Short answer: yes, you can shower in gold plated stainless steel jewellery. Whether that's a good idea depends on what's underneath the gold. Here's what happens to your jewellery in water and what really wears it down.
Why the base metal matters more than the gold
Gold plating is a very thin layer of gold over another metal. Many cheap pieces use brass or copper underneath. When that kind of plating wears thin, the base metal reacts with water, sweat and air, and you get the classic green finger or a dull, patchy finish.
Stainless steel behaves differently. It contains chromium, which forms an invisible protective layer on the surface. That layer is why steel doesn't rust in your kitchen sink. So the metal under the gold doesn't react with shower water the way brass or copper would.
That's the idea behind every piece in our waterproof rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets: 18K gold plating over stainless steel.
Is it safe to wear every day?
Plain water is not the problem. Gold plating wears down through:
- Friction. Rings rub against door handles, weights and handbag straps. This is the main reason plating wears, and it happens whether you shower in them or not.
- Harsh chemicals. Bleach, cleaning sprays and fake tan are much harder on plating than water.
- Chlorine and salt water. A swim in the pool or sea is fine. Rinse your jewellery in fresh water afterwards.
Showers, handwashing, the gym, everyday perfume and lotion, and sleeping in your jewellery are all fine for gold plated stainless steel.
Shower, gym, pool, sea: a quick guide
- Shower: fine. Soap residue can dull the shine, so give pieces a quick wipe now and then.
- Gym and sweat: fine. Take rings off for heavy lifting if you want them to last, because the bar rubs against the band.
- Swimming pool: fine. Rinse afterwards.
- Sea: fine. Rinse afterwards and dry before storing.
- Hot tub or sauna: best avoided. Heat plus chemicals is the toughest combination for any plating.
How to keep the gold shine longer
- Let perfume, lotion and hairspray dry before putting your jewellery on – it keeps the shine at its best.
- Wipe with a soft, dry cloth every week or two.
- Avoid jewellery cleaners or polishing cloths made for solid gold or silver. They can be too abrasive for plating.
- Store pieces separately so they don't scratch each other.
Every C'Bella piece is covered by our 1-Year Colour Warranty.
What about sensitive skin?
Stainless steel is a common choice for people who react to cheap fashion jewellery, and all our pieces are hypoallergenic. If you have a diagnosed metal allergy, check with your GP or dermatologist before wearing any metal jewellery all day.
Find jewellery you don't have to take off
If you want pieces you can wear from the shower to the gym to bed, start with our customer favourites. The Daisy Ring and Croissant Ring are the two most people start with.