Is 925 Sterling Silver Waterproof
No, 925 sterling silver is not waterproof and can be damaged by water. It can lead to tarnishing and lose of shine. Its better to save your 925 sterling silver jewelry from water. Though, short exposure may not have big damage but regular exposure will do it. Its better to follow precautions and protect your jewelry.
In this article we’ll answer is sterling silver waterproof, how water can damage it, can you shower with sterling silver or can you wear sterling silver in the shower.
What happens when Sterling Silver comes in contact with Water
While sterling silver can tolerate some exposure to water, prolonged or frequent contact will likely lead to tarnishing and other forms of damage.
Water, by itself, may not pose a significant threat to sterling silver. However, chlorine, salt, and chemicals found in water can accelerate the tarnishing process.
Additionally, repeated exposure to water can strip away any protective coatings or plating, leaving it more susceptible to damage. Everyday activities that involve water such as showering, swimming, and hand washing can significantly affect the condition of sterling silver jewelry.
What Happens when Sterling Silver is Tarnished?
Tarnishing is a chemical process in which sterling silver reacts with atmospheric chemicals to make a black layer over its shiny surface. This tarnish layer can cover all of the jewelry and will become harder if not removed. Tarnish removing chemicals can help is this. There are a lot of tarnish removing chemicals available in the market that can easily remove tarnishing. It can cost you about $20 to buy one.
Does 925 Sterling silver Tarnish in Water?
Yes, 925 sterling silver does tarnish in water.
Can I wear Sterling silver in the Shower?
No, it is not recommended to wear sterling silver in shower.
Can You Shower in Sterling Silver necklace?
No, you can’t shower in sterling silver necklace or water will damage it.
Can we make Sterling Silver Waterproof?
Yes, you can make sterling silver waterproof but it will be temporary and might work for only 3 to 4 weeks.
Making your jewelry waterproof means that it can resist against water damage. There are some methods which are used for this purpose. This includes putting a temporary layer of wax or some other thing that is water repellent. It will not only prolong your sterling silver’s life but also retain its shine.
Note that these methods should not be taken as permanent and can only make sterling silver withstand occasional or limited contact with water.
1. Using Jewelry Wax
Commercially available jewelry wax products can be a good option for making your silver jewelry water resistant. These products are specifically made for jewelry purposes. All you have to do it to clean your jewelry with warm water first. Then let it dry and once its done, start applying wax in minimal quantities. Make sure that every part of the jewelry is covered.
2. Using Commercial Water Repellents
Apart from waxes, these water repellent chemicals are also available in the form of sprays and creams. If you don’t want a waxy look of your jewelry, then water repellent creams can be a good alternative.
The process of applying is similar to the wax. First you clean the jewelry with warm water. Then apply water repellent cream or spray on it. This way your jewelry will become waterproof as long as this repellent is there.
3. Rhodium Plating
Sometimes it is a better option to do rhodium plating on your silver jewelry rather than using above mentioned ways. First, it saves your time from periodic cleaning and secondly, gives a more shinier look to the jewelry.
Rhodium is a premium metal which has a more whiter and shinier look than silver’s off white appearance. With a low entry cost of around $25, you can plate silver jewelry with rhodium and make it water proof as long as rhodium plating does not wear off.
This plating can stay for 3 to 4 months. Once it wears off, you will have either re-plate it on move on the other two methods for keeping it waterproof.
Tips to Avoid Damaging from Water
While 925 sterling silver is not inherently waterproof, there are several steps you can take to minimize water-related damage and maintain its appearance:
- Remove Jewelry Before Water Exposure: Always remove your sterling silver jewelry before engaging in activities that involve water, such as swimming, bathing, or washing dishes. This prevents prolonged contact with moisture and harmful chemicals.
- Dry Thoroughly: If your sterling silver jewelry gets wet, dry it immediately using a soft, lint-free cloth. Removing residual moisture prevents tarnish and prolongs the life of your jewelry.
- Proper Storage: Store your sterling silver pieces in a cool, dry place. Airtight containers or anti-tarnish bags are ideal for minimizing exposure to moisture and humidity.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your jewelry away from harmful chemicals like floor cleaning agents, detergents and bleach. These substances can react with silver and accelerate tarnishing or discoloration.
- Avoid Direct Spraying of Perfume: Direct spraying of perfume on sterling silver jewelry can also be harmful. Its better to first apply perfume or lotion. And then wear jewelry.
- Apply Protective Coatings: Consider applying a protective coating or having your jewelry plated with rhodium. Rhodium plating enhances resistance to tarnishing and water damage.
- Routine Cleaning: Regularly clean your sterling silver jewelry with a silver polishing cloth or a gentle cleaner to maintain its shine and remove early signs of tarnish.
Sterling Silver vs Other Metals
Here we’ll take a look at how other metals perform against water compared to sterling silver.
Gold
Gold comes under the category of premium metals particularly when made in higher-karat. Gold normally shows a mixed behavior towards water contact depending on purity level. For example, high purity gold like 18k is not damaged by gold and does not tarnish as well. On the other hand, low purity gold like 9k will surely tarnish quickly. But the rate of tarnishing will be far lower than silver. So, if you think tarnishing is a big form, gold can be an option.
Copper
Copper is another metal that can be damaged by water. In fact, it is more prone to water damage than sterling silver. It takes about 1 month of regular use to tarnish copper. On tarnishing it will turn its color green and might turn skin green when wearing tarnished copper.
Titanium
Titanium is exceptionally durable and highly resistant to water and corrosion, making it a preferred choice for jewelry that will be worn during water-related activities. It never tarnishes or corrodes. It is also a highly biocompatible metal.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is another excellent alternative of silver if you are concerned about water damage to your jewelry. It offers superior water resistance without tarnishing or discoloration. It never corrodes as well. It can be a better alternative to silver as it is less than the price of a sterling silver jewelry.
FAQS about Sterling Silver being Waterproof
Here is a collection of FAQ’s you might have about sterling silver’s usage.
Can Sterling silver Get Wet
Yes, sterling silver can get wet and water can damage it.
Can I wear sterling silver every day?
Yes, you can wear sterling silver daily, but it’s important to take precautions to protect it from water, sweat, and harsh chemicals. Regular cleaning and proper storage will help maintain its shine and prevent tarnishing.
What happens if my sterling silver gets wet?
If your sterling silver jewelry gets wet, it may tarnish over time, especially if not dried properly. To minimize damage, dry it immediately with a soft cloth and clean it regularly to restore its shine.
How can I restore tarnished sterling silver?
To restore tarnished sterling silver, you can use a silver polishing cloth or a specialized silver cleaner. Homemade solutions, such as a paste made from baking soda and water, can also effectively remove tarnish and restore the metal’s brilliance.
Is Water the only factor That can Cause Tarnishing?
No. Water is not the only factor that can cause tarnishing. It can also be caused by sweat, atmospheric chemicals, skin oils and cosmetic items.
Conclusion
925 sterling silver is not a waterproof metal. It will get damaged by water specifically when it is chlorinated or has salts. It is important to protect your jewelry from these damages or it will lose its shine. Methods like wax, water repellent or rhodium plating can be used to make your sterling silver jewelry waterproof. Though, these methods are just for occasional uses, it is better to follow the steps which will help you in protecting jewelry from damages like tarnishing.