Gold is one of the most commonly used materials for making jewelry. However, not all gold jewelries are created the same way. Some are more durable and water-resistant than others. In this post, we will share the whole truth about waterproof gold jewelry to enable you to make informed decisions when buying.

Common Gold Jewelry Types

There are 4 major types of gold jewelry: gold plated, gold vermeil, gold filled, and solid gold.

They are explained further:

Gold Plated Jewelry:

Made from bonding a layer of gold (not more than 0.5 microns thickness) onto a base metal, which could be brass, copper, or nickel. The metal is dipped into a chemical solution filled with gold ions. Then, electric current is run through the solution, resulting in the bonding of the gold ions to the metal.

Gold Vermeil Jewelry:

Advanced gold plating, which involves bonding a thicker layer of gold (at least 2.5 microns) to a sterling silver base metal. Gold vermeil jewelry benefits from the inert strength of sterling silver and gold, making them more durable.

Gold Filled Jewelry:

Involves mechanically bonding gold over a solid base metal by using heat and pressure. The base metal could be brass, copper, or nickel. The gold layer is very thick and contributes at least 5% of the jewelry’s total weight.

Solid Gold Jewelry:

Made from 100% pure gold. Does not include other metals. The downside to this is that pure gold is very soft and malleable, making it more susceptible to scratches. However, a professional custom jewelry manufacturer will clinically alloy it with tougher metals like copper for improved strength.

What Type of Gold Jewelry is Waterproof?

Solid gold, gold filled, and higher grades of gold vermeil jewelry are great at resisting water. Gold plated jewelry, on the other hand, contains a very low amount of gold content, which wears off quickly.

• Solid Gold: Made entirely from pure gold or a gold alloy, making it the most waterproof type of gold jewelry. It’s naturally resistant to tarnish, corrosion, and oxidation—even when worn in the shower, pool, or ocean.

• Gold Filled: Contains a thick layer of real gold (at least 5% of the total weight) bonded to a base metal. It’s highly durable and water-resistant, making it safe to wear during everyday activities, including handwashing or light swimming, without losing its luster.

• Gold Vermeil: Only high-quality gold vermeil, especially 18K or higher, offers reasonable water resistance. Lower karat vermeil or thin plating may wear off faster when exposed to moisture, so it’s best to remove them before prolonged contact with water.

What Gold Jewelry Can I Swim In?

Solid gold, gold filled, and gold vermeil can be worn while swimming.

However, swimming pools are usually treated with chlorine, which can damage or discolor gold filled and gold vermeil jewelry when exposed to chlorinated water for a long time. Solid gold jewelry is the safest option for swimming.

What Jewelry Can I Shower In?

Showering with jewelry isn’t always encouraged because of the chemical contents the pieces come in contact with. For example, your soap and bathing solutions may be made of ingredients that can deteriorate the quality of your jewelry.

However, some of the jewelry you can trust to withstand the extremities of showering are solid gold, gold filled, and 18k gold vermeil.

Gold Jewelry Water-Resistance Explained

The table below explains the water-resistance capabilities of the various common gold jewelry types based on the karat grading:

Is 10K Gold Waterproof?

• 10K Solid Gold: Highly waterproof and ideal for daily wear, even during swimming or showering.
• 10K Gold Filled: Durable but should not be exposed to water for long periods to avoid damage.
• 10K Gold Vermeil: Water-resistant to an extent, but long exposure can cause fading or dullness over time.
• 10K Gold Plated: Very thin gold layer, must be dried immediately after water contact to prevent tarnishing.

Is 14K Gold Waterproof?

• 14K Solid Gold: Highly waterproof and can maintain its originality even after long exposure to water.
• 14K Gold Filled: Less resistant to water, so avoid long exposure to water.
• 14K Gold Vermeil: Less resistant to water and tends to tarnish after prolonged contact with water.
• 14K Gold Plated: Remove it anytime you are about to get in contact with water.

Is 18K Gold Waterproof?

• 18K Solid Gold: Highly waterproof and can maintain its shine and luster despite long periods of contact with water.
• 18K Gold Filled: Highly waterproof and can withstand exposure to water without issues.
• 18K Gold Vermeil: Fairly waterproof, so be careful with long exposure to water. 
• 18K Gold Plated: Not suitable for prolonged water exposure. 

