Brand Partner Content
Nobody wants to leave the house wearing cheap-looking jewelry. However, the quality of a jewelry piece is not always predicated on its price tag. After all, jewelry is an expression of one’s personality, and we understand that finding high-quality, waterproof, and tarnish-free jewelry can be a challenge.
The best waterproof jewelry is corrosion-free, scratch free, lightweight, and durable. So whether you’re looking for 18k gold jewelry for everyday wear or something fancier that’s tarnish resistant, we created a comprehensive guide to help you find your perfect fit.
Top 7 Waterproof Jewelry Brands
After evaluating multiple jewelry brands, we have narrowed our list to the top 7:
- EVIE Jewelry– Best overall
- Hey Harper – Runner Up
- Ellie Vail – Best durable jewelry
- Gorjana – Best jewelry for gifts
- Catbird – Best minimalist jewelry
- Bubs & Sass – Best hand-stamped jewelry
- Mejuri – Good Value
How We Chose the Seven Brands
Here are the primary criteria used to create our list of the best waterproof jewelry brands:
Customer Reviews
Customers are a source of valuable information since they have had one-on-one interaction with the brand. We reviewed each brand’s customer reviews and noted that most past clients are satisfied with the brand’s sweat-proof jewelry. We even made special notes of the most recent reviews.
Brand Reputation
There are several factors to consider in a brand’s reputation. If a company operates dishonorably, it will usually come to light eventually. We wanted to ensure all brands on this list were held in the highest regard regarding quality, customer service, sustainability, and social impact.
Materials Used
Stainless steel is one of the most robust materials used in the jewelry industry due to its strong resistance to rust and corrosion. Our selected brands all use stainless steel as a base material and are coated with high quality metal.
7 Best Waterproof Jewelry Brands: Product Description
1. EVIE Jewelry– Best Overall
Pictured: Evie Jewelry Paloma Chain
EVIE jewelry is a Wisconsin-based brand known for stunning jewelry coated in 18k gold. The company aims not only to meet everyone’s beauty standards but also to consider sustainability and durability.
From watch bracelets to rings and anklets, there’s a vast collection of gold-plated jewelry for everyone. We name EVIE jewelry as the best overall on our list because the products are beautiful, durable, affordable, and easily accessible to everyone.
Besides, EVIE is known for friendly customer service. You can always contact them if you have a question or need help with an order.
Jewelry Materials
- Stainless steel
- 18k gold
Brand Highlights
- Product categories include pendants, gold necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and gift cards
- Free shipping for orders above $100
- Eco-friendly and sustainable packaging
- Repairs and replacements are done within 180 days of delivery
- 14 days product return policy
- All pieces are made of steel and PVD plated with 18k gold
The golden tone on your EVIE jewelry may get slightly darker, but it does not fade or rust. Also, the products are hypoallergenic, making them an excellent option for people with sensitive skin. Whether you’re wearing your jewelry to the gym or caught in the rain, EVIE will surely deliver a product suitable for any condition.
2. Hey Harper– Best Waterproof Jewelry
Pictured: Hey Harper Senorita Necklace
Hey Harper is a Portugal-based jewelry firm born in 2018. The company provides various waterproof jewelry designed to blend well with every skin type. Whether you need an anklet, a wedding ring, or a nose accessory, the company has something for everyone.
Hey Harper insists that the color of their jewelry does not change despite the lotion or sanitizers you use. The company offers a lifetime warranty should the jewelry fade or change color.
Jewelry Materials
- Stainless steel
- Silver PVD
- Gold
- Nickel
Brand Highlights
- Product categories include watches, anklets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces
- Lifetime color warranty
- All jewelry products are waterproof
- Returns and exchanges allowed
- Payment methods include debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, Apple pay and Klarna
Hey Harper crafts its jewelry using durable and highly resistant stainless steel material. It uses a coating process known as Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), which is 10X stronger than the standard coating process.
This modern coating process ensures the jewelry is resistant to external impacts and the color does not fade. Hey Harper jewelry products contain a small percentage of nickel, which is considered hypoallergenic.
Hey Harper is an excellent fit if you have sensitive skin and are looking for quality jewelry that does not quickly fade.
3. Ellie Vail – Best Durable Jewelry
Ellie Vail jewelry was established in 2014 by celebrity stylist Ellie Vail. Ellie couldn’t find the type of jewelry she wanted on the market, so she founded a company using what she wanted. She started with stainless steel as the base material for every piece of jewelry, a practice still maintained by the brand today
Ellie Vail has since grown to one of the top jewelry brands, selling its products in reputable retailers like Revolve and Urban outfitters.
