We've all been there: A beloved piece of jewelry dulled, tarnished, rusted, or disintegrated after getting wet.

If you want a piece that can survive steamy showers, intense gym workouts, dips in the ocean, and more, you should consider switching to waterproof jewelry. Some examples of materials that go the distance: 

Solid gold: A classic choice and great investment that will last for generations. Even lower, more affordable karats like 10-karat are still waterproof. It's hypoallergenic, but some people (like my poor sister) are still allergic. 

Stainless steel: An affordable alternative to gold, this material can handle contact with water, no sweat. 

Platinum: Hypoallergenic, durable, and FANCY, this material will withstand daily wear, even if you're hard on your accessories. 

Titanium: This durable metal is nickel free, hypoallergenic, and very resistant to corrosion and damage. 

Silicone: An excellent choice for people with active jobs, this flexible, inexpensive material is durable enough for everyday wear, but breakable enough that it won't send you to the hospital if it snags on something. 

Jewelry that cannot get wet:

Most jewelry can withstand getting splashed, but here are some materials that degrade over time when exposed to moisture, especially pool and ocean water:

Sterling silver: Technically, 925 jewelry *can* get wet without rusting, but extended exposure will make it tarnish faster (and we all know how annoying polishing can be). 

Gold-plated jewelry: Unfortunately, getting most gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry wet can speed up the time it takes for that nice coating to wear off, leaving you with a silver-tone piece. Make sure you dry your pieces thoroughly to extend their lives. *However* PVD plating ("Physical Vapor Deposition", a way to coat non-gold jewelry in real gold) creates a strong adhesion and waterproof seal that doesn't let moisture penetrate, meaning pieces can survive being submerged in water without losing their top coat. 

Pearls: Despite being formed in a very wet place, pearls should be kept far away from the beach. Water can wear down the nacre (shiny outer layer), making your piece lose some of its luster. 

Enamel: Everyone loves a little splash of color, but this decorative coating might lift or flake away when splashed. I once left enamel cherry earrings in the bathroom while I showered, and the steam made the red pop right off. :( Learn from my mistakes! 

1. A stainless-steel wave ring so beachy and cool, people will be asking you for surfing lessons. Doesn't matter that you've never surfed; they'll just assume. 

Tahlia Jewels / Etsy

Tahlia Jewels is a small business based in the Philippines that sells surf-inspired accessories. 

Promising review: "Cute ring! I am really surprised by the high quality; I wear it every day with no bending or tarnish. Would recommend." —Georgia

Get it from Tahlia Jewels on Etsy for$5.94 (available in sizes 6–8, an adjustable style, and two colors).

2. Hammered surgical-steel ball studs with 14-karat gold color PVD coating to ensure your lil' disco balls keep their shine no matter how sweaty you get on the dance floor. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

The Jewel Pick is a small business that sells jewelry.

Promising review: "These earrings are definitely worth the price paid. They show up nicely and have a unique design." —Rosanne from Maine

Get them from The Jewel Pick on Amazon Handmade for $5.99(available in two styles or a two-pack).

3. A tiny solid 14-karat gold charm from Local Eclectic that'll look sooooo darling on a delicate chain or stacked up with a whole crew of other charms and pendants. Which would you choose? Personally, I'm all about the lobster. 

Local Eclectic

You can also add extra charms, clips, letters, and spacers to your order. Just remember the pearl options are not 100% waterproof! Grab a chain here. Local Eclectic is a woman-owned small business that stocks a variety of small brands, 94% of which are woman-founded/owned.

Promising review: "I absolutely love it! The size, shine, shape, and look of the charm is equivalent to that on the website. It doesn't feel heavy or hasn't showed any signs of wear and tear. I have slept with it on my chain and nothing happened. I also wore sunscreen, and didn't do anything peculiar. The charm is very cute, and I love to wear it everywhere I can." —Taylor

Get it from Local Eclectic for $80+ (available in nine shapes).

4. A pair of stainless-steel braceletsthat come in a variety of styles. (Rope! Curb! Tennis!) Wear 'em together or share with a swimming buddy.

