Your Seasonal Guide to Caring for Waterproof Jewellery

Summer's approaching and with it, we might be fortunate enough to experience a heatwave. As the days get longer (and hotter), your wardrobe needs a refresh, as too does your jewellery game. Waterproof jewellery is the move for the warmer months. It's stylish, practical, and built to withstand heat. Whether you're beach-hopping, festival-going, or just sweating it out in the city, waterproof pieces make sure you always look the part. 

Here's your guide to the best waterproof jewellery picks and how to make sure they stay in winning condition all summer long.

Why Waterproof Jewellery Is a Summer Essential

Let's be real: no one wants to be the guy awkwardly slipping off his chain before jumping into the pool. And even if you're not diving headfirst into the deep end, summer means sweat, humidity, sunscreen, and surprise thunderstorms, all of which can seriously damage jewellery.

Waterproof jewellery is crafted to resist tarnishing, corrosion, and discolouration. We're talking durable, summer-proof materials like stainless steel, titanium, and certain high-grade alloys, often coated with protective layers like PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) to keep the finish strong and durable. 

Top Materials to Look For

So the question arises: ‘What jewellery can you wear in water?’ Well, From beach days to long summer road trips, it certainly pays to be picky if you want your jewellery to survive. 

• Stainless Steel: King of durability. Stainless steel jewellery is sweatproof and  tough enough to withstand water and sand without losing its shine.

• PVD-Coated Jewellery: PVD coatings give you that gold or silver look while seriously boosting scratch and water resistance. Pieces like the 18K gold-plated Franco chain combine style with function and durability.

• Electroplated Longevity: A specialised technique where a fine layer of metal is bonded to jewellery to enhance visual appeal, improve durability, and prevent green staining on the skin.

How to Care For Your Waterproof Jewellery

Even waterproof jewellery deserves a little TLC. Here's how to make sure your pieces stay looking first-place fresh:

Rinse After Saltwater or Chlorine Exposure

Salt and chlorine are savage to metal. Even stainless steel and PVD pieces can suffer long-term damage if they're not rinsed after a dip in the ocean or pool. A quick rinse with clean water makes a massive difference.

Dry Properly

Don't leave your jewellery damp. After rinsing, pat it dry with a soft cloth (microfibre if you want to do it properly). Leaving moisture trapped against metal for long periods can still create tarnishing over time.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Sunscreens, bug sprays, and body lotions are everywhere in summer. Try to apply them first, let them dry, and then put on your jewellery. If left to stew all day, chemicals can slowly dull the finish.

Keep It Clean

Give your pieces a quick clean once a week. A soft cloth and some warm, soapy water are usually all you need — nothing fancy. Bonus points if you keep a polishing cloth in your bag to wipe down your chains or bracelets after a long day out.

Store Smart

When you're not wearing your pieces, stash them in a breathable jewellery pouch or box. Don't shove them loose into your beach bag or glove compartment. Scratches happen fast if you're careless.

Key Pieces to Wear All Summer

Summer styling needs jewellery that's easy to wear, hard to wreck, and even harder to ignore. Here are some staples to lock down:

• Cuban Chains: Whether you go subtle with a 3mm size or go bigger and bolder, a Cuban chain like the stainless steel Cuban chain delivers a waterproof style without stress.

• Franco Chains: With tight, square-shaped links, the 18K gold-plated Franco chain brings a classic style with waterproof credentials. Stack it with a pendant, or wear it solo.

• Box Chain Bracelets: Clean, minimal, and basically indestructible. The stainless steel Box chain bracelet is the one you'll end up wearing daily — from gym to jet ski.

What Not to Do With Waterproof Jewellery

Waterproof doesn't mean invincible. If you want your jewellery to look fresh and first-class all summer, there are still a few things you should avoid.

• Skip the Harsh Chemicals: Pool dips are fine. Industrial-strength cleaners? Not so much. Bleach, acetone, and heavy-duty sprays can mess with even the toughest finishes over time.

• Don't Grind It Against Rough Surfaces: Beaches are great. Sandpaper isn't. Scraping your chains or bracelets against rocks, gym gear, or rough textures can leave marks you don't want.

• Avoid Extreme Heat: Leaving your jewellery to bake on the dashboard or roast on a windowsill? Bad idea. Extreme temps can weaken protective coatings and dull your pieces faster than you'd think.

• Chill on the Over-cleaning: A quick rinse and dry is golden. Daily deep scrubs? Overkill. Too much aggressive cleaning can wear down even the best plating eventually.

Ready to Upgrade Your Summer Lineup?

Here's the deal: even the toughest waterproof jewellery deserves some respect. Just because it's built to handle more doesn't mean you should treat it like it’s disposable. Look after your jewellery and it’ll look after you–well, your style at least. 

Maintain it. Appreciate it. Wear it like it matters. Style is personal. Jewellery should be, too. From chains that shine poolside to bracelets that won’t bail on you halfway through a festival, it’s time to level up your vibe for the season ahead.

Explore NORVEI's premium collections, pick your favourites, and wear them your way. Summer’s calling so why not answer it in style?