It is one of the most common questions we get asked, and it deserves a straight answer rather than a marketing one. Can you wear plated jewellery in the shower, the pool and the sea?
The honest answer is: you can, but you should not, and it will shorten the life of the piece if you do it regularly.
In the Shower
The problem in a shower is not really the water — it is everything in it. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and soap leave a fine film on metal that dulls a polished surface and collects in engraving, chain links and around stones. Hot water speeds all of that up. A piece worn in the shower every day will look tired months before the same piece kept dry.
In the Pool
Chlorine is the harshest thing most jewellery will ever meet. It is designed to break down organic material and it is unkind to plated finishes, to some stones and to the glue used in certain settings. If you take one piece of advice from this article, make it this one: take your jewellery off before you get into a pool.
In the Sea
Salt water is corrosive and it does not rinse off cleanly. Salt crystals stay behind in clasps and links, where they keep working long after you have dried off. Sand adds a second problem — it is abrasive, and it scratches plated surfaces. If a piece does go in the sea, rinse it in fresh water and dry it thoroughly as soon as you can.
So What Can You Do?
Everyday life is fine. Rain, washing your hands, getting caught in a downpour, a splash while cooking — none of that is a problem for a well-made plated piece. It is repeated, deliberate submersion that causes the damage.
The practical rule is simple: jewellery goes on last and comes off first. On after you are dressed, after perfume and after sun cream. Off before water, before the gym and before bed.
What Our Pieces Are Made Of
Argesteel jewellery is gold-plated or silver-plated fashion jewellery. Depending on the piece, the base is stainless steel, titanium steel, S925 sterling silver, copper or a jewellery alloy — always listed on the product page. We do not describe any of it as waterproof, because that would not be true.
If you want pieces that cope well with an active summer, look for a stainless steel or titanium steel base and a simple design without glued settings. A few we would point you to: our Personalized Butterfly Name Necklace, our Custom Mother-of-Pearl Clover Letter Necklace, and our Combination Customized Letter Necklace.
Treat them as jewellery rather than swimwear and they will last you a long time.
A note on care: Argesteel jewellery is gold-plated or silver-plated fashion jewellery. It is water-resistant and copes with everyday splashes, but to protect the finish we recommend removing it before swimming, showering or exercising, and keeping it away from perfume and cosmetics. Care guidance is listed on every product page.
