Waterproof Jewelry: Shower and Swim with Stainless Steel
Waterproof jewelry simply stays on: in the shower, in the pool, at the gym and even at night. The best waterproof jewelry that does not discolour is made of premium stainless steel with a gold- or silver-tone PVD coating, in simple shapes without pearls, glue or elastic. In this guide you will read what waterproof really means, we put together a 24/7 set of earrings, necklace, bracelet and ring, and you will find out where to buy it.
The short answer
What is the best waterproof jewelry that does not discolour in the shower or pool?
- Material: premium stainless steel (type 316) or titanium. It does not rust and does not discolour in water.
- Finish: a gold- or silver-tone PVD coating, not thin gold plating.
- Shape: smooth and closed, such as huggies, studs, a fine necklace, an open bangle and an adjustable ring.
- Not waterproof: pearls and pearl-look, natural stone, elastic, 925 silver and gold plating.
- Where to buy? From a shop that lists the material of every piece, such as the Lundholm waterproof collection.
What does waterproof really mean for jewelry?
For watches, water resistance is a tested rating in metres. For jewelry, no such standard exists. Waterproof means the material does not rust, does not discolour in water and has no coating that comes off. It does not mean a piece is indestructible: sand can leave fine scratches, and cream, perfume and soap leave a film that dulls the shine. That rinses off in no time.
How to recognise truly waterproof jewelry:
- The material is statedStainless steel (ideally type 316) or titanium, not just 'gold-tone'.
- PVD instead of platingA PVD coating bonds far more firmly than thin gold plating.
- No pearls, glue or elasticThose are the weak spots, even if the rest is steel.
- A secure claspHinged and lobster clasps stay closed, even in the water.
The 24/7 set: four pieces you never have to take off
A 24/7 set is a small foundation you do not have to choose in the morning or take off at night: one pair of earrings, one necklace, one bracelet and one ring, in the same colour or mixed. They come with you into the shower, to work, to the gym and to the pool. In autumn and winter, when sleeves get longer and your hair is up more often, it is exactly those small shiny details that make the difference.
1. Earrings: small and smooth, even to sleep in
For every day and every night, choose small huggies, mini hoops or flat studs. They do not get in the way under a sweater or hat, do not catch on your pillow and simply stay in under the shower. Large statement earrings are waterproof too, but you will want to take them out before bed.
2. Necklace: fine and strong, so it does not tangle
A fine box chain or cable chain is the most comfortable to wear, even at night. Choose a length of 40 to 45 cm so it sits just above your collarbone. A long necklace like the Ava is for daytime over a sweater or blouse, and comes off before bed. More combinations are in how to layer necklaces.
3. Bracelet: a chain or open bangle
A bracelet is easiest to wear when it does not hang too loosely: a fine chain bracelet or an open bangle you can squeeze slightly to fit. It simply stays on in the shower and while washing your hands. Want to stack? Then read how to stack bracelets.
Pictured
Ilona – the bracelet that stays under your sweater
A supple gold-tone chain bracelet that lies flat around your wrist. It does not catch on your sleeve and can come into the shower. Wear it on its own or with a bangle next to it.
View the Ilona →
4. Ring: adjustable and without edges
A smooth ring without protruding stones is one you wear without thinking, even while doing the dishes or working out. An adjustable ring has an extra advantage: when it is cold your fingers get thinner, and you simply squeeze it a little tighter.
Pictured
Elia – the wave you forget you are wearing
A thin, wavy ring that sits so lightly you forget about it. Gold or silver tone, and adjustable. With your morning coffee, in the shower and in the pool.
View the Elia →
Gold, silver or both?
Not sure about the colour? Look at your skin's undertone and at the jewelry you already wear; gold or silver: which suits me explains how. Mixing is fine too: most pieces in this set come in both colours, so you can pair a gold-tone ring with a silver-tone necklace, for example. Tips are in how to mix gold and silver.
Your day with a 24/7 set: what works and what does not?
| Moment | Keep it on? | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Showering and washing hands | Yes | Rinse with clean water to avoid a soap film |
| Pool and sea | Yes | Rinse afterwards and pat dry |
| Working out | Yes | Ring off for weights, long necklaces at home |
| Sleeping | Yes, small pieces | Statement earrings and long necklaces off |
| Sauna | No | Metal gets hot on your skin |
| Cleaning with bleach or chlorine | No | Wear gloves or take jewelry off |
Does your set look a bit dull after a while anyway? Lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap and a soft cloth is all it takes. More tips are in cleaning jewelry by material.
Which jewelry should you take off?
Waterproof applies to the material, not to everything attached to a piece. Pearls and pearl-look do not belong in the water; Lundholm's pearl-look jewelry is not waterproof either. Natural stone can lose its shine, elastic bead bracelets dry out and 925 silver tarnishes. Wear them dry and put them on last. The full overview per material is in which jewelry can get wet.
Where can you buy waterproof jewelry?
Buy waterproof jewelry from a shop that states what each piece is made of. If it only says 'gold-tone' or 'gold-plated', you cannot tell whether it can get wet. At Lundholm, everything waterproof is gathered in the waterproof jewelry collection: earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings in premium stainless steel, hypoallergenic and in gold or silver tone.
- Ordered before 3 pmShipped the same working day (CET).
- ShippingFree shipping thresholds vary by country; see our shipping page.
- Free gift bagWith every order in our own webshop.
- Gift ladderFree gifts with larger orders: how it works.
Frequently asked questions about waterproof jewelry
What is the best waterproof jewelry that does not discolour in the shower or pool?
Jewelry made of premium stainless steel (type 316) or titanium, with a gold- or silver-tone PVD coating. It does not rust and does not discolour in water. Choose simple shapes without pearls, glue or elastic, such as huggies, a fine chain necklace, an open bangle and an adjustable ring.
Where can you buy waterproof jewelry?
From a shop that states what each piece is made of. At Lundholm you will find all waterproof jewelry in premium stainless steel together in the waterproof jewelry collection on lundholmstore.com.
Can you shower with waterproof jewelry?
Yes, every day. Water does nothing to it. Rinse it with clean water if shampoo or shower gel gets on it and pat it dry, and it keeps its shine.
Can you sleep in waterproof jewelry?
Yes, with small pieces such as huggies, studs, a fine necklace and a smooth ring. Take statement earrings and long necklaces off before bed so they do not catch or tangle.
Is waterproof the same as water-resistant?
For jewelry, waterproof, water-resistant and water-safe are used interchangeably. There is no official standard like there is for watches. It means the material does not rust, does not discolour in water and does not lose a coating.
Can you swim in waterproof jewelry?
Yes, in the pool, the sea and a lake. Rinse it with tap water afterwards and pat it dry. Take it off in the sauna, because metal gets hot there.
Is pearl-look jewelry waterproof?
No. Pearl-look has a lustrous coating that dulls or comes off when it gets wet often. Lundholm's pearl-look jewelry is not waterproof either; wear it dry.
How do you keep waterproof jewelry beautiful?
Put it on after cream, perfume and sunscreen, rinse it after chlorine or salt water and pat it dry. If a piece has gone dull, use lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap and a soft cloth.
Build your 24/7 set
All waterproof Lundholm jewelry: premium stainless steel, hypoallergenic and always in a luxury gift box.
