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Is Gold-Filled Jewelry Waterproof?
Is Gold-Filled Jewelry Waterproof?
Quick answer: Gold-filled jewelry is water-resistant, and many people—including Lolabean customers—shower in it regularly with no issues. For the longest-lasting shine, we recommend removing it for frequent showers and swimming, especially around chlorine, saltwater, and heavy soap buildup.
If you love wearing your jewelry every day, you may be wondering: is gold-filled jewelry waterproof? Can you shower in it, swim in it, or wear it without worrying about damage?
Gold-filled jewelry is designed for real life. With proper care, it can last for years and remain beautiful even with regular wear.
As a jewelry brand specializing in gold-filled pieces designed for everyday wear, we see firsthand how these materials perform over time.
What Does “Gold-Filled” Actually Mean?
Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a thick layer of solid gold to a base metal (usually brass) using heat and pressure. By law, gold-filled jewelry contains at least 5% solid gold by weight.
That means gold-filled jewelry contains up to 100× more gold than gold-plated jewelry, which is why it lasts significantly longer and resists fading.
This thick gold layer is what gives gold-filled jewelry its long-lasting color and resistance to tarnishing.
Learn more about what gold-filled jewelry is here.
Can Gold-Filled Jewelry Get Wet?
Yes — gold-filled jewelry can absolutely get wet. Washing your hands, getting caught in the rain, or occasional water exposure won’t damage it.
Over time, repeated exposure to chlorine, saltwater, harsh cleaners, or heavy product buildup can slowly dull the finish.
Real-life note: Occasional showers are usually not a problem. Long-term wear issues tend to come from chemicals and residue rather than water alone.
Is It Safe to Shower in Gold-Filled Jewelry?
Yes — many Lolabean customers tell us they shower in their gold-filled jewelry and have worn it this way for years with no noticeable issues.
Gold-filled jewelry is designed to handle everyday life. That said, frequent exposure to soap, shampoo, hot water, and hard water minerals can gradually affect the finish if residue is allowed to build up.
Our recommendation: If you want your jewelry to look brand-new for as long as possible, remove it for regular showers. If you do shower in it, simply rinse it well and dry it with a soft cloth afterward.
Does Gold-Filled Jewelry Tarnish?
Gold-filled jewelry is highly resistant to tarnishing, especially compared to gold-plated pieces. That said, no jewelry is completely immune to environmental factors.
Dulling or tarnishing usually occurs due to:
- Prolonged moisture exposure without drying
- Chemicals like perfume, lotion, or cleaning products
- Sweat combined with product buildup over time
With simple care, gold-filled jewelry can maintain its color and shine for many years.
How to Care for Gold-Filled Jewelry
To extend the life of your gold-filled jewelry:
- Rinse and dry pieces if exposed to soap or sweat
- Remove jewelry before swimming in pools or the ocean
- Store pieces in a dry place when not in use
- Clean gently with warm water and mild soap
- Dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth
Read our full gold-filled cleaning guide.
Gold-Filled vs Solid Gold: Which Is Better for Everyday Wear?
Solid gold is completely waterproof and can be worn anywhere, but it comes at a significantly higher price point.
Gold-filled jewelry offers an excellent balance of durability, beauty, and affordability. For many people, it’s the ideal choice for everyday wear—especially when cared for properly.
Compare gold-filled vs solid gold.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold-Filled Jewelry
Can you shower in gold-filled jewelry?
Many people, including Lolabean customers, shower in gold-filled jewelry and wear it this way for years with no noticeable issues. For the longest-lasting shine, rinsing and drying the jewelry well—or removing it for frequent showers—is recommended.
Can you swim in gold-filled jewelry?
It’s best to remove gold-filled jewelry before swimming. Chlorine and saltwater are more likely to cause dulling or wear over time than water alone.
Does gold-filled jewelry fade in water?
Occasional water exposure is usually fine. Fading is more commonly caused by repeated exposure to chemicals, soap buildup, and harsh environments over time.
Is gold-filled jewelry better than gold-plated?
Yes. Gold-filled jewelry contains much more gold than gold-plated jewelry, making it more durable and longer-lasting for everyday wear.
Why We Use Gold-Filled Jewelry at Lolabean
At Lolabean, we choose gold-filled materials because they’re designed for real life—comfortable, durable, and made to be worn often.
Our pieces are handcrafted to last and thoughtfully designed so you can enjoy them every day with confidence.
Explore our gold-filled necklaces.