If you’ve landed here, you’ve probably seen the term waterproof jewellery all over your social media feed. It’s the idea that you can wear gold jewellery in the ocean, the shower, at the gym, or even while gardening, without ever taking it off.
Sounds too good to be true, right? If you’re short on time, the short answer is yes.
So, what does waterproof actually mean, and is any jewellery truly waterproof?
What “waterproof” really means
For something to be truly waterproof, it would need to withstand years of exposure to every type of water, ocean, pool, or sweat, without ever changing in appearance. That means no tarnish (grey or black tones) and no oxidation (the pale blue, green, or white film that sometimes appears on metal).
In reality, no jewellery is completely waterproof. The water we swim and shower in isn’t pure. It contains salt, chlorine, minerals, and even traces of sweat or soap. These substances can react with the metals in your jewellery, affecting colour and shine over time.
Why “waterproof” became a trend
Fashion jewellery brands have spent an eternity trying to create pieces that wear like solid gold jewellery but cost less. One innovation gaining traction is PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) stainless steel jewellery. It’s a coating process that uses a vacuum chamber to deposit a gold-coloured layer over stainless steel. The result is a thicker, harder coating than traditional plating and it’s often marketed as “real gold that doesn’t fade.”
But while PVD coatings are more durable than basic plating, they’re still surface treatments. The colour isn’t the metal itself. Over time, friction, salt, or chlorine can wear that layer away, exposing the base metal beneath.
What makes solid gold different
Solid gold jewellery, whether it’s 6K, 9K, or 18K, is made from a real gold alloy. Gold itself never tarnishes or oxidises. What can react are the other metals blended into the alloy, like copper or silver. These reactions can cause minor surface changes, especially when exposed to salt, sweat, or chlorine.
Even 18K gold can show slight oxidation in extreme conditions, but the difference is simple: with solid gold, these changes stay on the surface and can always be polished away.
Solid gold doesn’t peel, chip, or reveal a reactive layer underneath. Its colour runs through the entire piece, so even after years of wear, it can be restored to its original shine.
If oxidation or tarnish does occur, it’s easy to fix. A little warm water, mild detergent, and a soft toothbrush are all you need. Think of it as maintenance, not damage. It’s the same care you’d give to something you plan to keep forever.
Solid gold is gold all the way through. No coatings, no tricks, no fading. It’s made to be worn every day, cared for, and kept for life.
To learn how to care for your new 6K gold piece check out our “How to care for your solid gold jewellery".