Is Gold Plated Jewellery Waterproof? Your Guide to Waterproof Jewellery

Waterproof jewellery (or waterproof jewelry, as it is often searched) is one of the most asked-about things in Indian fashion jewellery right now, and for good reason: nobody wants a necklace that turns their skin green after a humid day. So is gold plated jewellery waterproof? The honest answer is that it depends on what is under the gold.

What does "waterproof jewellery" mean?

Waterproof jewellery is jewellery that won't rust, tarnish or discolour when it gets wet. Think showers, sweat, rain, handwashing and humid monsoon days. Whether a piece can handle that comes down to its base metal and finish, not just the colour on the surface.

Is gold plated jewellery waterproof?

Gold itself doesn't rust or tarnish. But gold plating is a thin layer of real gold over another metal, and that metal decides what happens when water gets involved.

• Brass, copper and mixed alloys react with water and sweat. As the plating wears, they darken and can leave green marks on your skin. Jewellery made this way is not waterproof.
• Stainless steel doesn't rust or react with water and sweat, so gold plating over stainless steel gives you waterproof, anti-tarnish jewellery.

We go deeper into this in what your base metal is really telling you.

Why Miromor jewellery is waterproof

Every Miromor piece is 18K gold plated over stainless steel. That makes our jewellery waterproof, anti-tarnish, hypoallergenic and nickel-free, so water, sweat and humidity won't make it tarnish or turn your skin green.

Waterproof doesn't mean indestructible

Even waterproof gold plating wears slowly with friction, and perfume and harsh chemicals speed that up. To keep the gold at its brightest for years:

• Put it on after perfume, lotion and hairspray.
• Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after wearing and store pieces separately.

Our jewellery care guide has the full routine.

How to spot genuinely waterproof jewellery

• Check the base metal. Look for stainless steel (or solid gold or silver). "Alloy" or brass usually means it isn't waterproof.
• Look for anti-tarnish and nickel-free. They usually go hand in hand with a quality base metal.
• Read the care instructions. Brands that know their materials will tell you exactly what their pieces can handle.

Shop waterproof jewellery

Browse our waterproof, anti-tarnish jewellery, or go straight to necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets.