Living in Australia means water is part of our lifestyle. From Sydney's iconic beaches to backyard pools and tropical reef adventures, we spend significant time in and around water. But can your favourite bracelets join you? Understanding which materials handle water and which don't can save you from ruined jewellery and disappointment.
This guide breaks down bracelet materials by water safety, so you can choose the right pieces for your beach days, pool parties, and water sports adventures.
Understanding Water Damage
Water affects different bracelet materials in different ways:
- Corrosion: Water (especially salt water) causes certain metals to rust or tarnish
- Degradation: Natural materials like leather absorb water, becoming stiff and cracked
- Weakening: Elastic cords and certain threads deteriorate with repeated water exposure
- Discolouration: Some materials fade, stain, or change colour when wet
- Loosening: Water can affect glues and adhesives holding stones or components
Chlorine in pools and salt in ocean water are particularly damaging, more so than plain freshwater.
Truly Waterproof Materials
These materials can handle regular water exposure, including swimming:
Stainless Steel
The gold standard for water-friendly jewellery. Marine-grade stainless steel (316L) resists corrosion even in salt water. It's affordable, durable, and won't tarnish, rust, or react with your skin. Perfect for those who never want to remove their bracelets.
Titanium
Extremely corrosion-resistant and lightweight. Titanium is hypoallergenic and practically indestructible. More expensive than stainless steel but ideal for serious water sports enthusiasts.
Silicone
The go-to material for fitness bands and casual beach bracelets. Silicone is completely waterproof, flexible, and comes in endless colours. It won't degrade, but may attract sand and lint.
Certain Plastics and Resins
Acrylic and resin bracelets handle water well. However, quality varies—cheap plastics may fade in sunlight or become brittle over time.
Nylon/Paracord
Synthetic cord bracelets dry quickly and resist water damage. Popular for surfers and sailors. Some designs feature quick-dry weaves that don't hold moisture.
- Stainless steel chain bracelets
- Silicone fitness bands
- Nylon cord survival bracelets
- Titanium cuffs
Water-Resistant (Use with Caution)
These materials can handle occasional splashes but shouldn't be submerged regularly:
Platinum and Palladium
These precious metals resist corrosion well, but the settings holding gemstones may be vulnerable. Occasional water exposure is fine; regular swimming isn't recommended for pieces with stones.
Solid Gold (10k and above)
Pure gold doesn't corrode, but gold alloys contain other metals that may react with chlorine over time. Occasional exposure is fine, but remove gold bracelets for regular swimming. White gold with rhodium plating is particularly vulnerable to chlorine damage.
Natural Stone Beads (Non-Porous)
Dense stones like tiger's eye, onyx, and hematite resist water absorption. However, the elastic cord they're strung on will degrade. Brief water exposure is acceptable; prolonged submersion is not.
Coconut Shell and Wood (Sealed)
When properly sealed with waterproof finish, these natural materials can handle splashes. But the seal wears off over time, and eventually water will penetrate.
Pool chlorine is more damaging than salt water for many metals. Even "water-resistant" materials like solid gold should be removed before entering chlorinated pools. Chlorine can permanently damage rhodium plating and accelerate tarnishing.
Not Water-Safe
Remove these bracelets before any water activity:
Sterling Silver
Silver tarnishes rapidly when exposed to water, especially salt water. Chlorine accelerates this dramatically. Always remove sterling silver before swimming or showering.
Leather
Water causes leather to stiffen, crack, discolour, and eventually fall apart. Even "water-resistant" leather treatments provide limited protection and wear off over time.
Porous Gemstones
Turquoise, pearls, opals, and coral absorb water, which can cause discolouration, cracking, or structural damage. These delicate materials need to stay completely dry.
Elastic/Stretch Cord
The stretchy cord used in most beaded bracelets degrades with water exposure. Regular wetting weakens the material until it snaps unexpectedly.
Plated Metals
Gold-plated, silver-plated, or rhodium-plated pieces will have their plating wear away faster with water exposure, revealing the base metal underneath.
Fabric and Thread
Cotton, silk, and most textile bracelets absorb water, take forever to dry, and can develop mould or odour. Water also fades colours over time.
Practical Tips for Beach and Pool Days
Before You Go
- Choose your water-safe bracelets in advance
- Remove and safely store vulnerable pieces at home
- Bring a small zippered pouch for jewellery you'll remove on-site
At the Beach
- Sand can scratch metal surfaces and get trapped in chain links
- Rinse water-safe bracelets with fresh water after ocean swimming
- Don't leave any jewellery exposed to direct Australian sun for hours
- Salt water is particularly harsh—even resistant materials benefit from rinsing
At the Pool
- Chlorine is harsh on most metals—remove anything precious
- Silicone and stainless steel are your safest pool companions
- Rinse chlorine off thoroughly after swimming
- Dry bracelets completely before storage
Create a designated "water jewellery" collection. Keep these pieces in your beach bag so you always have something appropriate. Having dedicated water-safe options prevents the temptation to risk your favourite pieces.
Caring for Water-Exposed Bracelets
Even waterproof materials benefit from post-swim care:
- Rinse: Always rinse with fresh water after salt water or pool exposure
- Dry: Pat dry with a soft cloth rather than air drying
- Inspect: Check clasps and connections for any loosening
- Clean: Periodically deep clean to remove accumulated residue
- Store: Ensure completely dry before putting away
Smart Bracelet and Fitness Band Considerations
Many smart bracelets and fitness trackers claim water resistance, but specifics matter:
- IP67: Protected against temporary immersion (30 minutes at 1 metre). Suitable for rain and hand washing, not swimming.
- IP68: Protected against prolonged immersion. Usually fine for swimming, but check manufacturer specifications for depth limits.
- 5ATM: Water resistant to 50 metres. Suitable for swimming and showering.
- 10ATM: Water resistant to 100 metres. Suitable for recreational diving.
Note that "water-resistant" doesn't mean "waterproof." Additionally, water resistance ratings assume stationary water—the pressure of swimming strokes or diving can exceed these ratings.
Building a Water-Friendly Collection
For active Australians, consider investing in:
- A quality stainless steel chain or bangle for everyday wear including casual water exposure
- A silicone band for serious swimming, surfing, or water sports
- Nylon cord bracelets for beach casual style
- A water-resistant smart band if you track fitness activities
These pieces let you enjoy Australia's water lifestyle without anxiety about ruining precious jewellery. Save your silver, leather, and gemstone pieces for dry land—they'll last longer, and you'll enjoy them more.