A common question we hear a lot is "is my jewelry waterproof?". This question can come in many different forms:

• Can I wear my gold in the shower?
• Can I wear my silver when I go swimming? 
• Will my jewelry tarnish if it gets wet? 

The answer to this question is simple. If your jewelry is made of solid gold or sterling sliver - yes. Solid, or "precious" metals as they're often referred to as, are inherently waterproof due to their solid nature. A piece of solid gold will never flake over time, as it is not plated.

This applies to all solid golds and silvers, but most typically to 14K gold, 18K gold, 22K gold, and 925 Silver. 

A lot of companies now-a-days will guarantee that their plated jewelry is "tarnish proof". They will assure you that it is safe to wear in the shower or when swimming, but that is simply not the case. Technology over time may have extended the period before plated jewelry tarnishes, but eventually all gold plated jewelry will begin to to chip and gray if it continuously gets wet. 

Now despite solid jewelry being waterproof, there are still basic rules of care you should follow with your precious jewelry to avoid rusting. Always dry your jewelry after wearing in the shower or while swimming, to protect it over time.

However, there is no reason to worry about the occasional dip in the pool or shower, as the longevity of your jewelry is protected by the very metals it is crafted from.