Gold shell necklace in an abalone shell on a textured rock

Waterproof Jewellery Explained: What It Really Means and Why It Matters

One of the questions we get asked most often is, “Will these tarnish?”, and we get it. We've all bought a gorgeous pair of earrings only to hide them in the furthest corner of the jewellery box (or even sadder, in the bin) after an impromptu, post office dip... That’s where waterproof jewellery comes in - a new wave of everyday essentials designed to keep up with your lifestyle.

At Wants & Needs The Label, we believe jewellery should be lived in, not taken off. Whether you’re heading to the gym, going for a swim, or sipping after-work drinks with friends, your jewellery should move with you, and look just as beautiful at the end of the day as when you put them on.

In this post, we’ll break down what waterproof jewellery really means, why it matters, and why stainless steel 18k gold-plated jewellery is the smartest choice for your on-the-go lifestyle.

What Does “Waterproof Jewellery” Actually Mean?

Waterproof jewellery refers to pieces that won’t rust, tarnish, or lose their colour when exposed to water, sweat, or everyday elements. Unlike traditional fashion jewellery that fades quickly, waterproof pieces are made from durable base metals, in our case, stainless steel, coated with high-quality plating that locks in shine.

This means you can:

  • Shower without taking your jewellery off
  • Sweat through your workouts without worry
  • Swim at the beach or pool and still sparkle

This means low-maintenance luxury without the hefty price tag - music to our ears!

Why Stainless Steel is a Game-Changer

At Wants & Needs The Label, every piece is made from stainless steel with 18k gold plating. Here’s why that matters:

  • Durability you can trust – Stainless steel is incredibly strong natural metal that is resistant to scratches, making it perfect for daily wear.
  • Tarnish-resistant – Unlike brass or copper, stainless steel doesn’t tarnish or turn green, even with exposure to water and sweat.
  • Hypoallergenic – Our pieces are nickel- and lead-free, meaning they’re safe for sensitive skin and won’t cause irritation.
  • Long-lasting shine – The 18k gold plating ensures a warm, luxe finish that stays golden season after season.

Want to know which Wants & Needs Icon has been around our founder's neck since she started the brand in 2019? Find it HERE!

Waterproof Jewellery vs. Traditional Fashion Jewellery

Most fast-fashion jewellery is made from cheap metals that are plated once, often very thinly. This means their gold or silver tone wears away quickly, leaving dull, brassy metal behind (not to mention itchy ears and green stains on your skin...). 

Waterproof jewellery, on the other hand, is designed to be worn and enjoyed every day. They are not just for special occasions, but every occasion.

While the process of creating new products will always have some kind of footprint on the environment, we do love the element of sustainability that our waterproof jewels bring to our daily wardrobes. By investing in classic accessories made from strong base metals and plated in thick PVD gold, you get to enjoy them for many years to come while adding detail to your daily staple wardrobe. Sure, they might be a little pricier than those cheapies at the mall, but the amount of wear you'll get out of them in comparison is worth it!

Jewellery for the Girl on the Go

We all know it - life gets busy and we find ourselves moving from morning workouts to client meetings, to sunset drinks with friends, without time to think about switching accessories at every stop.

That’s why we believe in, and advocate for a basic stack consisting of the icons. We always start with the Cruz Snake Chain, the Sammy Signet Ring, and the Teardrop Studs (find them at the images tiles below). These are effortless staples that can be worn from gym leggings to a blazer, or from bikinis to evening dresses. We're all about jewellery that becomes the most reliable part of your outfit. Slip them on, and forget about them for the rest of the day (or week). 

18k gold plated hypoallergenic flat chain18k gold plated hypoallergenic teardrop stud earrings

FAQs About Waterproof Jewellery

1. Is your jewellery really waterproof and tarnish-resistant?
Yes, all our pieces are made from stainless steel with 18k gold plating, which means they won’t rust, tarnish, or fade with normal wear.

2. Can I swim or shower in it?
Absolutely. Our jewellery is designed to withstand water, sweat, and everyday life.

3. Will they make my ears itch?
Our jewellery pieces are hypoallergenic so they won't make your ears itch, or leave green marks on your skin. 

Waterproof jewellery isn’t just a trend, it’s a smarter way to shop. It’s about choosing quality, durability, and effortless style that fits seamlessly into your everyday routine.

Ready to upgrade your jewellery game?

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