A beach day might feel refreshing for you, but your jewelry may not always survive a dip in the ocean or a long beach day. Saltwater, sand, and sun can wreak havoc on certain metals and gemstones, making your jewelry look dull. On the other hand, there are some types of jewelry that are built to withstand the seaside lifestyle.
In this guide, we will break down what ocean proof and beach proof jewelry really means, which materials can handle salt and sand, and how a jewelry brand can succeed in this market.
What Does Ocean-Proof and Beach-Proof Mean?
Ocean proof jewelry refers to pieces that are specifically designed to withstand saltwater, chlorine, and harsh conditions, thereby preventing tarnish, discoloration, or structural weakening.
Beach proof jewelry are pieces that are resistant to salt, sand, UV rays, sunscreen, water, and moisture, ensuring there are no scratches or dull finishes.
While no jewelry is completely indestructible, certain metals and finishes perform far better in these harsh conditions. The key is choosing pieces that are designed with longevity in mind, so you can enjoy your ocean and beach experience.
Does Saltwater Damage or Corrode Jewelry?
Yes, saltwater is beautiful to swim in, but it’s brutal on jewelry. From corrosion and abrasion to damage on gemstones, here’s how the ocean affects jewelry:
- Corrosion & Abrasion: Saltwater accelerates oxidation in metals.
Does salt water damage silver and gold jewelry? Silver and low-karat gold pieces without proper handling are mixed with other metals like copper, which are susceptible to corrosion. The ocean and beach sand make matters worse, acting as natural abrasives that scratch and dull the jewelry surface.
- Damage to Gemstones: Does saltwater damage diamonds? When it comes to gemstones, saltwater doesn’t damage diamonds directly since they’re one of the hardest gems on Earth. But they can loosen from settings due to corrosion of the prongs. On the other hand, porous or soft gemstones like opals and turquoise absorb salts and get scratched easily.
What about pearls? Can you wear pearls in the ocean? No, it is not advisable to wear pearls in the ocean. They absorb salt, discolor, and become damaged.
Comparison Table: Jewelry Performance in the Ocean & Beach
| Jewelry Material | Ocean Proof | Beach Proof | Maintenance Needed | Notes |
| Stainless Steel Jewelry | ✅ | ✅ | Low | Affordable, durable, and ideal for long-term water exposure. |
| Sterling Silver Jewelry | ❌ | ❌ | High | Needs frequent polishing and proper handling. |
| Brass Jewelry | ❌ | ❌ | High | Needs plating and proper handling. |
| PVD-Coated Stainless Steel Jewelry | ✅ | ✅ | Low | May fade if the coating is scratched, rubbed, or soaked for long periods. |
| Gold Vermeil Jewelry | ✅ | ✅ | Medium | Resistant but best to dry quickly after getting wet. |
| Gold Filled Jewelry | ✅ | ✅ | Medium | Better than vermeil for water, but still best to dry after ocean use. |
| Solid Gold Jewelry | ✅ | ✅ | Low | May have slight discoloration from alloy metals, but it’s minor. |
What Jewelry Can You Wear in the Ocean & Beach?
There are various types of jewelry materials, but only a few can be worn in the ocean or beach without excessive damage. They are:
Stainless Steel Jewelry
Does stainless steel tarnish in saltwater? NO.
Stainless steel is unarguably one of the top choices for jewelry you can wear in the ocean and beach. It’s made to withstand the harshest conditions, resistant to rust, corrosion, tarnish, and chlorine. This jewelry doesn’t easily fade in the sun, cause skin reactions, and it only requires little maintenance to keep shining.
One other outstanding attribute of stainless steel is its affordability. It offers several benefits without a high cost, making it a suitable option for everyone.
PVD Coating Stainless Steel Jewelry
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating involves plating the stainless steel surface with a TiN layer to improve the hardness and durability. The 0.03-0.08 micron coating thickness makes the jewelry more attractive and captivating at a fraction of the cost. This advanced plating method prevents fading and keeps jewelry looking fresh even after beach days.
However, the PVD layer may fade if it’s scratched or rubbed against a hard surface, thereby resulting in noticeable discoloration when the jewelry comes in contact with saltwater.
Gold Vermeil Jewelry
This is gold jewelry made by plating a sterling silver base metal with a thick layer of gold. For every jewelry lab testing, it’s mandated that before a gold piece can be called “vermeil,” it must have a sterling silver base coated with not less than 10K gold, which must be at least 2.5 microns thick.
First off, sterling silver is strong and hypoallergenic. So, when it’s plated with a thick layer of gold, it becomes tougher and capable of withstanding harsh environments. However, while this ocean safe jewelry is resistant to damaging elements, it’s best to dry it quickly after getting wet to prevent tarnishing buildup.
Gold Filled Jewelry
If you’ve always admired pure gold jewelry but don’t have the hefty budget for it, this is the perfect alternative. Gold filled jewelry shares a close resemblance with solid gold, as it’s created by bonding a high amount of gold to a brass base metal. For gold-filled jewelry manufacturing process, the bonded gold must make up at least 5% or 1/20th of the jewelry total weight, making it strike a balance between beauty and durability.
The composition makes it a saltwater proof jewelry that can survive exposure to the ocean and beach. It’s better than gold vermeil, but still advisable to dry afterward.
