One of the most common questions we get asked is, "Can I shower in my jewelry?" And we completely understand why! The dream is to have jewelry that’s beautiful, effortless, and can keep up with your lifestyle—whether you're headed to yoga, jumping in the shower, or going out for the night.

The good news? You can shower in some jewelry. But not all. The secret is knowing which materials are made to last, and which ones can leave you with tarnished, dull, or damaged pieces.

At Design Gold Jewelry, we believe fine jewelry should seamlessly fit into your life. That's why we only work with solid 14K gold—so you never have to second-guess whether your jewelry can handle your daily routine (showers included!).

Our founder, Sara, started Design Gold Jewelry with a simple but powerful idea: women deserve jewelry they never have to take off. Jewelry that fits into your life as easily as slipping on your favorite jeans or spritzing on your signature scent. You shouldn’t have to think twice about whether it’s appropriate to shower, swim, or sleep in your jewelry—it should be a natural extension of your style, your life, and your confidence.

In this guide, we’ll break down which jewelry you can shower in, why 14K gold is the best everyday choice, and share tips to keep your pieces looking their best.

Quick Breakdown: Jewelry You Can and Can’t Shower In

Let’s break it down by material so you know exactly what’s safe—and what’s not.

Type of Jewelry	Can You Shower In It?	Why/Why Not?
14K Solid Gold	✅ Yes	Non-tarnish, durable, everyday-friendly.
10K Solid Gold	✅ Yes	Durable but slightly more prone to dullness over time compared to 14K.
18K Solid Gold	➖ Sometimes	Softer, higher purity, can scratch or dull more easily.
Gold Filled	➖ Not Recommended	The gold layer can eventually wear off with exposure to water.
Gold Vermeil	❌ No	Thicker plating but still prone to tarnish with water exposure.
Gold Plated	❌ No	Very thin layer of gold that wears away easily in water.
Sterling Silver	❌ No	Tarnishes with exposure to water and air.
Silver Plated	❌ No	Thin silver layer wears off quickly with water exposure.
Platinum	✅ Yes	Durable and water-resistant, but we specialize in 14K Gold.
Stainless Steel	✅ Yes	Water-resistant, but lacks the timelessness and value of solid gold.

Detailed Breakdown: Jewelry You Can and Can’t Shower In

Can You Shower in 14K Gold Jewelry?

Yes! Solid 14K gold jewelry is completely safe to shower in—and that’s exactly why we chose it as the foundation of everything we make at Design Gold Jewelry. Our jewelry is designed to keep up with your life, from daily showers to workouts, beach days, and even sleeping. It’s fine jewelry that works as hard as you do.

Why 14K Gold Is Shower-Safe (and Life-Proof)

14K gold is the perfect balance of beauty and durability, made from 58.3% pure gold alloyed with other metals like copper and silver. This makes it:

• Stronger and more scratch-resistant than higher-karat gold, like 18K or 22K, which are softer and more prone to dings and wear.
• Corrosion and tarnish resistant, so it won’t rust, turn your skin green, or lose its color over time—even with regular exposure to water and humidity.
• More durable for everyday wear compared to gold-plated or vermeil jewelry, which have thin surface layers that eventually wear away.

With solid 14K gold, what you see on the surface is what runs all the way through the piece. You never have to worry about flaking, fading, or discoloration. It’s made to last a lifetime, and then some.

The Science Behind 14K Gold’s Durability

Pure 24K gold may sound luxurious, but it’s too soft and malleable for most everyday jewelry. That’s why 14K gold strikes the ideal balance:

• 58.3% pure gold, mixed with durable alloy metals.
• Strong enough to resist scratches and dents from daily wear.
• Maintains its warm, rich golden hue, even after exposure to shower water, soap, or sweat.
• Won’t tarnish, corrode, or degrade over time.

At Design Gold Jewelry, we carefully craft every piece from solid 14K gold, ensuring that it’s not only stunning to look at but also built to live in.

Why We Only Use Solid 14K Gold at Design Gold Jewelry

When our founder, Sara, started Design Gold, she envisioned jewelry that could seamlessly integrate into your life—without compromises.

Our 14K gold jewelry is for women who want to:

• Shower without second-guessing whether they need to take their jewelry off.
• Work out, travel, swim, and live life without worrying about tarnishing or wear.
• Invest in timeless quality, knowing their pieces will look as beautiful years from now as they do today.

It’s why we offer solid 14K gold exclusively—no plating, no shortcuts. Just jewelry designed to go everywhere with you, from sunrise to sunset.

