If you love wearing jewelry every day — even in the shower, at the beach, or while swimming — you’ve probably asked yourself: what jewelry is actually waterproof? While no piece of jewelry is completely immune to long-term water exposure, some materials hold up much better than others. Solid gold, for example, is one of the most water-resistant options, while gold plated or vermeil jewelry may be more sensitive depending on care and usage. In this guide, we’ll break down which types of jewelry can handle moisture, what to avoid, and how to keep your favorite pieces looking beautiful even when life gets a little wet.

Ultimately, when we talk about waterproof jewelry, we’re really referring to materials that are water-tolerant with care — not invincible. The key lies in knowing the material and treating it accordingly.

Gold plated jewelry consists of a thin layer of gold bonded over a base metal — often sterling silver, brass, or copper. While the outer layer looks like real gold, it’s much more delicate. With frequent exposure to water, especially in showers or pools, this thin layer can begin to fade, peel, or tarnish over time.

Even if the jewelry doesn’t change color right away, repeated moisture weakens the bond between the gold and the base metal underneath. Once that layer wears down, the underlying material becomes exposed — and that’s when you might see green stains or discoloration, particularly if the base is not sterling silver.

In short, gold plated jewelry is not waterproof, but it can be water-resistant to a degree — especially if you limit exposure and care for it properly.

Water alone isn’t always the enemy — but what’s in the water can seriously affect your jewelry. Everyday exposure to moisture, combined with elements like soap, shampoo, chlorine, and salt, can gradually degrade the surface of your pieces. These substances leave behind residues that dull the shine of gold, cause metal fatigue, and may even break down plating over time.

Chlorine in pools and cleaning products is especially harsh. It can erode finishes, weaken clasps, and cause discoloration — even in higher-end jewelry. And while solid gold resists corrosion, it’s not immune to losing its luster from repeated chemical exposure.

Gold vermeil jewelry, while not as water-resistant as solid gold, holds up better than standard gold plated pieces thanks to its sterling silver base and premium gold coating. If you do get your vermeil jewelry wet occasionally, it’s unlikely to suffer immediate damage — but consistent exposure should still be avoided for long-term shine.

Even with higher-quality materials, certain water-related situations call for extra caution. You should remove all jewelry — including solid gold — before:

If your jewelry gets wet — whether accidentally or during daily use — a few simple steps can help maintain its shine and integrity. First, gently pat the piece dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid rubbing aggressively, especially on gold plated or vermeil pieces, as this can wear down the finish.

For deeper cleaning, use lukewarm water and a mild, non-abrasive soap. Let the jewelry soak for a few minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Never use harsh chemicals, jewelry dips, or ultrasonic cleaners on plated or vermeil jewelry, as they can strip the gold layer or damage the silver underneath.

How you store your jewelry plays a huge role in preventing water-related wear. Always keep your pieces in a dry, cool environment — ideally in a fabric-lined jewelry box or soft pouch. To avoid scratches and tarnishing, store each item separately.

Adding a silica gel packet or an anti-tarnish strip can help absorb excess moisture, especially in humid climates or bathrooms. If you’ve worn your jewelry in a damp setting (like a beach vacation), be sure to clean and dry it fully before packing or storing it away.

A little care goes a long way — and with the right habits, your jewelry can stay beautiful for years, even with occasional water exposure.