Do you ever fall in love with jewelry? It becomes your signature piece, the necklace you wear on repeat, or the rings in your daily stack. And then they tarnish, and you’re back to square one. Trust me. I’ve had my heart broken by tarnished jewelry more times than I could count. I used to think tarnish-proof jewelry came with a designer price tag, but then I discovered the best waterproof jewelry that will take you from beach to bar.

With summer right around the corner, I’m already planning my outfits for beach vacations and afternoons spent by the pool with my Kindle and an Aperol Spritz. Except this year, I don’t have to worry about my jewelry tarnishing in the pool. Waterproof gold jewelry is the ‘it girl’ of summer – and the perfect finishing touch for every summer outfit.
Let’s deep dive into the world of waterproof jewelry. (Spoiler alert: 18k gold-plated stainless steel is your new best friend!)
Can I Swim in Silver Jewelry?
Silver jewelry can be deceiving. While it’s having a moment on the runway, silver jewelry isn’t always the most cost-effective option when shopping for the best waterproof jewelry. While silver won’t tarnish in the pool, it comes with a higher price tag. If you’re a fan of statement jewelry (like I am!), you can expect to pay a pretty penny when shopping for silver jewelry, as it’s typically priced by weight.
Best Waterproof Jewelry: 18K Gold-Plated Stainless Steel
So, what waterproof jewelry should you buy? 18k gold-plated stainless-steel ticks all the boxes. It’s a cost-effective alternative to silver that gives you the look and feel of gold without a luxury price tag. I wear my waterproof gold jewelry everywhere, from the pool to the gym and even to black tie events.
18k gold-plated stainless steel looks just like the real thing, but you won’t have to baby it! This jewelry is what I throw into my clutch bag for a night out and love to bring when traveling as a stress-free alternative to wearing my more expensive investment pieces.
Is Brass Jewelry Waterproof?
If you walk into most fashion stores in your local mall, the jewelry on the shelves will be made with brass. It’s cheap and a go-to choice for fast fashion brands, but it’s not waterproof. Brass jewelry will tarnish quickly after contact with water, even if you’re wearing it in the shower. Trust me, I found out the hard way! Brass jewelry will also tarnish from sweat and the natural oils in your hands. This jewelry requires a little more TLC and needs to be kept in a dry place.
If you want waterproof jewelry without breaking the bank, 18k gold-plated stainless steel is your best option! It looks effortlessly chic when layered with pearls and can be styled every day without worrying about tarnishing. When you’re experimenting with jewelry trends or want to curate your daily set, waterproof gold jewelry is the perfect place to start.
Want to learn more about the latest jewelry trends and styling? Check out these posts:
3 Biggest Layered Necklace Trends
Splash Proof: Why Waterproof Jewelry is a Must-Have for Summer