Can You Shower in Gold-Plated Stainless Steel Jewelry? A Waterproof Jewelry Guide

Ariana Snake Chain Bracelet in 18K gold PVD-plated stainless steel, waterproof everyday jewelry

"Can I shower in it?" is the question we hear most. It's a fair one: nobody wants to take off every ring and bracelet before washing their hands, heading to the gym or getting caught in the rain. Here's an honest guide to waterproof jewelry: what makes gold-plated stainless steel hold up to everyday water, where to be careful, and how to keep your pieces shining.

The short answer

Yes, for most of our pieces. Our FAQ explains that our jewelry is designed for everyday life: waterproof, tarnish-resistant and made for everyday wear, so you can wear it in the shower and through your daily routine. Most of our pieces are made on a premium stainless steel base with 18K gold plating and a PVD coating.

A small number of pieces are made from copper or brass instead. They are also PVD-coated with 18K gold plating, waterproof and tarnish-resistant. Each product page lists the exact material in its "Specifications" section.

Ariana Snake Chain Bracelet in 18K gold PVD-plated stainless steel, a waterproof everyday bracelet

Why stainless steel handles water so well

Stainless steel gets its name from its resistance to rust. As the industry body worldstainless explains, that resistance comes from a very thin, chromium-rich "passive" oxide film that forms naturally on the surface once the chromium content is above 10.5%. The film is often described as self-healing: if it's scratched, it regenerates when exposed to oxygen. The worldstainless training module on corrosion resistance puts that film at just a few nanometres thick, yet transparent, adherent and self-repairing.

That's why a stainless steel base is such a good foundation for everyday jewelry. On top of it, our 18K gold plating is finished with PVD (physical vapour deposition) for long-lasting radiance.

Everyday situations, one by one

Showering and washing your hands

Fine for our stainless steel pieces, according to our FAQ. Rinse off soap residue now and then and pat dry with a soft cloth to keep the shine bright.

The gym and sweat

A quick workout won't hurt it, but for an even longer-lasting shine, slip it off before intense workouts and give it a rinse if it gets sweaty. Simple, close-fitting styles are the most comfortable for exercise.

Rain and everyday splashes

No problem. London drizzle and New York downpours are exactly the kind of everyday water these pieces are made for.

Pools and the sea

Use a little more care here. worldstainless notes that localised corrosion of stainless steel is often associated with chlorides, which are found in seawater and many pool treatments. We recommend rinsing your jewelry in fresh water after a swim and drying it, or simply taking it off before a long swim.

Perfume, lotion and cleaning products

Put jewelry on after perfume and lotion have dried, and remove it for cleaning with household chemicals. This is good practice for any jewelry and helps keep the finish looking its best.

Waterproof pieces to wear every day

These pieces specifically list waterproof in their product details, so they're easy everyday picks:

Ariana Snake Chain Bracelet

The Ariana Snake Chain Bracelet has a smooth snake chain that sits flat on the wrist, and its product details list it as waterproof, tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic. It's one of our most affordable everyday pieces.

Ava Zircon Open Ring in 18K gold PVD plating, a waterproof everyday ring

Ava Zircon Open Ring

The Ava Zircon Open Ring combines geometric and round details with sparkling zircon inlays. It's listed as waterproof and tarnish-resistant, so it can stay on through hand-washing.

Aria Marquise Crown Ring

The Aria Marquise Crown Ring has a tiara-like row of marquise-cut zircons and an open, adjustable back. Its product details list it as waterproof and tarnish-resistant too.

Mia T-Bar Zircon Curb Chain Necklace

The Mia T-Bar Zircon Curb Chain Necklace pairs a geometric T-bar with a zircon inlay. It's waterproof and tarnish-resistant, so it's a necklace you can leave on.

Isabella Rhinestone Bracelet

The Isabella Rhinestone Bracelet adds sparkle to a polished stainless steel design and is listed as waterproof and tarnish-resistant. Wear it alone or next to your watch.

Browse the full bracelet collection for more everyday styles.

How to care for waterproof jewelry

  • Rinse and dry. After the beach, the pool or a sweaty workout, rinse in fresh water and pat dry.
  • Use a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths and harsh polishes, which can scratch any finish.
  • Store pieces separately. A pouch or lined box stops chains tangling and stones scratching other pieces.
  • Last on, first off. Put jewelry on after skincare and perfume, and take it off before cleaning.

Every piece also comes with a 1-year warranty on shine and quality, so if something isn't right, our FAQ explains how to contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Can I shower with gold-plated stainless steel jewelry?

For our stainless steel pieces, yes. Our FAQ says you can wear them in the shower and through your daily routine.

Will waterproof jewelry turn my skin green?

Our jewelry is described as tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic and certified skin-safe, which is why it suits everyday wear.

Can I swim in it?

Because chlorides in seawater and pool water can affect stainless steel over time, we recommend rinsing and drying your jewelry after swimming, or taking it off for long swims.

Are all your pieces waterproof?

Yes. Most are made on a stainless steel base, and the few copper or brass pieces are also PVD-coated with 18K gold plating, waterproof and tarnish-resistant. Check "Specifications" on each product page.

Ready to shop?

Right now there's 20% off sitewide, applied automatically in your cart, and free shipping to the US, UK, Canada and Australia on orders over $50 after discount (about £38). Every order ships with tracking. Have a question before you order? Our FAQ covers materials, delivery times and returns.