Amazon

Promising review: "Ordered these a few weeks ago. So far, nice loose fit, comfortable, and do well underwater. Really haven’t taken them off. No fading or wear on them after countless showers, bumps, and rubs against objects. Would def recommend to anyone looking for easily maintained bracelets." —Noel

Get them from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in sizes 6.5 inches–9 inches, three colors, and nine styles).

5. A sardine pendant from the waterproof jewelry experts over at Hey Harper. Like everything they make, this lil' fishy CAN go swimming. If you're skeptical, it even has a lifetime warranty. 

Hey Harper

It's stainless steel with a 14k gold PVD coating designed to be waterproof and durable. And check out that ultra-adorable tin it comes in! 

Promising review: "Looks way more luxe than its price tag! I was looking for a sardine-themed gift for my bestie, and this delivered. I can’t believe the quality. Obsessed! Will absolutely be ordering one for myself." —Sophie D.

Get it from Hey Harper for$35 (originally $70). 

6. A pack ofsilicone rings for people looking for something comfortable, inexpensive, and low maintenance. Reviewers love these for traveling, going to the gym, and wearing as a temporary replacement. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My husband and I do lots of water activities and hiking. We wanted rings that we would be OK with losing or damaging in place of our actual rings. These work perfectly! The colors are so cute, and the material is nice and stretchy. The rings do not feel like they’re going to break at all, great quality." —Sage

Get them from Amazon for $9.99+(available in sizes 3.5–12.5, pack sizes 1–7, and 10 individual colors).  

7. Button-style solid 14-karat gold studs so simple and sweet, you'll find yourself reaching for them every single day. Spa days, hikes, kayak trips, you name it — these cuties are invited.  

Amazon

Silver Smile is a small jewelry brand founded in 2018.

Promising review: "My studs are exactly what I wanted — the box they came in was very nice and sturdy — much appreciated! These are every bit as good (I think they are identical in fact) to the ones I bought in a jewelry store for twice the cost." —Taylor

Get them from Amazon for$48.99+ (available in six sizes and three finishes).

8. A custom beaded bracelet from Baublebar's waterproof collection that's giving adult summer camp vibes. You can personalize the piece with up to seven letters (Anastasias, Mordecais, Theloniouses, and other long-named people will have to opt for a nickname).

BaubleBar

The bracelet is made with acrylic, resin, and cord. 

Get it from BaubleBar for $44.

9. Stainless-steel hoops in a variety of styles from Hey Harper designed to last through whatever trials and tribulations you plan to put them through. The strong PVD coating means you can spend many happy years together.  

Amazon

Promising review: "I absolutely love these earrings. I wear them every single day. I wear them in the shower and when I workout, and they haven’t tarnished, so they truly are water- and sweatproof. Highly recommend for anyone who is looking for an everyday earring. They’re also very lightweight, and I can’t feel them on." —allie

Get them from Amazon for $57+ (available in 28 styles). 

10. A solid 10-karat gold initial charm to personalize your necklace stack. Standing at just 13 mm tall, this tiny piece will look soooo cute on a chain or bracelet.  

Amazon

Charm America is a small business that sells fine jewelry. 

Promising review: "This charm is great quality. It's 10-karat gold. I have been able to sleep and shower with it on with no color change. It's the size of my pinky finger nail and perfect for layering or wearing on its own. Great price for a great quality charm." —KLDW

Get it from Amazon for$39.99 (available in all the letters).

11. Aminimalist solid-gold necklace featuring a cute ball charm. It's simple, no-nonsense, and coming with you on your beach vacay. 

Amazon

This bead is tiny! Make sure you check the dims before purchasing. 

Promising review: "The bead and the chain are very pretty and sparkly. I knew this would be a small bead. (I prefer small pendants; I live in the South, and the summertime humidity can make heavier/larger jewelry feel miserable.) If you’re looking for something very small and dainty, I think you will probably be pleased with this." —🔅

Get it from Amazon for $182.

