Waterproof Jewellery.
Lately I have had a lot of customers asking "is your jewellery waterproof?".
I think this is something to do with some brands and outlets, stating that some jewellery pieces are completely waterproof and tarnish free. The fact is that most, maybe all, is vulnerable to water.
Jewellery can lose it's shine when exposed to water, it may tarnish and the colour may fade. However this doesn't mean you can never wear your pieces in water, if you take some precautions.
Some precious metals such as 925 Sterling Silver and 9K Gold are more durable against water. But given time, they can still tarnish and appear worn. No metal is invincible against water, in particular water with chemicals (pool / hot tubs / saunas), you should remove your pieces before showering, swimming or engaging in heavy exercise. Alternatively dry your pieces after showering, and when not in use, store in sealable bags.
Water will cause the Gold plating on your jewellery to wear out, particularly when also exposed to soaps and other chemicals. Eventually, the surface may fade and expose the metal underneath.
1 Micron is 1 full coating of gold over sterling silver and should last a long time if well cared for. 3 Micron is also known as gold vermeil. However, no matter what you may hear, even vermeil will not last forever, especially if not well cared for.
Another option is stainless steel with pvd gold plating. Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) is a coating process, more of a surface modification, rather than an added layer of material. It is considered a stronger alternative to standard Silver or Gold Plated jewellery. This will last a lot longer than gold plated sterling silver.
Pearls
Despite hailing from the ocean, Pearls are extremely susceptible to water damage. They are extremely delicate, and their surface can become dull when affected by water – so extreme care must be taken to maintain their beauty.
The rule of the thumb is that pearl jewellery should be the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off at night. To clean, wipe it gently with a soft cloth and never expose it to dust, chemicals or soaps.