The Truth About Waterproof Jewellery Australian Brands Don’t Share

Jun 6, 2025

 

In the world of jewellery, few phrases are as misleading as "waterproof" or "tarnish-proof." They sound reassuring, but they rarely hold up under scrutiny. In reality, unless a piece is made from solid sterling silver or solid gold, it is not resistant to water, liquids, or tarnishing. Even then, there are important caveats to understand. 

What "Waterproof" Jewellery Really Means in Australia?

The term "waterproof" is often used by Australian jewellery brands to suggest that their pieces can be worn in the shower, pool, or sea without consequence. But jewellery doesn't dissolve, so the real question is: will the colour change or wear away? For most pieces on the market, the answer is yes. 

Water is only one part of the equation. Every day exposure to sweat, perfumes, skincare products, and alcohol-based sprays can all contribute to the degradation of a jewellery's finish. Tarnishing, fading, or flaking isn't a matter of if - it's when. 

Ironically, many of the brands that claim their jewellery is waterproof will - if you check their care guidelines - recommend removing the pieces before swimming, bathing, or applying products. Doesn't that say it all? While these brands claim durability, their warranty conditions often exclude tarnishing altogether. In practice, this serves as a way to shift responsibility onto the customer when the piece inevitably changes. 

Even Precious Metals Need Care

Think of jewellery finishes like nail polish. Whether it's a single coat, SNS, or shellac, every finish will eventually wear away, chip, or show signs of damage. Jewellery is no different. No matter the type of plating or treatment, surface wear is inevitable over time - especially in areas that see regular contact or friction. 

Solid sterling silver and solid gold are certainly more resilient, but they are not immune to environmental effects. Spa baths, for example, can cause silver to oxidise and blacken. The good news? This discolouration is surface-level and can typically be polished off. 

Gold fares better, but exposure to chlorine - especially in heated environments like spa baths - can compromise the metal's structure over time. So, while these metals are more durable, they still require thoughtful care. 

Even gold-filled jewellery, while more robust than plated, is not exempt from wear. Over time, areas that experience frequent rubbing or contact - like ring bands or chain clasps - can eventually wear through to the base layer of brass. And as soon as gold-filled wire is cut, the exposed brass is susceptible to tarnishing. 

Why We Don't Make False Promises

At BowerBird Jewels, our approach is rooted in transparency and expertise. Our background in jewellery manufacturing means we understand materials at a technical level, and we believe in sharing that knowledge with our customers.

We won't tell you a plated piece is "tarnish-proof." We'll tell you how long you can expect it to last with regular wear, how to look after it, and what to expect as it naturally ages.

The Problem with "Waterproof" Claims in the Australian Market

Many pieces marketed as waterproof or tarnish-proof in Australia are mass-produced stainless steel jewellery, often sourced from generic third-party platforms. These items typically contain 8–12% nickel and are sold at a significant markup—despite being closer in quality to costume jewellery. This disconnect between marketing and material reality can leave customers with unmet expectations.

Our Commitment to Quality, Sustainability and Integrity

Bowerbird sources primarily from Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) or Sedex-certified manufacturers, organisations that ensure ethical, responsible, and traceable practices. Sustainability is central to our approach. Where possible, our pieces are designed to be refurbished or replated so they can be enjoyed for years to come. We encourage longevity, not landfill. 

Our pieces are made to last as long as the materials allow, and we guide you honestly through what that means. 

We're not here to sell illusions. We're here to help you make empowered, informed choices about jewellery you wear every day. 

In summary: Ask Better Questions

Instead of asking “Is it waterproof?” try asking, “What is it made from? How should I care for it? What can I realistically expect over time?”

If you’re exploring Australian jewellery brands, prioritise transparency and sustainability—those values make the biggest difference over time.

Explore our ethically made, sustainably sourced jewellery

Browse our collection

At Bowerbird, we welcome thoughtful questions—because our experience in jewellery craftsmanship has taught us that transparency builds trust, and trust leads to jewellery you’ll cherish long term.



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