Summer is coming, and these questions always resurface... Can silver and gold jewelry withstand water? Can I wear my jewelry in the pool or the sea? What happens if I shower with them? And as extended question... what’s the deal with sterling silver and gold karats?
I'll give you clear, technical answers, but in the end, it’s up to you—after all, they’re yours, and it’s all about enjoying them as you like. And at the very end, I'll share what I personally do.
Jewelry in the water: Better with caution
Jewelry is made to be worn. Time and use always leave their mark, but if you care for them, that mark can have a unique charm. In fact, it often adds beauty. It’s a theme I obsess over and explore in my pieces: time and its trace on materials.
Jeweler’s advice:
It's best to give your jewelry a break when you get in the water. Chlorine in pools and salt in the sea are natural enemies of silver and gold’s shine. A quick dip won’t ruin them, but doing it every day will make them lose their luster faster.
And the shower? The problem here is soap and personal care products, which can leave a layer of residue and dull the shine. Freshwater itself isn’t an issue if you dry your jewelry well afterward.
Sterling silver: What is it, and why isn’t it used pure?
Sterling silver - 925 silver- is 92.5% pure silver, with the rest made up of other metals, usually copper. This blend exists because pure silver is too soft—it scratches and deforms easily.
And what about oxidation? Yes, sterling silver does darken over time, especially if it has more copper in the alloy. But honestly, that patina has its charm too. The darkened areas create interesting contrasts that can be quite striking.
Why is 18k gold the king? Or why I use it...
Pure gold -24k- is undeniably beautiful, but it’s too soft for most jewelry. That’s why 18k gold strikes the perfect balance—75% pure gold blended with 25% other metals for added strength and durability.
This composition also offers creative freedom. By adjusting the 25% alloy, you can achieve different tones:
White Gold → Mixed with palladium for a cool, sophisticated finish. I love it.
Rose Gold → Blended with copper for a warm, romantic hue.
18k gold hardly oxidizes, unlike alloys with less gold -14k, 9k-, where the lower gold content makes oxidation more common. That’s why I only use 18k gold in my nautical pieces.
Care tips after getting your jewelry wet
If you decide to wear them in water, rinse them with fresh water and gently dry them with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners. If they need a deep clean, a special cloth for precious metals or mild soapy water works best.
And when you’re not wearing them... well, it’s better to wear them all the time—it's the best way to keep them alive and radiant. But if you decide to store them, keep them in a dry and separate place (like their box) to prevent scratches.
And what do I do with my own jewelry?
Well, I only wear my "Gota" silver anklet 24/7—it handles everything: sea water, pool, and showers included. The rest of my jewelry never comes to the beach or pool with me.
Why? A few reasons:
- They can come undone, fall off, and get lost. And trust me, that hurts.
- Sunscreen is brutal for jewelry—it leaves a sticky, dull film that's hard to remove.
- The sun heats up metal, and having your jewelry burn your skin is not fun.
So, I always take them off, store them safely, and put them back on after my shower, in all their glory. When I want to give them extra care, I clean them with water, mild soap, and dry them well.
With these care tips, your silver and gold jewelry will always be ready to live life with you, in and out of the water.
Always keep in mind that the most important thing is to enjoy your jewelry, enjoy this journey called Life. So basically, do whatever feels right as long as it brings you moments of pleasure and connection, elevating your vibration.
Cover photo: Nautical braid bracelets by Angela Lago wearable nautical art