Customer Love:

“Best jewelry I have ever purchased. Going to eventually purchase everything!” - Haleigh B.

Shop our Shower-Safe 14K Gold Essentials

Can You Shower in 10K Gold Jewelry?

Yes, showering with 10K gold jewelry is generally safe. 10K gold is a highly durable alloy, made from 10 parts pure gold and 14 parts other metals like copper, zinc, or silver. This lower gold content (41.7% pure gold) makes it harder and more resistant to scratching or bending, which is why it’s often chosen for jewelry that needs to withstand daily wear.

That said, while 10K gold is durable, it’s also more prone to dullness and discoloration over time, especially with frequent exposure to water, soaps, and shampoos. The higher percentage of other metals in 10K gold can react with moisture and chemicals, leading to a gradual loss of luster.

Our Recommendation

If you choose to shower in your 10K gold jewelry, we suggest:

• Rinsing thoroughly after using any soaps or hair products to prevent buildup.
• Drying it completely with a soft cloth after showering to minimize moisture exposure.
• Polishing every few months—either at home with a gentle cloth or professionally—to maintain its shine.

At Design Gold Jewelry, we focus on 14K solid gold because it offers a higher purity (58.3% gold), a richer color, and better resistance to dullness—perfect for those who want jewelry they never have to take off.

Can You Shower in 18K Gold Jewelry?

Technically, yes—you can shower in 18K gold jewelry. But should you? We generally don’t recommend it.

Why?

18K gold contains 75% pure gold (18 parts gold and 6 parts alloy metals), giving it a rich, luxurious color. However, the higher gold content also makes it softer and more delicate compared to lower-karat options like 14K gold. This means 18K gold jewelry is more prone to:

• Scratches and dents, especially in active, everyday wear situations.
• Losing its luster over time if frequently exposed to water, soaps, shampoos, and other bath products.
• Tarnishing, particularly if the alloy metals react with moisture, chlorine, or saltwater.

Even though gold itself doesn’t tarnish, the other metals in the alloy (typically copper or silver) can oxidize when exposed to water and air, leading to discoloration or dullness.

Our Recommendation

If you have a beloved 18K gold piece, it’s best to remove it before showering to protect its finish and maintain its brilliance for years to come.

If you do wear 18K gold jewelry in the shower:

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward.
• Dry completely with a soft cloth to prevent moisture from sitting on the metal.
• Avoid exposing it to harsh soaps, shampoos, or body scrubs, which can accelerate wear.

At Design Gold Jewelry, we specialize in 14K solid gold because it offers the best balance of purity, durability, and everyday practicality. With a higher resistance to wear and tarnish, our 14K gold pieces are made to handle daily life—including showers—without compromising their shine.

Can You Shower in Gold-Filled Jewelry?

Gold-filled jewelry is often marketed as a more durable alternative to gold-plated pieces, and when it comes to water resistance, it does hold up better. Showering with gold-filled jewelry is generally considered safe on occasion, but it’s not something we recommend for everyday wear in the shower.

What Is Gold-Filled Jewelry?

Gold-filled jewelry consists of a thick layer of gold (usually at least 5% of the item’s total weight) that’s mechanically bonded to a base metal—typically brass—through a combination of heat and pressure. This makes it more durable than gold plating, where a thin layer of gold is merely electroplated onto the surface.

Because of this thicker gold layer, gold-filled jewelry is less likely to wear off or tarnish quickly, but it’s not invincible.

The Reality of Showering in Gold-Filled Jewelry

While occasional water exposure won’t ruin gold-filled jewelry right away, consistent exposure to water, humidity, and bath products can cause the base metals underneath to react over time. You may eventually notice:

• Tarnishing around the edges or near clasps where moisture can seep in.
• Dullness caused by a buildup of soap, shampoo, or body wash residue.
• Wearing away of the gold layer over years of wear and water exposure.

Our Recommendation

If you have a favorite gold-filled piece, it’s best to remove it before showering, swimming, or working out. Protecting it from constant moisture helps extend its life and keeps it looking shiny and new.

For jewelry that truly fits into your everyday routine—including showers—without a second thought, we recommend investing in solid 14K gold. At Design Gold Jewelry, every piece is crafted from 14K solid gold, designed to handle showers, workouts, and life’s little messes—and still look flawless.

Can You Shower in Gold Vermeil Jewelry?

You can, but we strongly recommend that you don’t.

