Three materials are waterproof: medical stainless steel, stainless steel with PVD gold plating and uncoated 925 silver. Gold-plated silver, brass and fashion jewellery with a thin coating are not. Whether you can keep your jewellery on in the shower isn't about the label, it's about the material underneath.
Which jewellery is waterproof? The comparison
| Material | Waterproof | Tarnishes | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical stainless steel | Yes | No | Handles salt, chlorine and sweat |
| Stainless steel with PVD gold plating | Yes | No | The thickness of the plating decides how long the colour lasts |
| 925 silver, uncoated | Yes | Yes, slowly | Bright again in no time with a silver polishing cloth |
| 925 silver, gold-plated | No | The plating wears off in water | Take it off before the shower, sea and pool |
| Brass and fashion jewellery | No | Yes, often fast | Can turn your skin green |
Is stainless steel jewellery waterproof?
Yes, good stainless steel jewellery is waterproof. Think of cutlery left in the sink overnight. In the morning it looks just the same, even after ten hours in water.
With jewellery, though, the grade matters. The two common types are called 304 and 316L. Both handle everyday contact with water well. 316L also contains molybdenum, which makes it much more resistant to chlorine and salt water. That's why it's also called marine steel.
Our stainless steel jewellery is made from medical stainless steel, grade 316L, from the piece itself to the clasp. Wear it in the sea, the pool, the sauna and at the gym. Cheaper jewellery often uses lower grades. It looks the same at first, but after a while in salt and chlorine it starts to show.
You'll find every waterproof piece in our Waterproof Jewellery collection.
Not all stainless steel is the same
Lots of jewellery in shops is made from stainless steel. What's actually in it is rarely stated. Here's how our stainless steel jewellery differs from the usual standard:
| Typical stainless steel jewellery | Maitea | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Off-the-shelf catalogue pieces, often the same in many shops | Our own designs, created in Berlin |
| Steel grade | Often not stated | Medical stainless steel, grade 316L |
| Gold plating | Industry standard | At least twice as thick |
| Connecting rings | Often just bent shut | Welded, nothing opens |
| Edges | Not always finished | Polished smooth, nothing scratches |
| Warranty | Statutory guarantee, 2 years | 5 years |
Is gold-plated jewellery waterproof?
It depends on the material under the gold and on how the gold is applied.
For gold-plated stainless steel the answer is yes, if the plating is done with PVD. Gold and steel bond firmly under heat and pressure. Our 18K gold plating is at least twice as thick as the industry standard. That's why it stays golden even if you wear it in water every day.
Gold-plated silver and gold-plated brass are not waterproof. The gold layer wears off faster in water and the base metal shows through. Take this jewellery off before showering and swimming.
Is 925 silver waterproof?
Yes, uncoated 925 silver is waterproof. You can wear it in the shower and when swimming without damaging it.
Silver does tarnish slowly over time, because it reacts with air and skin. Chlorine and salt water can speed this up. That's normal for real silver. A soft silver polishing cloth makes it bright again in no time. Find our rings, earrings and necklaces in 925 silver in Silver Jewellery.
Can you make jewellery waterproof?
Not for long. Sprays or clear varnish only protect for a short while and wash off in water, sometimes leaving marks. Whether jewellery is waterproof comes down to the material. If you never want to take it off, choose stainless steel or uncoated silver from the start.
How to care for waterproof jewellery
- After the sea or the pool, rinse with clear water and pat dry.
- Put on perfume and cream before your jewellery.
- Polish stainless steel with a soft cloth if you want more shine.
- Freshen up silver with a polishing cloth as soon as it darkens.
- Stainless steel is tough, but it can bend under strong pressure. Treat it gently.
Nothing lasts forever. Our warranty lasts 5 years.
Honestly: no jewellery lasts forever, ours included. Anyone who promises that is exaggerating. That's why our stainless steel jewellery comes with a 5-year warranty. If your gold plating fades after 4 years and 364 days, you get a new piece for free.
Jewellery you never have to take off
Stainless steel is used in piercings, surgical instruments and bridges. It's the best choice for jewellery that comes along every day. Look for the grade and a thick gold plating, and you'll have truly waterproof jewellery.
Discover waterproof jewellery, designed in Berlin: rings, earrings and necklaces.
