Waterproof jewelry is one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot. But there's a real difference between jewelry that survives a splash and jewelry you can actually wear in the ocean every single day.
True waterproof jewelry is made from solid 316L stainless steel — surgical grade, the same material used in medical implants. It doesn't plate, it doesn't coat, and it doesn't tarnish because there's nothing to tarnish. The metal itself is the finish.
Gold-plated and gold-filled pieces are different. They have a layer of gold over a base metal. Water doesn't instantly ruin them, but over time — especially with chlorine, saltwater, and sweat — that layer wears thin and the base metal shows through.
So when you see 'waterproof' on a product, the first question is always: what's it made of? Solid stainless steel? You're fine. Plated? You'll want to be more careful.
At Bodystrands, everything we make is 316L stainless steel. We swim in our pieces, wear them to the beach, forget to take them off in the shower. That's the point — jewelry that lives your life with you. The Snake Belly Chain and the Cowrie Shell Anklet are two pieces people reach for exactly because of this.
The one thing even stainless steel doesn't love: harsh chemicals. Bleach, cleaning products, strong perfume directly on the metal. Spray your perfume first, let it dry, then put your jewelry on. That simple.
Storage matters too. Even waterproof jewelry benefits from being stored in a dry, airtight place when you're not wearing it. It keeps it looking new longer — not because it will tarnish, but because it prevents surface dust and micro-scratches.
The bottom line: if you want jewelry you don't have to think about, go solid stainless steel. It's not a compromise — it's actually the upgrade.