Gold vermeil jewelry is often viewed as a step up from traditional gold-plated pieces. It consists of a thick layer of gold (typically at least 2.5 microns) applied over a base of sterling silver. While vermeil is more durable than standard gold plating, it’s still vulnerable when it comes to water, moisture, and daily wear.

Why You Should Avoid Showering in Gold Vermeil

Even though vermeil is made with a thicker gold layer, it’s not solid gold—and that matters when it comes to longevity. Here’s what happens when gold vermeil jewelry is frequently exposed to water:

• Tarnishing: The sterling silver base can oxidize when exposed to moisture, causing the entire piece to tarnish over time—even if it looks gold on the outside.
• Discoloration and Fading: Water and humidity can wear down the gold layer faster, leading to dullness or uneven color.
• Soap and Product Buildup: Shower gels, shampoos, and conditioners can leave residues that are hard to clean off and make the piece look cloudy or dirty.

What About Well-Known Brands That Sell Vermeil?

Some brands, like Mejuri, promote vermeil jewelry as an everyday option. While vermeil does offer more durability than plated jewelry, it’s not invincible—especially if you lead an active lifestyle or don’t want to think twice about where you wear your jewelry.

Our Recommendation

For pieces you don’t want to worry about, remove gold vermeil jewelry before showering, swimming, or working out. If you do get it wet, make sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent moisture from lingering.

At Design Gold Jewelry, we skip the plating altogether. Our jewelry is crafted from solid 14K gold, which won’t tarnish, fade, or wear away. It’s designed for showering, sweating, swimming, and everything in between—so you can wear it 24/7 without worry.

Can You Shower in Gold-Plated Jewelry?

No, showering in gold-plated jewelry is not recommended. While it may look beautiful when it’s new, gold-plated jewelry simply isn’t made to withstand water and moisture.

Why Gold-Plated Jewelry Doesn’t Hold Up in the Shower

Gold-plated pieces are made by applying a very thin layer of gold (sometimes less than 0.5 microns thick) over a base metal, often brass or copper. This gold layer is extremely delicate, and when exposed to water, several things can happen:

• The gold plating wears off quickly, revealing the base metal underneath.
• Moisture and humidity can cause the base metal to oxidize and tarnish, leading to green or black discoloration on your jewelry—and sometimes your skin.
• Soaps, shampoos, and body washes can speed up the breakdown of the gold layer, leaving the piece dull and damaged much sooner than you’d expect.

Even something as simple as washing your hands or sweating can cause wear and tear on gold-plated jewelry. Add daily showers into the mix, and you’ll find yourself needing to replace those pieces often.

Our Recommendation

If you own gold-plated jewelry, we suggest removing it before showering, swimming, or even during workouts to help preserve its appearance for as long as possible.

But if you’re looking for low-maintenance jewelry you can truly live in—shower, swim, sleep, and beyond—solid 14K gold is the way to go.

At Design Gold Jewelry, we don’t offer gold-plated pieces because we believe jewelry should be an investment in lasting quality, not something you have to replace. Our 14K gold designs are made to be worn every day, including in the shower, without worrying about tarnish, fading, or flaking.

Can You Shower in Sterling Silver Jewelry?

Technically, you can shower in sterling silver jewelry, but it’s not something we recommend—especially if you want to keep your pieces looking bright and untarnished for the long run.

Why Showering in Sterling Silver Isn’t Ideal

Sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. While it’s beautiful and versatile, it’s also highly reactive when exposed to water, humidity, and common chemicals like chlorine.

Here’s what can happen when you wear sterling silver jewelry in the shower:

• Tarnishing: Exposure to moisture and air speeds up the oxidation process, causing sterling silver to tarnish—turning dull or even black over time.
• Discoloration: Chlorine (found in tap water and pools), as well as soaps and shampoos, can cause further discoloration and accelerate tarnishing.
• Residue Build-Up: Soaps, conditioners, and other bath products can cling to the surface, making your jewelry look cloudy or dirty.

How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry

If you do choose to wear sterling silver jewelry in the shower (occasional wear may be fine for some), we recommend:

• Drying it thoroughly afterward with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Avoiding chlorine and harsh cleaning products.
• Regular polishing to maintain its shine and prevent tarnish buildup.

Our Recommendation

While sterling silver can be beautiful, it requires more maintenance, particularly if you wear it daily or expose it to moisture frequently. That’s why at Design Gold Jewelry, we specialize in solid 14K gold—it’s non-tarnishing, shower-safe, and made for daily wear without the worry. Our pieces are designed to seamlessly fit into your routine, from the shower to sleep and everywhere in between.