Jewelry Materials
- Stainless steel
- Gold
Brand Highlights
- Quality and affordable jewelry
- Multiple categories available—earrings, bracelets, rings, and anklets
- Sunglasses, body accessories, and mask chains are available
- Payment options available — PayPal, credit card, American Express, MasterCard, Apple pay, discover, and Google pay
- Domestic and international shipping
- Free shipping for orders above $150
- 14 days product return policy
All Ellie Vail jewelry is made of stainless steel and coated with gold for aesthetics and durability. Also, the products are hypoallergenic, so you can swim, shower, and even exercise with the jewelry on. You can buy Ellie Vail jewelry on the company’s website or search for its products in other local retailers.
4. Gorjana – Best Jewelry for Gifts
Are you looking for a high-quality, beautiful piece of jewelry to gift your dear one? Gorjana may have what you need. Founded in 2004, Gorjana is a versatile brand with simple, good-quality jewelry pieces for all ages.
Gorjana is a family-owned business that has grown from a local shop to an international jewelry provider, selling in more than 1,000 retailers worldwide.
Jewelry Materials
Gorjana uses a wide range of materials to make its fine jewelry. These materials include:
- Stainless steel
- 14k solid gold
- 18k gold plate
- Rose gold
- Silver
- Pearl
- Gemstone
Brand Highlights
- Free shipping to all orders within the U.S.
- 30-day allowance for unworn products
- Complimentary gift wrap for all gifts
- Jewelry categories include bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings
- Warranty policy for damaged products
- Free returns and jewelry repairs
- Durable gold plating
Gorjana does a wonderful job of making simple and affordable rings, stud earrings, and simple bracelets. The craftsmanship quality is excellent, and though the company does not make 100% pure gold jewelry, it does have incredible gold plating that makes the jewelry affordable.
All Gorjana jewelry pieces except silver, pearl, and gemstone are gold coated. Gold plating ensures the jewelry is durable, shines, and is tarnish-free. With easily accessible products, affordable prices, and excellent craftsmanship, Gorjana may be your one-stop shop for the jewelry of your needs.
5. Catbird – Most Minimalist Jewelry
If you want minimalist yet beautiful jewelry, Catbird may have something for you. Catbird is a jewelry line founded in 2004 in Williamsburg. The brand’s main highlight is to remain eco-friendly as much as possible—it uses recycled diamonds and gold for its jewelry.
Catbird makes everything from small rings to anklets. The company maintains high minimalism, so its products work best for people who don’t like visible, shiny, or heavy accessories.
Jewelry Materials
- Recycled gold
- Recycled diamond
Brand Highlights
- Available categories include bracelets, necklaces, rings, chains, charms, and earrings
- Personalized jewelry available
- Two years warranty
- Returns are allowed within 30 days of delivery
- Same-day delivery is available for local deliveries
Catbird may be worth it if you consider gifting your friend, buying an engagement ring, or simply treating yourself to a simple jewelry piece. There are many styles to choose from, and the price matches the quality. Visit the website for the available options and more details.
6. Bubs & Sass– Best Hand-Stamped Jewelry
Bubs & Sass offers a wide range of trendy products, with options ranging from silver to gold. The brand primarily aims to provide quality sweat-proof jewelry using 100% stainless steel.
Bubs & Sass was founded by Alyssa Berardo, who wanted to gift her boy a beautiful necklace without breaking the bank. She couldn’t find one, so she decided to make one. Seven years later, Bubs and Sass Company has become a reputable brand specializing in sweat-proof jewelry products. Though Bubs & Sass is based in the U.S., international shipments are available.
Jewelry Materials
- Stainless steel
Brand Highlights
- Product categories include sweat-proof earrings, chokers, necklaces, mask chains, anklets, bracelets, and rings
- 14-day product return policy
- Wholesale purchases allowed
- Gift cards available
Bubs & Sass is a great destination for hand-stamped jewelry. Since the company offers gift cards, Bubs & Sass can be your one-stop shop for jewelry gifts for your loved ones. All the pieces are made of stainless steel and are tarnish-free. Browse through their collection to explore options and learn more.
7. Mejuri – Most Affordable Jewelry
Mejuri is a famous Toronto-based jewelry brand founded in 2015 by Noura Sakkijha. On its website, Mejuri mentions that luxury should be easy to access and fun, and that’s why they sell fine jewelry at pocket-friendly prices.
Unlike many jewelry brands, Mejuri does not involve any middlemen, which explains its low-priced products. Whether you need a wedding ring, bracelet, or simply a gift for your loved one, Mejuri always has something for you at a pocket-friendly price.
