It's one of the most common questions we get, so let's answer it properly: can you wear gold-plated jewellery in water, and how do you keep it looking new? Here's what's actually going on with the materials, and a few simple habits that make a real difference.
What "gold-plated" actually means
Our bracelets are made from stainless steel with a gold or silver plating layered on top. Stainless steel itself is naturally hardy, it doesn't rust, and it holds up well to everyday wear. The plating is what gives the piece its finish and colour, and like any plating, it's more delicate than solid gold and can wear down faster with heavy exposure to water, chemicals, or friction.
Can you shower or swim in it?
Short exposure to water, washing your hands, getting caught in the rain, won't cause any immediate problems. But we'd steer away from regular swimming, hot tubs, or long showers with your bracelets on, since chlorine and prolonged moisture are the fastest way to wear down the plating over time. Salt water in particular is harder on plated jewellery than fresh water.
What actually damages plated jewellery fastest
Perfume, hairspray, and lotion are usually bigger culprits than water. The chemicals in everyday beauty products can dull the plating much faster than a splash of water ever will, so the simplest habit that makes the biggest difference is putting your bracelets on after you've finished getting ready, not before.
A few care habits that extend the life of your pieces
- Put jewellery on last, after perfume, lotion and hairspray.
- Take bracelets off before swimming, showering for long periods, or using a hot tub.
- Store pieces somewhere dry, ideally not tangled together with other jewellery.
- Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wearing to remove any residue from the day.
None of this means you can't wear your stack daily
Most of this comes down to a handful of small habits, not treating the pieces as fragile. With reasonable care, gold- and silver-plated stainless steel holds its finish well and is a genuinely practical choice for jewellery you want to wear often, not save for special occasions, which is exactly the point of pieces designed to be stacked, styled and loved every day.
Have a question about a specific piece? Get in touch and we're happy to help.