Culture & Style
The Truth About Waterproof Jewelry: What You Really Need to Know
By Grant Mobley & Julia Teachey-Lemle, Updated: September 24, 2025
“Waterproof jewelry” may sound like an innovation, but here’s the truth: natural materials like solid gold, platinum, and diamonds have always been water-resistant.
TORQUE TAFFIN • RING (L) ANITA KO • RINGS (R) SYDNEY EVANS, GABRIELLE’S OWN • DRESS VINTAGE DONNA KARAN (Gabrielle Union Photographed by Shaniqwa Jarvis for Only Natural Diamonds)
Every so often, a phrase sweeps through the jewelry world that makes me stop mid-scroll, take a deep breath, and—if I’m honest—roll my eyes. Currently, the phrase is “waterproof jewelry.”
Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? The problem is, it’s nonsense. Hogwash. A clever little marketing gimmick designed to sell cheap, mass-produced pieces to people who don’t know the difference between solid gold and gold plating.
Meet the Authors
Julia Teachey-Lemle began designing beautiful jewelry for her friends and clients in her “spare time.” Encouraged by the raves she received for her jewelry designs, and giving into her brewing entrepreneurial spirit, Teachey-Lemle took the plunge, and her company Julieri was born.
Grant Mobley is the Jewelry & Watch Editor of Only Natural Diamonds, focusing on diamond and diamond industry-focused content. He has 17 years of jewelry industry experience, growing up in his family’s retail jewelry stores as well as jewelry sourcing and manufacturing in China and Thailand. Prior to the NDC, leading sales for Pluczenik, a world-leading diamond sightholder.
Here’s the honest truth: if jewelry is truly fine—crafted from solid gold, platinum, and precious stones, then yes, it’s “waterproof jewelry.” That’s the whole point. Real jewelry is meant to be lived in. You can shower in it, sweat in it, and, in many cases, even swim in it. If cared for properly, it will outlast you and be passed down for generations.
So why does “waterproof jewelry” exist as a trend? Because most of the pieces marketed that way aren’t made of real materials. They’re plated or coated, designed to survive only a handful of showers before they start chipping, tarnishing, or irritating your skin.
As Julia Teachey-Lemle, Founder & Designer of jewelry brand Julieri, put it: “Real jewelry is already everything it needs to be. No waterproof sticker required.”
Ahead, discover the myth of waterproof jewelry—and what actually poses a risk to your diamonds.
Fine Jewelry vs. “Waterproof Jewelry”
- Fine jewelry — Solid gold, platinum, and sterling silver don’t wash away or peel. Their value comes from intrinsic materials that resist corrosion.
- “Waterproof” jewelry — Usually base metals with plating or coatings that wear off over time. It may look good for a few months, but it won’t age gracefully.
So yes, your grandmother’s platinum engagement ring is “waterproof jewelry.” But like anything valuable, it still deserves a little common sense and care.
Gold: Durable but Not Chlorine-Proof
Gold has been treasured for thousands of years because it doesn’t tarnish or corrode in water. That’s why ancient gold artifacts look just as radiant today as they did centuries ago.
However, there’s a caveat: modern life means exposure to modern chemicals. Regular exposure to chlorine—such as in pools or hot tubs—can cause gold to become brittle over time, potentially even creating microscopic cracks. The higher the karat (18k or 22k), the more resistant it is, but even then, chlorine is no friend to fine jewelry.
My advice: don’t worry if you forget to take your ring off before a quick dip, but if you’re planning a summer of daily laps, be sure to leave your gold jewelry poolside.
Gems That Love Water (and Gems That Don’t)
Not all stones are created equal. Natural diamonds, sapphires, and rubies? Practically indestructible. These gems are designed by nature to withstand everyday wear, water, or chlorine, included.
But softer, more porous stones tell a different story.
- Opals — Beautiful but fragile. They contain water within their structure, which means sudden changes in moisture or heat can cause cracking. Definitely not “hot yoga proof.”
- Turquoise — Porous and easily damaged by chemicals, lotions, or even prolonged exposure to water.
- Pearls — Organic gems that grow in water, but once they’re out, they should stay out. Think of them like silk: elegant but delicate.
As Julia explains: “When in doubt, take it off. Especially bracelets. No one really needs to be wearing bracelets in the ocean—you heard it here first.”
Platinum and Silver: Strong but Not Invincible
Platinum has a reputation for being the ultimate metal for jewelry. It’s true—it’s incredibly durable, but even platinum has its kryptonite. Repeated exposure to chlorine can weaken alloys in the metal and cause tiny cracks.
Sterling silver pieces are also technically “waterproof jewelry,” but it’s more prone to tarnish when exposed to air and moisture. A quick polish restores it, but you’ll save yourself the hassle if you dry it off after swimming.
Why the Ocean Isn’t Jewelry-Friendly
Now let’s address the big one: the ocean. Technically, fine jewelry can withstand seawater. But should you wear it there? That’s another matter.
The risk isn’t damage—it’s loss. Cold water can cause your fingers to shrink, making rings slip off without you even noticing. One powerful wave, and your heirloom engagement ring is suddenly part of a coral reef ecosystem.
Yes, your jewelry can withstand the ocean. But can you handle the heartbreak of watching it sink to the bottom? That’s the real question.
What to Remember About “Waterproof Jewelry”
So, is all fine jewelry “waterproof jewelry”? Absolutely. But like all good things, it deserves respect.
- Fine metals like gold, platinum, and sterling silver resist water, but chlorine is their enemy.
- Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are well-suited for everyday wear. Softer stones—opal, turquoise, pearls—need extra care.
- Pools and oceans present more risk of loss than damage.
- Plated or “waterproof” jewelry isn’t waterproof at all. It’s temporary.
Real jewelry doesn’t need labels, gimmicks, or trendy hashtags. It’s built to last—and with a bit of care, it will. Or as Julia Teachy Lemle says: “Take care of your jewelry, and it will love you back—for a lifetime (or two).”
The next time you see an ad for “waterproof jewelry,” don’t be fooled. Fine jewelry already is. That’s the beauty of it: no coatings, no tricks, just real materials built to withstand life. So go ahead—wear your diamond hoops in the shower, keep your rings on in the bath, and laugh at the gimmick.