Jewelry Materials
Mejuri uses the following waterproof metals for jewelry:
- 14k yellow gold
- 14k white gold
- 18k Gold Vermeil
- Titanium
- Ceramic
- Diamonds
- Freshwater pearls
Brand Highlights
- Jewelry categories include earrings, rings, necklaces, anklets, pendants, and charms.
- Multiple payment options are available—credit card, debit visa, Klarna, store credit, and PayPal.
- 10 to 15 days money back guarantee using the initial mode of payment
- 30-day exchange policy
- Two-year warranty
Mejuri is committed to offering everyone eco-friendly, luxurious, and reasonably priced jewelry.
You can order online or via phone or visit them in-store. Styling assistants are also available in Mejuri, so if you are still trying to figure out where to turn, a jewelry expert can guide you.
Ultimate Buying Guide: How to Buy the Best Waterproof Jewelry
Tarnish-free jewelry has sentimental value, is an excellent investment, and is a vital accessory for special events. However, many types of jewelry are on the market, and you should therefore be keen on what you buy.
Discussed below are the main factors to keep in mind when buying waterproof jewelry.
Material
The material used to make a piece of jewelry determines its quality, durability, and resistance to water. The most common materials for jewelry include stainless steel, gold, silver, and diamond.
You may also come across wood, glass, or crystal jewelry. While all jewelry pieces are beautiful, you may consider stainless steel and precious metals because they are the strongest.
Stainless steel, for instance, when coated with gold using the PVD method, forms the strongest jewelry. Always seek to know the jewelry material to make an informed decision.
The Finish
The jewelry finish determines the appearance and resistance to water or sweat. Jewelry with gold, silver or a diamond finish offers more water resistance and does not fade quickly.
If you wish to wear your jewelry every day or regularly, ensure the jewelry you buy is tarnish-free so that it can serve you for an extended period. In most cases, the tarnish-free feature may come at an added cost, but it’s all worth it because the jewelry is more durable.
The Store
Finding a reputable jewelry store for waterproof jewelry is a crucial step to take. Whether buying the jewelry physically or doing it online, you need to ensure the store has what you need and is known for excellently offering that service.
What do past clients say? Do clients complain about the brand’s jewelry products? As a rule, you should always go for a reputable store with a warranty.
The store staff should be knowledgeable of the products and should be available 24/7. Remember to compare what different stores offer to make the right decision.
Color
Jewelry color may not significantly impact waterproofing, but it is a vital feature to consider. Remember that the right jewelry should add some glam, whether you need it for an occasion or just to gift someone. The right jewelry should complement the wearer’s skin tone for the best results.
Purpose and Longevity
Are you looking for one-day event jewelry, or need something that you will wear more than once? If it’s a one-day event, find something that you can wear with other clothes; otherwise, the jewelry may gather dust in your box. A piece of timeless jewelry is more versatile, and you can comfortably wear it on many occasions.
Understand Different Precious Metals
Most waterproof jewelry is made of gold, diamond, and silver. Each metal has unique characteristics in terms of look, texture, and value. Whether you are buying online or physically, you should know what each precious metal looks like to get exactly what you want.
Here is a brief look at the primary precious metals used in making waterproof jewelry.
Gold: Gold is the most versatile material used for waterproof jewelry. The material is hypoallergenic and malleable. Pure gold has a yellow color. However, gold produced through alloying may come in white or pinkish hue colors.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is the most commonly used base material in the jewelry industry. It is an alloy of copper, chromium, titanium, nickel, and other materials. Stainless steel comes in a silver color but is often coated with gold and other precious metals to change its color.
Silver: Silver is another malleable material used in making waterproof jewelry. It is soft and white, and it blends well with stainless steel. However, silver plating creates a thin layer that can easily be damaged. Proper care and maintenance are needed with silver jewelry.
Diamond: Diamond comes with extreme hardness, beauty, and resistance to water and sweat. Diamond comes in many colors, including white, brown, pale yellow, or even green. It is mainly used to make engagement rings.
Understanding the different materials used in making waterproof jewelry allows you to choose the most quality material for your skin and occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the commonly asked questions about the best waterproof jewelry.
What is gold-plated jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry refers to metal topped up with a liquid gold layer. The base metal can be stainless steel, copper, brass, or silver. The liquid gold coat is usually minimal and may contain 0.05% gold.
Unlike pure gold jewelry, gold-plated jewelry only contains a thin layer of gold that shines on the top. Therefore, this jewelry type is cheaper than the actual gold and may only last for a while. Nevertheless, some gold-plated jewelry comes with an additional layer for protection against scratches.
The gold plating process is a simple technique that starts with cleaning the base metal surface, then adding liquid gold on top of the strike layer to give the entire metal jewelry a gold look.