Can You Shower in Silver-Plated Jewelry?

No, we don’t recommend showering with silver-plated jewelry. While it may look like solid silver on the surface, silver-plated jewelry is far more delicate and doesn’t hold up well to water exposure.

What Is Silver-Plated Jewelry?

Silver-plated jewelry is made by coating a thin layer of silver over a base metal, often copper, brass, or nickel. The silver layer is very thin, which makes it vulnerable to wearing away—especially when it’s exposed to water, moisture, and friction.

What Happens If You Shower With Silver-Plated Jewelry?

• The silver layer can wear off quickly, exposing the base metal underneath.
• Water and humidity can speed up tarnishing, causing the piece to discolor, fade, or develop a dull, grayish look.
• Base metals can corrode, turning green or black, and can even irritate the skin—particularly if nickel is involved.
• Soaps, shampoos, and other bath products can accelerate all of these effects, making silver-plated jewelry even harder to maintain.

Our Recommendation

If you own silver-plated jewelry, it’s best to remove it before showering, swimming, or even washing your hands to extend its life. Silver-plated pieces are generally considered fashion jewelry, ideal for occasional wear rather than everyday use.

At Design Gold Jewelry, we avoid plating entirely and focus on solid 14K gold, a non-tarnish, everyday-friendly material that’s made to last. You can shower, swim, sleep, and live in our jewelry without worrying about fading or flaking. It’s jewelry designed for real life, without compromise.

Can You Shower in Platinum Jewelry?

Yes, you can shower in platinum jewelry! Platinum is one of the most durable precious metals available—it’s highly resistant to corrosion, tarnishing, and discoloration, even with regular exposure to water.

Why Platinum Holds Up Well in the Shower

• Corrosion-Resistant: Platinum doesn’t react with water, so it won’t rust or tarnish.
• Hypoallergenic: It’s a great choice for sensitive skin because it’s naturally hypoallergenic.
• Durability: Platinum’s density makes it extremely durable and long-lasting. You’ll often find it used for engagement rings and wedding bands for that very reason.

Things to Keep in Mind with Platinum Jewelry

While platinum is safe in the shower, soap residue and hard water deposits can still dull its shine over time. And although platinum resists wear better than softer metals, it’s not immune to scratches—especially if you’re wearing it during activities like heavy lifting, manual labor, or intense workouts.

To keep your platinum jewelry looking its best:

• Rinse thoroughly after exposure to soaps or shampoos.
• Dry it well with a soft, clean cloth.
• Give it a gentle polish regularly or take it to a jeweler for occasional professional cleaning.

At Design Gold Jewelry...

While platinum is an excellent option, we focus exclusively on 14K solid gold because it strikes the perfect balance between luxury, durability, and everyday practicality. Our 14K gold pieces offer incredible strength and don’t require constant maintenance—they’re designed for women who want fine jewelry they can shower, sleep, and live in, without a second thought.

Can You Shower in Stainless Steel Jewelry?

Yes, you can shower in stainless steel jewelry! It’s known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and low maintenance, making it a practical option for those who want jewelry they don’t have to fuss over.

Why Stainless Steel Holds Up in the Shower

• Water and Humidity Resistant: Stainless steel doesn’t tarnish or rust easily, even when exposed to water or moisture regularly.
• Corrosion Resistant: It holds up well against everyday wear, sweat, and humidity.
• Affordable and Durable: Stainless steel is often chosen for its strength and affordability. It’s commonly used in activewear jewelry and men’s pieces because of its scratch resistance and ruggedness.

Not All Stainless Steel Is Created Equal

The quality of stainless steel matters. Surgical-grade stainless steel (like 316L or 304) offers the highest resistance to tarnishing, corrosion, and skin irritation. Lower-grade options may not perform as well and could discolor over time, especially if exposed to harsh chemicals like chlorine or cleaning agents.

Our Take on Stainless Steel

While stainless steel jewelry is great for sports, active lifestyles, and everyday basics, it doesn’t have the same timeless beauty or intrinsic value as fine metals like solid gold. Stainless steel can’t offer the warmth, luster, and lasting investment that precious metals do.

At Design Gold Jewelry, we exclusively use 14K solid gold because it delivers the perfect combination of durability and luxury. It’s shower-safe, non-tarnishing, and made to last a lifetime—without ever compromising on style or sophistication.

What About Gemstones? Can You Shower in Jewelry with Stones?

