Although trends come and go, there have been many conversations surrounding an increasingly popular fad: waterproof jewellery.
According to various brands and news outlets out there, certain jewellery pieces on the market right now are completely waterproof and tarnish free. However, the fact is that most jewellery (if not all) is vulnerable to water.
Unless properly protected, jewellery can lose its shine (and consequently its value) when exposed to water. It may also cause it to tarnish and lose its colour. But this doesn't mean you should never buy or wear fine jewellery - quite the contrary, in fact! Allow us to bring you the truth about water’s effect on jewellery, and how you can ensure your precious pieces stand the test of time.
WHY IS WATER HARMFUL TO JEWELLERY?
For us as humans, water is essential - but it is much more harmful to jewellery, whether it is made of precious materials or not.
If we think about it logically, the metals used to create your jewellery come from the earth – but water has the ability to cut deep into the earth and create lasting environmental effects over time.
Granted, precious metals such as 925 Sterling Silver and 9K Gold are more durable against water. But given time, they can still tarnish and appear worn. No metal is invincible against water, and water types and pH levels can cause even the toughest metals to obtain damage.
THE TRUTH ABOUT WATERPROOF COATINGS
In order to extend the life of jewellery, a lot of jewellers use coatings such as PVD to market their products as waterproof.
Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) is a modern coating process that's flooding the market right now (if you'll pardon the pun). It's a technique used to deposit thin films of one atom or molecule onto a range of surfaces (most often metal), which reconditions the surface of a jewellery piece and enhances its durability.
Essentially, PVD coating is more of a surface modification, rather than an added layer of material. It is considered a stronger alternative to standard Silver or Gold Plated jewellery – but a coating is just that: a coating. It may keep your jewellery looking fresher for longer, but it’s not going to last forever despite how much it’s marketed to do so.
For jewellery to last a lifetime it requires proper storage, affectionate cleaning and delicate care – not industrial work that manipulates the quality and authenticity of the piece.
METAL JEWELLERY THAT SHOULD NEVER BE EXPOSED TO WATER
Like we said before, tough and high-quality metals are more durable to water, which is why lots of jewellers opt for stainless steel as their waterproof metal of choice. Stainless steel is corrosion resistant, but this doesn’t mean it’s waterproof – it just takes a bit longer for the wear and tear to show through.
Instead of the likes of steel, copper and brass, we only use 925 Sterling Silver, Gold and Platinum for our jewellery – so let’s look at the effects that water can have on these materials.
Silver Jewellery
Silver reacts badly to water and soap, and over time can lose its shine and even turn black. Even the finest 925 Sterling Silver can obtain irreversible damage from water, so always remove your Silver jewellery before showering, swimming or engaging in heavy exercise.
Gold Jewellery
There is a common misconception that pure Gold is waterproof. However, the truth is that the higher the purity of the Gold, the softer the material is. It's easy to presume that pure Gold is safe against water as it maintains its shine for a longer period of time; but, just like all metals, constant exposure to water will cause wear and tear on your Gold jewellery and damage it forever.
Gold also contains traces of copper and zinc, so prolonged exposure to chemicals such as chlorine can dull its shimmer with ease.
Gold Plated Jewellery
Water will cause the Gold plating on your jewellery to wear out, particularly when also exposed to soaps and other chemicals. Eventually, the surface may chip off and expose the metal underneath, tarnishing both the quality and the beauty of your Gold Plated jewellery.
Platinum Jewellery
Platinum is one of the sturdiest metals on the planet and is highly resistant to damage such as corrosion, which is why it’s a common choice for either solid jewellery or as a coating for other metals.
Although water is generally unable to damage the metal itself, it can reduce Platinum’s natural colour and darken its appearance. Plus, exposing Platinum jewellery to chemicals can destroy its polish and ruin its shine.
Silver, Gold and Platinum are strong and durable enough to withstand daily wear - this is why they're the primary metals used for fine jewellery. They can last forever with the right storage and care, which involves making sure they avoid water as much as possible.
GEMSTONES THAT SHOULD NEVER BE EXPOSED TO WATER
It's easy to assume that because genuine gemstones are natural they are protected against the elements, and to a certain extent this is correct. It's true that authentic gemstones are strong and durable, but not all stones should be exposed to water – in fact, many are extremely vulnerable to it.
In general, if you submerge any gemstone in water or leave it exposed for long periods, it will lose its lustre and shine. Below are just a few gemstones which should never have prolonged exposure to water.