Gold-plated jewelry may not be pure jewelry, but it gives you a similar service to pure gold, especially if you maintain it well.
Is gold-plated jewelry waterproof?
Gold-plated jewelry may or may not be waterproof. It all depends on the retainer. Some retainers are keen on the gold plating process to ensure the best results and add polish to the layer of gold to make it waterproof.
However, gold plating wears off with time when you immerse it in water for long periods. Remember, the gold coat is thin, and exposure to water for long periods will damage the coat.
Removing your gold-plated jewelry every time before swimming or showering is advisable to extend its lifespan. Hard water or water with chlorine can even cause more damage. You may not see any defects in your gold-plated jewelry at first if the plating is strong, but for durability, you should keep the jewelry from water.
How long does gold-plated jewelry last?
You can expect your gold-plated jewelry to last between two to six years, depending on how substantial the plating is and how often you wear the jewelry. It can last more than six years if you take good care of it.
After all, gold is one of the most valuable resources in the jewelry industry, and with reasonable care and maintenance, it can serve an extended period.
If you plan to buy a gold-plated piece of jewelry or have one, observe these few practices to use your jewelry for an extended period:
- Buy gold-plated jewelry from reputable and certified sources. Be sure to ask about the type of metal base used and the source of the layer of gold.
- Coat your gold-plated jewelry with at least 3 microns of gold to protect the jewelry from reacting with chemicals and other particles.
- Protect your jewelry from getting excessive contact with water and sweat.
- Wipe your jewelry every time after wearing it using a soft microfiber cloth.
Lastly, don’t expose your jewelry to chlorine pool water, strong lotions, and perfumes. Remember to consult your jewelry provider when you notice a sign of wear and time for advice.
Is stainless steel jewelry waterproof?
Stainless steel is an iron, chromium, manganese, carbon, and nickel alloy used in the jewelry industry. Most of these materials are long-lasting. Chromium protects the entire alloy from oxidation.
Due to its strong resistance to corrosion and scratches, stainless steel is the most preferred material in the jewelry industry.
However, stainless steel is not 100% safe and may rust with time, depending on the environment. Its water resistance is very high, so you can swim or shower with gold-plated jewelry. However, prolonged exposure to water may tarnish it, facilitate corrosion and bring other unwanted effects.
So, stainless steel jewelry is waterproof, but prolonged exposure damages it.
What makes jewelry waterproof?
Jewelry material is the primary determinant of whether the jewelry will be waterproof. Some materials, such as pearl, brass, and diamond, appear appealing but don’t last in the water. Other materials, especially the ones with stainless steel, can survive in wet conditions, even though not for an extended period.
A few materials considered to be waterproof include:
- Stainless steel: It’s made of durable components like iron, chromium, and nickel, which prevent rusting.
- Titanium: It’s a hard and lightweight material that does not rust easily.
- Platinum: Platinum is costly, but it’s long-lasting and does not easily rust in water
- Gold and silver: They are waterproof but need proper care to maintain their shiny appearance.
When buying tarnish-resistant jewelry, you should consult a reputable seller to secure the best option. Always explain what you want and go to reputable firms to get the best waterproof jewelry.
What is the best waterproof jewelry?
The truth is no jewelry material is completely waterproof. Yes, you can swim in them and dive underwater, but they may show signs of wear and tear with time, especially if you don’t clean them well afterward.
Nevertheless, some materials, such as stainless steel, have strong rust resistance, so you can use them for longer. Stainless steel is an alloy of multiple elements, including nickel and chromium, which increase its rust resistance.
Today, most earrings, bracelets, anklets, and rings are made of stainless steel as the base material and then coated with gold, silver, or diamond for that beautiful and shiny look.
So, if you need the highest quality waterproof jewelry, be sure it contains steel, but remember to rinse the product after use.
How to clean gold-plated jewelry?
It’s a good idea to clean your gold-plated jewelry after use to remove residues of dust, lotion, or sweat. You can clean using a soft cloth, cotton wool, or a soft baby brush for dust. You might also need mild water and liquid soap (but soap is unnecessary every time).
Dip your cotton wool or cloth in the lukewarm water and gently wipe every part of your jewelry. When done, wipe it with another dry cloth and leave it for some time. Be sure to keep it in a cool place-far from direct sunlight and dust to maintain its clean appearance.
When cleaning, avoid toothpaste, abrasive cleaning materials, or chlorine water to avoid causing more damage to the jewelry.
Get the Best Waterproof Jewelry That Meets Your Preferences
Waterproof jewelry is an excellent option if you like to swim or touch water a lot and wouldn’t like to remove the jewelry every time. Thankfully, many brands now offer the best quality waterproof jewelry, including the ones discussed above.
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