12. A PVD-coated ringfrom Hey Harper you'll never want to take off — and luckily don't have to! Wear it while you swim, apply sunscreen, or do the dishes. Your new stainless-steel ring will be there for you! 

Amazon

Promising review: "Stunning gold ring; great quality, and you can tell it will last a long time. The price was a little up there, but worth it in the end. It is a little heavier than I would like, but to me, that means it's good quality." —Felicia.R.E

Get it from Amazon for $68+ (available in six styles). 

13. A solid 14-karat gold paper clip chain bracelet you might as well solder permanently onto your wrist, because you're not gonna want to go anywhere without this piece. It's dainty, easy to layer, and honestly, a pretty good price, considering it's the real deal. 

Quince

Promising review: "I love the quality of the item! Definitely real gold. I’ve gotten a non-14-karat gold version from another brand that’s vermeil gold, and the gold on the top layer eventually faded after about a year. It was the same price as this one. Although this bracelet is more dainty than that one, I appreciate that it’s prob going to last forever." —R.H.

Get it from Quince for $129.90+ (available in two widths). 

14. A stainless-steel (with platinum plating)chain and a thematically appropriate waterdrop pendant. Whether you go for the marine blue or the luscious green, you're sure to look like a water nymph emerging from the depths to bless (or curse!) a wayward traveler.  

En Route

The chain comes in silver or gold color and a resin pendant. It has a 100-day warranty. 

Promising review: "It's super cute. I wear it every day and it doesn’t tarnish." —nariya r.

Get it from En Route for$27 (available in two colors).

15. A titanium flat-back earring in a variety of dainty lil' shapes ranging from coquettish bows to edgy skulls. It's internally threaded, so you can comfortably sleep with it without worrying about stabbing yourself with the post.  

Amazon

Promising review: "It looks good, and so far my skin seems to be okay with it. I react to a lot of cheaper jewelry, so I have to be careful with what I put in my ears." —Becca

Get it from Amazon for $11.69+ (available in 26 styles). 

16. A stainless-steel Hey Harper chain that comes in a ton of different trendy links, from cable to herringbone. Start practicing your thank yous, because the compliments are going to come rolling in. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Great for everyday use. It's very durable and has not lost its color or shine. I literally wear it every day. I can shower with it. I can go to the gym with it. The best piece ever." —Angela

Get it from Amazon for $55+ (available in 10 styles).

17. An 18-karat PVD-coated satellite necklace with a faux pearl pendant that'll have you feeling like a mermaid — no, not just a mermaid — a FASHIONABLE mermaid. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I got this necklace for a tropical vacation, and it’s been amazing! It’s waterproof, so I didn’t have to worry about taking it off at the beach or in the pool. It sparkles just like real gold, and the pearl is such a lovely touch. I’ve gotten so many compliments on how elegant it looks. A beautiful piece that works for any occasion. And BTW, it arrived in the nice packaging — a gift box and a sweet bag that’s perfect for storage or travel, very convenient." —SR

Get it from Amazon for$29.90 (available in two finishes). 

18. A solid gold heart stud that's just SO precious and a little more interesting than the usual heart-shaped fare. If you have another piercing, you could pair it with a second, smaller heart for maximum squee-inducing cuteness. 

Automic Gold

Automic Gold is a queer, trans-owned small business that sells comfortable and versatile jewelry for all.

Promising review: "I recently rediscovered my second hole in my earlobe was still open! Excited, I scrambled to find an earring that I could keep in, and wear all the time. I love hearts and love gold, so it's a win-win. It doesn’t get caught in my curls when I wash my hair. I can sleep comfortably! There are no sharp edges, and it’s wonderfully made! This is my third piece of minimal jewelry from them, and I love all my pieces! I highly recommend!!" —Johnnie E.

Get it from Automic Gold for $128+ (available in three finishes, three pushback styles, and as a pair).

19. And a pair oftres chic18-karat gold PVD-coated hoops to give you instant heart eyes. And instant heart ears! Love a matching moment. 

See Sea

Get them from Amazon for $25 or See Sea for $30.

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.