Whether you can wear gold jewellery in the shower depends on what the piece is actually made from. Solid gold, gold vermeil, conventional gold plating and PVD-coated stainless steel are different materials and should not all be treated the same way.
Can you shower in PVD gold jewellery?
PVD-coated stainless-steel jewellery is commonly chosen for everyday, water-resistant wear. Tegan Rae uses 18K PVD gold over 316L stainless steel on many pieces, which is designed to cope better with regular moisture than very thin fashion plating.
That said, “water-resistant” is not the same as “completely unaffected by everything in your shower”. Strong soaps, exfoliants, hair products, chlorine and repeated chemical exposure can shorten the life of any plated finish. If you want the longest possible wear, rinse the piece in clean water and dry it gently after heavy exposure.
What causes plated jewellery to fade?
The main factors are friction, chemicals and time. Rings and bracelets often experience more wear because they rub against surfaces. Perfume, cleaning products and skincare can also sit on the surface of jewellery and affect its appearance.
The base metal matters too. Stainless steel is a practical choice for everyday jewellery because it is strong and corrosion-resistant. A PVD finish is designed to bond more securely than very thin conventional electroplating, which is one reason it is popular for low-maintenance pieces.
How to care for water-resistant jewellery
- Rinse with fresh water after the ocean or pool.
- Dry gently with a soft cloth.
- Avoid abrasive polishing products.
- Limit exposure to strong household chemicals.
- Store necklaces separately to reduce tangling and scratching.
Should you take jewellery off before showering?
If a piece is delicate, contains pearls, soft stones, glued elements or unknown plating, removing it is the safest option. For Tegan Rae pieces specifically described as water-resistant PVD stainless steel, occasional showering is generally compatible with the intended everyday-wear design. Always follow the care information for the individual product.
Frequently asked questions
Does showering make gold jewellery tarnish?
It depends on the material. Solid gold behaves differently from plated jewellery. For plated pieces, the coating quality, base metal and products used in the shower all matter.
Can I wear Tegan Rae jewellery at the beach?
Many Tegan Rae pieces are designed for water-resistant everyday wear. After salt-water exposure, rinse with fresh water and dry gently.
Is PVD gold the same as solid gold?
No. PVD gold jewellery uses a coated finish over a base metal such as stainless steel. Solid gold is gold alloy throughout the piece and is priced very differently.