Is Sterling Silver Waterproof?

Sterling silver is popular for various reasons. Some jewelry lovers prefer it for its durability, while others adore its understated yet stunning silver hue. 

That said, jewelry is part of our day-to-day attire, whether we are handling chores, working, exercising, or just having a good time. It is thus essential to understand how to maintain each piece to ensure you enjoy it longer. 

Which brings us to the subject of the day: Is sterling silver waterproof? Not quite. It is best to handle sterling silver jewelry carefully and limit frequent contact with water. 

Yes, we hear you. This is certainly not a satisfactory answer. Come along as we explain all dos, don’ts, and whys below.

Sterling Silver: The Basics

Authentic sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver mixed or alloyed with copper and other metal elements. Copper alloying makes pure silver more durable and sturdier than it is in its natural state. However, copper only makes up 7.5% of the entire composition, which is low enough to maintain the purity and value of the silver.

The Waterproof Question

So, what is the relation between the composition of sterling silver and whether it is waterproof?

Well, the effect of water on metal usually depends on its composition. In this case, pure silver is a stable metallic element and does not react with water. However, sterling silver contains copper, which reacts with moisture and chemical elements that may be present in water.

As a result, sterling silver jewelry does not immediately corrode when it comes into contact with ordinary water. This is why most people may shower, swim, or do their dishes while wearing silver jewelry, without noticing any instant change. The high percentage of pure non-reactive silver keeps it intact. 

Nevertheless, the more silver jewelry comes into contact with water, the more opportunities the copper elements have to react with it or other substances like soap. The copper component in the silver eventually tarnishes enough to discolor the jewelry.

Based on this, it is safe to say that sterling silver is not waterproof because it can be affected by water over time. It is more accurate to describe it as water-resistant.

Key Factors About Sterling Silver and Water Exposure

We encounter various types or qualities of water in different scenarios. It is essential to consider this because some types or qualities of water can affect silver jewelry more significantly than others. Let’s look into some common examples, shall we?

Ocean Water

Ocean water is salty and contains a whole ecosystem with different pH levels. It, therefore, tends to have a more dire effect on silver jewelry. The effect after only a few hours of exposure may be minimal. You may notice that your jewelry looks just slightly duller. However, frequent exposure to ocean water can lead to more noticeable and accelerated silver tarnishing.

Hard Water

Hard water contains high levels of dense mineral deposits, which is why it gradually causes scaling and watermarks on surfaces. Its composition has a similar effect on sterling silver jewelry. Using it to hand-wash dishes, clean, or shower will likely dull your jewelry at first and tarnish it with time.

Hot Water and Steam

In Science, heat is classified as a catalyst; it creates a condition that accelerates chemical reactions. Frequent or prolonged exposure to hot water in the shower or a tub, therefore, allows the copper in silver to react with the water at an enhanced level. This eventually causes the jewelry to tarnish, more so if other agents, such as soaps, are involved.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools contain chlorinated water. The concentration of the chlorine is usually safe enough for human skin, but high enough to react with sterling silver jewelry. No, it will not fizzle your jewelry into dust, but you will undoubtedly notice a color change or less sheen on the silver after hours in the pool or if you are a regular swimmer.

Care Tips For Sterling Silver Jewelry

Taking maintenance steps after your sterling silver jewelry has been exposed to water can mitigate the damage. Here are some easy ways to keep your silver pieces pristine. 

Clean and Dry

After swimming, activities, or chores, take off your sterling silver jewelry and assess. Look out for any tarnishing, dullness, or substance deposits. Then:

• Pat the jewelry dry
• Choose a soft cloth made of quality fabric like cotton or microfiber
• Use the cloth to rub or polish the jewelry gently until it is clean and dry

While this approach sounds overly simple, it is much safer for sterling silver jewelry. Using various home cleaning tricks can work, but it can also go horribly wrong and ruin your jewelry even more.

Professional Maintenance

Cleaning your jewelry at home is ideal for day-to-day maintenance. However, professional cleaners are better equipped to handle different types and levels of tarnishing. They may also be able to identify flaws that may not stand out to the naked eye and fix them.

It is ideal to have your jewelry professionally cleaned annually. Nevertheless, this can vary depending on how often you wear the jewelry and the conditions in which you wear it.

How to Prevent Water Damage on Sterling Silver Jewelry

If you would like to keep your sterling jewelry looking good as new, for longer:

Take It Off When Necessary

It is advisable to always remove sterling silver jewelry before taking on water-related activities. It is equally ideal to avoid wearing silver pieces during sweaty activities like gym workouts or sports. Such scenarios expose your jewelry to moisture and can tarnish it, especially if they are regular parts of your life.

Store It Correctly

Choose a safe, dry, spacious area to store your sterling silver jewelry. Ensure that each piece is not exposed to heat, direct sunlight, or moisture, as all these factors can discolor and eventually tarnish the jewelry.

Tips on Selecting Sterling Silver Jewelry

Choosing quality sterling silver jewelry guarantees that your jewelry will be more resilient against water exposure. So, as you shop, consider:

The Material

Confirm that the jewelry you plan to buy is made of authentic sterling silver. It should contain 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Any other ratios offer a lower quality and may not be as durable, valuable, or water-resistant.

The Design

Sterling silver jewelry pieces with intricate designs, such as complex or layered links, have many nooks and crannies. Water and other substances can seep into such spaces, making it hard to completely clean and dry them at home. Such moisture, if left unattended, can cause the jewelry to tarnish because it may remain wet for a while before it dries.

As such, if you reckon your jewelry will regularly come into contact with moisture or water, it is advisable to prioritize solid or less intricate designs that are easy to clean and dry.

Protective Seals

Some sterling silver jewelry manufacturers plate or coat their pieces with protective layers. This prevents water from accessing the sterling silver layer unless the seal wears out or chips. 

Such pieces offer better longevity and resilience against water. They can be a beneficial option for jewelry lovers who live in rainy or humid regions or simply prefer not to take off their jewelry every time they are in contact with water.

Conclusion

Sterling silver may not be waterproof, but it certainly holds up well against water damage and can remain in good condition for years with proper care. So, if you have been wondering whether sterling silver jewelry is worth investing in, consider this a big nod to give it a try. 

Better yet, contact us at S&J Jewellery. We manufacture custom sterling jewelry for individual customers and brands, and supply jewelry wholesalers and retailers. We craft each piece using authentic sterling silver and can provide the requisite documentation on request. Need other jewelry business-related services? You can count on us for that, too. We offer seamless, all-inclusive services, including custom packaging.