While we’ve talked a lot about metals—whether gold, silver, or platinum—many jewelry pieces include gemstones, and those need special consideration when it comes to showering.

Even if your metal is safe to wear in the shower (like 14K solid gold), the stones themselves and the settings they’re placed in can be more delicate. Exposure to water, soaps, shampoos, and even hard water can affect the appearance, durability, and longevity of gemstones.

Here’s a closer look at some common stones and whether they’re shower-safe…

Can You Shower in Diamond Jewelry?

Technically, yes, you can shower with diamond jewelry—but we wouldn’t recommend making it a habit. Diamonds are known for their incredible hardness and durability (ranking 10 on the Mohs scale), which means they can withstand everyday wear and tear. However, that doesn’t mean they’re immune to the effects of water, soap, and moisture.

Here’s why showering in diamond jewelry can be problematic:

• Buildup of soap, shampoo, and conditioner can create a film on the diamond’s surface, dulling its signature sparkle.
• The metal settings that hold diamonds in place—often gold or platinum—can wear down over time, especially with exposure to water, chlorine, or harsh bath products.
• Excessive moisture can lead to loosening of prongs or settings, increasing the risk of losing your diamond if not checked regularly.

Our Recommendation

Remove your diamond jewelry before showering to keep it sparkling and to protect the integrity of the setting. If your diamonds start to lose their shine, clean them regularly with a gentle jewelry cleaner or have them professionally cleaned and inspected.

At Design Gold Jewelry, we recommend keeping fine gemstone pieces for special occasions—and sticking with our 14K solid gold staples for worry-free daily wear, including showers.

Can You Shower in Cubic Zirconia Jewelry?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is often used as an affordable alternative to diamonds, prized for its sparkle and clarity. And while cubic zirconia is a durable synthetic stone, it’s not quite as tough as a diamond.

The Good News:

• Cubic zirconia is resistant to scratches and can withstand occasional exposure to water.
• It’s generally safe to wear in the shower, especially if you’re not concerned about maintaining the stone’s absolute brilliance over time.

The Trade-Off:

• CZ can cloud or lose its sparkle with repeated exposure to water, soap, and shampoos. The surface of CZ is more porous than diamond, making it more likely to attract residues and oils that are hard to clean off completely.
• It’s also often set in less expensive metals—like plated or filled pieces—which can deteriorate quickly with water exposure.

Our Recommendation

If you have CZ jewelry that you love, it’s best to remove it before showering to preserve its shine for as long as possible.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Jewelry (Especially if You Shower in It!)

Whether you prefer minimalist pieces you wear 24/7 or statement jewelry you only bring out on occasion, taking care of your jewelry—especially if you’re wearing it in the shower—helps preserve its beauty and longevity.

Here are a few simple but important tips to keep your pieces looking their best:

✅ Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Chlorine, harsh soaps, and shampoos can damage metals and gemstones over time. If your jewelry isn’t solid 14K gold, it’s best to remove it before showering. Even for durable metals, keeping them away from chemicals helps them stay shiny longer.

✅ Rinse After Showering

If you do wear your jewelry in the shower, make sure to rinse it thoroughly with clean water afterward to remove any soap, shampoo, or conditioner residue. Leftover product can cause buildup that dulls the shine—especially on stones like diamonds or cubic zirconia.

✅ Dry Thoroughly

After exposure to water, gently pat your jewelry dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Trapped moisture, especially on pieces with intricate designs or settings, can lead to tarnish or even weaken certain metals over time.

✅ Store It Properly

When you’re not wearing your jewelry, keep it in a dry, cool place, away from humid areas like bathrooms. A jewelry box or a soft pouch helps protect your pieces from moisture and scratches.

✅ Clean Regularly

Give your jewelry some regular TLC! Solid 14K gold needs very little maintenance, but a gentle polish every now and then will keep it gleaming. For gemstone pieces, use a soft cloth or a gentle jewelry cleaner to remove oils and residues.

Final Thoughts: Jewelry You Never Have to Take Off

The truth is, not all jewelry is designed for life’s little moments—like jumping in the shower, breaking a sweat at the gym, or catching some sun at the beach.

Solid 14K gold stands out as the best option for women who want fine jewelry they can live in without worrying about tarnish, fading, or damage.

At Design Gold Jewelry, we believe you shouldn’t have to second-guess your jewelry choices. That’s why we create timeless, 14K solid gold essentials made to be part of your everyday life—shower, sleep, and beyond.

Ready to upgrade to jewelry that works as hard as you do?

👉 Shop Our 14K Solid Gold Everyday Collection