What Is Waterproof Jewellery? The Truth About Tarnish-Free Jewellery

Let’s be honest — there’s nothing worse than falling in love with a gorgeous piece of jewellery, only for it to start fading after a few wears.

That’s the problem with traditional gold-plated jewellery. And it’s exactly where waterproof jewellery comes in. Using advanced science (and a bit of magic), this plating method is up to 10x more durable, meaning your jewellery stays gold — for life.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Waterproof Jewellery?

Waterproof jewellery is designed to resist water, sweat, and everyday wear without fading or tarnishing. It uses PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) plating — a high-tech process that bonds gold onto stainless steel at extremely high temperatures.

The result?
Jewellery that looks like solid gold, feels like solid gold, and wears like solid gold — but without the hefty price tag.

And yes, it comes with a lifetime colour guarantee.

Electroplating vs. PVD Plating: What’s the Difference?

Traditional gold plated jewellery is often made using electroplating. That’s where gold particles are attracted to the base metal using an electric charge. It’s a bit like painting a wall — it looks beautiful at first, but over time, the paint chips and fades.

PVD plating, on the other hand, is like infusing the brick with colour instead of just painting the surface. In a vacuum chamber, gold is vaporised at extremely high temperatures and deposited onto stainless steel. This creates a finish that is:

Ultra-durable
Water-resistant
Scratch-resistant
Tarnish-free

In other words, jewellery that doesn’t fade — no matter how busy life gets.

Is All Waterproof Jewellery the Same?

Not quite.

While many brands use PVD gold plating, the thickness of the coating plays a huge role in how long the colour lasts.

At Armed & Gorgeous, we use PVD that’s 3.5x thicker than the industry average — making our waterproof jewellery more resilient and longer-lasting. That’s why we confidently back it with our lifetime colour guarantee.

Yes, even better than most “waterproof” brands on the market.

What Can You Do in Waterproof Jewellery?

You might assume all metal is waterproof — but that’s not quite true. Sweat, saltwater, and even tap water can be corrosive to traditional gold-plated pieces.

Here’s what you can safely do in Armed & Gorgeous waterproof jewellery:

Shower
Swim in the sea
Relax in the pool
Hit the gym
Travel without taking it off

You’ll get all the shine of real gold — without it blackening, tarnishing, or turning your skin green.

How to Care for Waterproof Jewellery (Hint: It’s Effortless)

One of the best things about PVD jewellery? It’s low-maintenance.

Here’s how to keep it looking fabulous:

Rinse it if it gets sandy or sweaty
Store in a soft pouch or jewellery box to avoid scratches
That’s it!

No polishing. No special sprays. Just jewellery you can live in.

Is Waterproof Jewellery Just for Younger Women?

When waterproof jewellery first became popular, it was mostly marketed to younger women. But let’s be honest — the fashion industry has a habit of underestimating women over 50.

At Armed & Gorgeous, we know that’s nonsense.

Our average customer is 50+, and she’s bold, stylish, and not afraid to try something new. Our sophisticated waterproof designs are made for women who live fully — and want jewellery that keeps up.

This isn’t just a trend. It’s the future of everyday jewellery.

See Popular Waterproof Necklaces.