Waterproof Gold Jewelry: Which Gold Can You Shower, Swim and Sleep In?

Is gold jewellery waterproof? The quick answer by type

The rule of thumb: the thicker the gold, the more water it can take. Only solid gold has no layer to wear through.

Why solid gold can get wet

Pure gold doesn't react with water or air, which is why ancient gold coins come out of the sea still shining. Solid gold jewellery is pure gold mixed with small amounts of other metals (silver, copper, zinc or palladium) to make it harder:

• 9k gold is 37.5% gold
• 14k gold is 58.5% gold
• 18k gold is 75% gold

Because the gold runs all the way through the piece, there is no plating to wear off. Water, soap and sweat won't change its colour, it won't rust, and it won't turn your skin green. That's why solid gold is the material for jewellery you never take off: wedding bands, engagement rings, diamond studs and everyday necklaces. Our gold guide explains the difference between 9k, 14k and 18k in more detail.

Which karat is most water-resistant? The higher the karat, the more gold and the less of the other metals that can react with chemicals. 18k is the most resistant, 14k is the best balance of colour and toughness for daily wear, and 9k is the hardest and most affordable.

The one exception: chlorine

Chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs is the real enemy of gold jewellery, even solid gold. Over time it can attack the alloy metals mixed with the gold, which can cause:

• Discolouration and dull patches, especially on lower karats with more alloy.
• Weakened claws (prongs). Repeated exposure can make the metal brittle, which is how diamonds get lost.

So the simple rule is: shower and sea yes, pool and hot tub no. Cleaning products and bleach have the same effect, so take rings off before cleaning too.

Gold-plated, vermeil and gold-filled: what water does to them

Gold-plated jewellery

A thin layer of gold is bonded to another metal, often brass or sterling silver. Water on its own won't remove it overnight, but soap, shampoo, sweat, perfume and friction slowly wear the layer away, revealing the metal underneath. Keep gold-plated pieces dry: take them off for showers, swimming, the gym and washing up.

Gold vermeil

Vermeil is sterling silver with a thicker layer of gold. It lasts longer than standard plating, but it's still a coating. Occasional splashes are fine; daily showers and swims shorten its life.

Gold-filled

A much thicker layer of gold is pressure-bonded to a base metal. It handles water better than plating or vermeil, but long or repeated exposure, especially to chlorine or salt, still wears it down over time.

What about "waterproof" plated jewellery?

Some brands sell plated jewellery as "waterproof" because of a thicker coating or a protective layer. It's more durable, but any coating can wear through eventually. If you want gold that will genuinely never wear off, solid gold is the only material that guarantees it.

Is sterling silver waterproof?

Water itself doesn't damage sterling silver, but chlorine, salt water and sulphur in the air make silver tarnish (turn dark). Showering in silver now and then won't ruin it, but it will tarnish faster. Take silver off for swimming, dry it after contact with water, and polish it with a soft cloth. Our guide to cleaning sterling silver shows how to bring the shine back.

This applies to our silver and gold-plated range: beautiful for everyday style, but best kept dry. Our solid gold Fine Jewellery is the one to wear in the shower.

Can you shower, swim and sleep in gold jewellery?

• Showering in solid gold: yes. Rinse off soap and shampoo now and then, because soap film dulls the sparkle of diamonds (it doesn't harm them).
• Swimming in the sea: solid gold is fine; rinse it in fresh water afterwards. Cold water makes fingers shrink, so rings can slip off: take valuable rings off before swimming.
• Swimming pools and hot tubs: take all jewellery off, even solid gold.
• The gym: solid gold doesn't mind sweat, but take rings off for weights to avoid scratches and bent claws.
• Sleeping: small studs, huggies and fine chains in solid gold are fine to sleep in; larger pendants and bracelets can tangle or catch.
• Sunscreen and lotion: they don't harm solid gold, but they leave a film on diamonds. Put jewellery on after creams have soaked in.

What about white gold and diamonds?

• White gold is solid gold with a bright rhodium coating on top. The gold underneath is waterproof, but the rhodium slowly wears with daily wear (water and chlorine speed this up), showing a slightly warmer tone. A jeweller can re-plate it with rhodium every few years.
• Diamonds are the hardest natural material, and water can't damage them, whether natural or lab-grown. The risk is the setting: check that the claws are tight once a year. Bezel settings, where gold wraps around the diamond, are the most secure for everyday wear.

How to care for gold jewellery that gets wet

1. Dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth after showers or swims.
2. Clean it monthly: soak for 15 minutes in warm water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid, brush gently with a soft toothbrush (especially behind diamonds), rinse and dry.
3. Avoid chlorine, bleach and harsh cleaners, and never use toothpaste on gold.
4. Store each piece separately so chains don't tangle and diamonds don't scratch other jewellery.
5. Check the claws on diamond jewellery once a year.

See our jewellery care guide for more.

The best waterproof gold jewellery for everyday wear

If you want jewellery you never have to take off (apart from the pool), choose solid 14k or 18k gold in simple, snag-free shapes:

• Diamond stud earrings: small and secure; diamond studs.
• Huggie hoops: sit close to the ear and are comfortable to sleep in; diamond hoops and huggies.
• Bezel-set and floating solitaire necklaces: nothing to catch on clothes or hair; diamond necklaces.
• Fine chain bracelets: lightweight, with diamonds set close to the chain; diamond bracelets.

Every Azure Chic Fine Jewellery piece is solid 9k, 14k or 18k gold, set with natural or lab-grown diamonds.