Solid Gold Jewelry
This is pure gold jewelry, made with 24 karat (i.e., 99.9% pure gold). There are different karats of solid gold jewelry, measured by the percentage of pure gold to the percentage of alloyed metals:
- 10K: 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% alloyed metals
- 14K: 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloyed metals
- 18K: 75% pure gold and 25% alloyed metals
- 22K: 91.7% pure gold and 8.3% alloyed metals
Can you wear gold in the ocean/sea? Yes, solid gold doesn’t have a thin surface layer that can wear off, so it maintains its shine and value even with exposure to saltwater and sun. 14K and 18K offer better durability for active lifestyles. However, when exposed to very harsh conditions, these sea proof jewelry may have slight discoloration from the alloyed metals, but it’s minor and not noticeable.
Best Jewelry to Wear in the Ocean & Beach
While there are a number of ocean and beach safe jewelry, there are 3 best options that guarantee optimal resistance. For a full guide, check out this resource on types of waterproof jewelry.
- Stainless Steel: This is the most practical choice for most wearers. Beyond its affordability, it’s highly resistant to corrosion, doesn’t rust, fade, or tarnish. With a simple swipe with a clean cloth, stainless steel jewelry maintains its original elegance.
- PVD Coating Stainless Steel: PVD goes a step further to make gold stainless steel pieces tougher to saltwater, maintain their color, and appeal to fashion-conscious beachgoers & jewelry brands targeting active lifestyles. The coating serves as a cover, ensuring the stainless steel lasts long and maintains its color.
- Gold Filled: It balances luxury appearance and durability, making it a good mid-range choice for those who want gold aesthetics without a full solid gold investment. The high percentage of gold content in it makes it look extremely beautiful while withstanding damaging factors.
Does Gold Tarnish in Salt Water?
Wondering can you wear gold in the ocean or sea without tarnishing? It depends on the gold type and plating layer.
Gold plated, for example, generally tarnishes in salt water because of the thin gold plating. But if the jewelry is plated with a thick layer of gold and proper handling, it will not tarnish easily. Examples of this are: gold vermeil and gold filled, which are often considered better options when comparing with what jewelry does not tarnish in everyday wear.
Does Silver/Sterling Silver Tarnish in Salt Water?
YES. Silver/sterling silver reacts quickly with saltwater, causing tarnishing. The copper content used in making the jewelry speeds up corrosion. However, if it’s plated with rhodium or e-coated, it will become a saltwater jewelry and won’t tarnish easily.
Can You Wear Stainless Steel Jewelry in the Ocean or Sea?
Yes, it’s the best waterproof ocean jewelry. Unlike other metals that may corrode or fade in salty conditions, stainless steel retains its shine and structural integrity in the ocean and sea. In addition, stainless steel is also one of the best types of jewelry you can shower and swim in.
Can You Wear Sterling Silver in the Ocean or Saltwater?
NO. Sterling silver without coating and proper handling can become dark and yellow. It’s composed of metals that corrode when in contact with saltwater, making it unreliable. However, sterling silver with rhodium plating and e-coating can be worn in the ocean.
Can You Wear 14K or 18K Gold in the Ocean or Beach?
Yes, you can. 14K and 18K gold offer better durability and are generally safe to wear. But they may have slight discoloration from alloy metals. The more alloyed metal in a gold jewelry, the more they are susceptible to changing color.
Can You Wear Gold Filled Jewelry in the Ocean or Beach?
Yes, you can. Thanks to the 1/20 content of gold in the jewelry weight, gold filled has the capacity to be a salt water safe jewelry. It is best to wipe and dry afterward.
Can You Wear Gold Plated Jewelry in the Ocean or Beach?
No, thin gold plated jewelry is not swim proof jewelry neither is it capable of withstanding exposure to the ocean or beach. It will eventually tarnish if used.
How Jewelry Brands Can Succeed in the Beach & Ocean-Proof Market?
With seaside lifestyles booming, brands can thrive by designing beach and ocean proof jewelry, as well as offering a private label jewelry service that’s centered on pieces that can resist salt, sand, and surf.
Material Selection & Quality Control
The foundation of salt and chlorine proof jewelry lies in material choice. Brands should prioritize corrosion-resistant metals like 304 or 316L stainless steel, as well as high-quality coatings like PVD to ensure the jewelry lasts long and preserve its color.
Another cogent step is to partner with a professional custom jewelry manufacturer who carry out strict quality control on jewelry pieces to confirm their durability.
Design with Durability in Mind
Durability isn’t just about the jewelry metal; it’s also about the construction of the jewelry. It’s important that the jewelry is designed with strong, reliable clasps and closures, such as spring rings and lobster clasps to ensure the parts of the jewelry don’t get loose from the beach/ocean waves.
While slim chains and fragile details may look chic, they often don’t survive serious ocean waves. So, as a jewelry brand, balance style with practicality.
Positioning & Educating the Market
Consumers often don’t know why some jewelry lasts longer at the beach while others tarnish after one swim. Brands that position themselves as “ocean-proof experts” and educate customers about materials and care tips can stand out.
In addition, seasonal campaigns tied to summer, beach vacations, and water sports can highlight the practical benefits of ocean-proof jewelry while connecting with customers’ lifestyles and aspirations.
Conclusion
Not all jewelry can handle saltwater and sandy adventures, but choosing the right materials makes a massive difference. With materials like stainless steel, PVD-coated stainless steel, gold vermeil, gold filled, and solid gold, you can get ocean proof jewelry and beach proof jewelry that can stand against saltwater, salt, and chlorine.