Pearls
Despite hailing from the ocean, Pearls are extremely susceptible to water damage. They are extremely delicate, and their surface can become dull when affected by water – so extreme care must be taken to maintain their beauty.
As a general rule, Pearl jewellery should be the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off at night. To clean, wipe it gently with a soft cloth and never expose it to dust, chemicals or soaps.
Diamonds
Diamond is the strongest gemstone in the world – but even the best of the best has its weaknesses.
With consistent exposure to water and soap, Diamond jewellery can gradually lose its lustre due to the formation of a film on its surface. Water can also soften a Diamond’s edges, so it’s best to avoid water altogether to prevent the stones from falling out of your jewellery.
Opals
Anyone will tell you that Opals are delicate gemstones and susceptible to breakage, so must be treated with care.
Different Opals have different tolerances to water because they actually have water inside them, with the percentage varying depending on the variety. Most Opals contain around 5% water, and the water content makes them delicate stones and vulnerable to extreme temperatures. In fact, Opals have around the same level of durability as glass.
With Ethiopian Opals, it’s always best to keep them away from water completely. They have a volcanic origin and a water-absorbing nature known as hydrophane, meaning they are ‘porous’, and will consequently absorb water. But, it’s this water that extinguishes the fire that Ethiopian Opals naturally possess, causing their spectacular colours to become dull.
Australian Opals, on the other hand, are sedimentary stones and can have up to 10% water. Australian Opals are non-porous, meaning they don’t absorb water, but being exposed to water with other chemicals such as shampoo or chlorine can still cause significant damage.
Opals are hugely sought after among gemstone collectors and enthusiasts - so much so that the stone is becoming a popular choice for engagement rings! So, to ensure the lifespan of your Opal jewellery, it’s best to keep it away from water altogether.
WHERE YOUR JEWELLERY DOESN’T BELONG
It's important to know what our precious jewellery can withstand before exposing it to the elements, whether it’s saltwater, chlorine or our own sweat.
We've already established that no jewellery is waterproof – and even if your jewellery is sold to you as such, there’s no guarantee it’s chemical-proof, too. With this in mind, let’s look at various environments and elements that your jewellery should never be exposed to.
The beach
Whether it’s in the ocean or on the sand, nowhere at the beach is safe for your jewellery. Salt water can cause your metals to tarnish, weaken and even break altogether, and the exposure to sand can cause micro-scratches to your precious gems.
The pool
Although not filled with salt, swimming pools and hot tubs are teeming with chemicals that do nothing but harm your beloved jewels.
Chlorine is a huge kryptonite for gemstones and jewellery, so when swimming it’s always best to leave your pieces at home.
Any gym or sporting facility
We all want to look our best whilst exercising, but that should never be at the expense of fine jewellery. Sweat is an acid that can tarnish precious jewellery, so it’s best to remove it before any type of workout.
The shower
The water we use in the shower usually comes from local plants that filter out bacteria, making it safe for our skin. But it is also our drinking water, and often traced with chemicals that sanitise it for us. This makes it safe for consumption, but not for jewellery.
Exposure to shampoos, body washes, lotions, creams and conditioners isn’t the best thing for your jewellery, either, so you should keep your pieces as far away from the shower as possible.
ADVICE FOR CARING FOR JEWELLERY EXPOSED TO WATER
Although we can do our best to keep our possessions safe, sometimes accidents happen. So, if you have a jewellery piece that has been exposed to water for any reason, there are ways to clean them.
The most versatile cleaning method for jewellery and gemstones is to gently wipe them with a slightly damp (damp, not wet), soft cloth to clean any dust or dirt. Then, dry them with a soft, lint-free cloth and store them away safely and separately. Gemstones can easily scratch each other, so it’s best to keep them apart in a place that’s safe and dry to maintain their appearance.
Sometimes, jewellery requires that little bit of extra effort to ensure it always looks its best – but what could be more meaningful than caring for a treasure that can last a lifetime?
To find out more about the safest and most effective methods to clean and care for your jewels, read our complete guide to jewellery care.
OUR FINAL THOUGHTS
With jewellery branded as waterproof, it’s important to remember that as much as it has been manufactured with longevity in mind, this doesn’t mean your piece is invincible. In fact, using tougher metals and special coatings only delays the inevitable.
But never fear! This doesn’t mean you need to lock your precious pieces away forever. Wear them for that special occasion, take them on vacation with you and just have fun with them. If you handle them with love and treat them with care, you will have a collection that will easily stand the test of time.
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