Is 24K Gold Waterproof?

• 24K Solid Gold: Highly waterproof and doesn’t tarnish or corrode despite long exposure to water.
• 24K Gold Filled: Highly waterproof and perfect for activities that involve contact with water.
• 24K Gold Vermeil: Highly waterproof and resistant to corrosion or fading because of water.
• 24K Gold Plated: Can occasionally be exposed to water, but only for a short time.

Is Gold Plated Jewelry Waterproof?

Gold plated jewelry is not fully waterproof and should be handled with care when exposed to water. For 10k and 14k gold plated jewelry, it’s essential to dry them immediately after water contact to prevent the thin gold layer from wearing off. Higher karat options like 18k and 24k gold plated jewelry offer slightly better resistance, but they still shouldn’t be worn for long periods in wet conditions. Prolonged exposure can lead to fading and tarnishing, so it’s best to avoid water whenever possible.

Is Gold Vermeil Jewelry Waterproof?

Gold vermeil jewelry varies in water resistance depending on the karat of gold used. Lower karats like 10k and 14k vermeil are more delicate and should not be exposed to water for extended periods. In contrast, higher karats such as 18k and 24k vermeil are considered highly waterproof due to their thicker gold coating and better durability. While occasional splashes are generally safe for high-quality vermeil, it’s still wise to avoid excessive or constant water exposure for longevity.

Is Gold Filled Jewelry Waterproof?

Gold filled jewelry is among the most water-resistant types of gold jewelry, especially at higher karats. While 10k gold filled pieces should not be worn during prolonged exposure to water, 14k gold filled jewelry are considered highly waterproof and safe for regular wear, including in the shower or while washing hands. For 18k and 24k gold filled jewelry, the water resistance is even stronger—these pieces are extremely waterproof and ideal for those seeking both beauty and durability in their jewelry.

Best Waterproof Gold Jewelry

Generally, the best waterproof gold jewelry are solid gold, gold-filled and stainless steel gold-plated jewelry.

Solid gold jewelry is made entirely of pure gold, which is inherently waterproof thanks to its natural properties. Whether submerged in water or exposed to moisture in everyday activities, solid gold jewelry remains unaffected, retaining its beauty and allure over time.

Gold filled jewelry is made by bonding a layer of gold onto a base metal (usually sterling silver). Sterling silver is obtained from silver, which is durable and shiny like pure gold. The combination of these two strong and waterproof metals results in a piece that can be worn in the shower or any activity that involves water.

And, the water-resistant nature of stainless steel plus the PVD gold plating technology make stainless steel gold jewelry an excellent choice in waterproof jewelry.

Waterproof Gold Jewelry Brands

If you want your customers to enjoy their jewelry without worrying about removing it every time it gets wet, here are the top 3 waterproof gold jewelry brands to take inspiration from:

• Mejuri: If you’re aiming to offer waterproof gold jewelry without the steep luxury price tag, Mejuri sets a great example. Their pieces maintain their shine and luster even after repeated exposure to water. Available in yellow gold, white gold, and customizable options, Mejuri combines everyday elegance with lasting durability.

• Kendra Scott: Renowned for its colorful, feminine designs, Kendra Scott emphasizes both style and quality. Their waterproof gold jewelry undergoes effective quality management procedures to ensure long-lasting wear. Frequently featured in magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Elle, the brand enjoys strong celebrity and influencer endorsement—making it a top reference for stylish, water-resistant designs.

• Gorjana: For jewelry that’s built for daily wear and moisture-resistance, Gorjana leads the way. Their gold pieces are not only waterproof but also coated with an anti-tarnish barrier to prevent oxidation and discoloration. Their clean, minimalist style combined with practical durability makes them a standout brand for everyday, worry-free jewelry.

Key Takeaway

High-quality gold jewelry shouldn’t just look shiny and beautiful, they should also last the test of time. Your gold jewelry must be waterproof to ensure they don’t lose their luster and brilliance over time.

While gold plated, gold vermeil, gold vermeil, and solid gold are the most common types of gold jewelry, the best options you can trust when seeking for everyday pieces to endure various environmental conditions, including water, are gold filled and solid gold jewelry.