Is waterproof jewelry a scam?

Have you ever been tempted by jewelry advertised as "waterproof"? Before you make a purchase, it's important to understand the truth behind this marketing tactic. Let's dive into why "waterproof" jewelry is often a scam promoting low-quality plated jewelry.

Takeaways:

  • Gold does not corrode in water, except for in chlorine.
  • Silver naturally tarnishes in air, but only darkening (no coloration), and it does not rub off on the skin.
  • Green'ish discoloration is proof of cheap metals (copper, brass, other).
  • "Waterproof" often means a coating.
  • Waterproof coatings are not necessarily hypo-allergenic.

Silver and gold is waterproof by nature

The term "waterproof" is absurd, because pure silver and gold does not corrode in pure water. However when wearing plated jewelry, the underlying metals can penetrate out through the thin layer of silver or gold, and get into contact with air and water, and oxidize or corrode. This results in a green'ish discoloration of the skin.

Gold does not react with neither salt water, or air. However chlorine should be avoided.

Silver will naturally tarnish when in contact with air alone, but it will be a colorless darkening that does not rub off on the skin. Chlorine should be avoided.

Waterproof coatings

When a piece of jewelry is labeled as "waterproof" it implies that the item can withstand exposure to water without any damage.

Waterproofed jewelry is coated with a thin layer of protective material, such as rhodium or lacquer, that acts as a shield against the water. This coating prevents the metal underneath from reacting with water or air. The downside is that the skin now has contact with the coating, which might be not be hypoallergenic like pure silver or gold.

The term "waterproof" is often misleading.

Swimming Pool Water (Chlorine)

Chlorine is bad for gold. It becomes brittle and porous, and can break after a lot of exposure. Going in a pool once or twice is fine, but if you continuously go every week you should take it off to avoid.

What to do if exposing your jewelry to chlorine?

If you accidentally goes into a pool with your gold jewelry it will be fine. Rinse it off with clean water. There will be no structural or visible damage to it. It requires a lot of exposure before it becomes a problem.

Sweat & Ocean Water

Sweat consists of water with salts and minerals, just like ocean water. This is not bad for pure silver and gold, but it is very bad for cheaper metals. Therefore you should take off your low quality jewelry before going into the ocean, or doing sports. 

The Reality of "Waterproof" Jewelry

Many jewelry pieces labeled as "waterproof" are actually made from low-quality materials such as plated metals. Plated jewelry consists of a base metal coated with a thin layer of precious metal like gold or silver (read more in our materials guide). While this plating can provide a shiny appearance, it is not durable and can easily tarnish or wear off when exposed to water.

The Risks of Purchasing "Waterproof" Jewelry

Consumers who buy "waterproof" jewelry expecting it to be durable and long-lasting are often disappointed. The reality is that these pieces are prone to tarnishing, discoloration, and damage when exposed to water or moisture. In the end, buyers may find themselves with jewelry that quickly loses its luster and quality.

Investing in Quality Jewelry

Instead of falling for the "waterproof" jewelry scam, it's wise to invest in high-quality pieces made from solid metals like gold, silver, or platinum. These materials are naturally resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, making them a better long-term investment for your jewelry collection.

Next time you come across jewelry labeled as "waterproof," remember that it's often a marketing ploy to sell low-quality plated pieces. By understanding the truth behind this scam, you can make informed decisions when adding to your jewelry collection.

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