ Can cause green skin	Low
Sterling Silver	⚠️ Partially	✅ Mostly	Medium (but tarnishes over time)
Stainless Steel	✅ Yes	✅ Hypoallergenic	High
Solid Gold	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Very High (but costly)

Brass

• Waterproof? ❌ No
• Skin-Friendly? ❌ Often irritating
• Durability: Low

Brass is a cheap and commonly used base metal, particularly in fast-fashion jewellery. It tarnishes quickly when exposed to moisture or sweat, often turning green or black. It can also cause skin discolouration or irritation for sensitive skin types. While it can be plated in gold or silver, that coating usually rubs off quickly - especially with hand washing or perfume use.

Copper

• Waterproof? ❌ No
• Skin-Friendly? ❌ Not ideal for sensitive skin
• Durability: Low

Like brass, copper is soft and reactive. It oxidises easily, turning green over time and staining skin. It’s not waterproof and should be kept away from moisture.

⚪ Sterling Silver (925 Silver)

• Waterproof? ⚠️ Sort of
• Skin-Friendly? ✅ Generally good for most
• Durability: Medium

Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver mixed with other metals (usually copper). It’s a step up from base metals, and many people love its soft, bright tone. However, it’s not fully waterproof and it can tarnish when exposed to water, air, or chemicals, especially over time. Regular cleaning and polishing are needed to maintain its shine.

⚙️ Stainless Steel

• Waterproof? ✅ Yes
• Skin-Friendly? ✅ Hypoallergenic
• Durability: High

Stainless steel is a game-changer for everyday, waterproof jewellery. It doesn’t rust, tarnish, or fade - even in water or sweat. It’s often used in watches, medical equipment, and premium jewellery. Best of all, it’s non-reactive, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. You will usually find it is the metal used when piercing your ears (or other body parts) for the first time.

Everyday Muses uses a stainless steel base across the collection for its strength, durability, and skin safety.

Solid Gold (14k, 18k, etc.)

• Waterproof? ✅ Yes
• Skin-Friendly? ✅ Yes
• Durability: Very High (in terms of corrosion) - but it's soft

Solid gold is naturally waterproof, tarnish-resistant, and hypoallergenic, which is why it’s often considered the ultimate in fine jewellery. However, it’s important to know that gold is a very soft metal, especially in higher karats like 18k or 22k. This means it can scratch, bend, or wear down over time if worn daily, particularly for rings or bangles that experience friction.

That’s why solid gold pieces are often saved for special occasions or worn more delicately. Plus, of course, they come with a premium price tag.

PVD Plating 101: Why It Matters

PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition - a process that bonds gold or colour coating to stainless steel in a vacuum environment. Unlike traditional gold-plated jewellery (which chips or rubs off easily). 

PVD coating is:

• 10x more durable
• Scratch-resistant
• Sweat, perfume & water-resistant
• Environmentally friendly

So when we say our jewellery is waterproof, tarnish-free, and made to last, we mean it. With a stainless steel core and PVD plating, our pieces are built for life - not just one season.

Final Thoughts

Waterproof jewellery isn’t just a trend – it’s a game changer. 

When made right, it looks amazing, lasts for years, and lets you live life without worry. Now that you know what makes jewellery truly waterproof and tarnish-free, you’ll never settle for less.

If you want the look and feel of gold without the softness or the cost, high-grade stainless steel with PVD gold coating gives you the best of both worlds: everyday durability with lasting shine.

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