Jewelry Materials
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Jewelry Materials – Water-Resistant & Hypoallergenic
At ParureParisienne, we focus on crafting jewelry that lasts and is gentle on your skin. Our pieces are designed to withstand water exposure and keep their vibrant color, even with everyday use.
Most of our collections are made from stainless steel—commonly called surgical steel—and coated with an elegant 18-karat gold plating. We also feature pieces made of sterling silver, which are similarly plated in 18-karat gold for a timeless shine.
Below, you’ll discover what makes our chains, rings, bracelets, and earrings water-resistant, and how you can best care for your ParureParisienne jewelry to prevent tarnishing and discoloration.
What Makes ParureParisienne Jewelry Water-Resistant?
stainless steel is a tough and durable metal widely used in medical applications due to its hypoallergenic nature. It’s perfect for earrings and body jewelry because it won’t irritate sensitive skin. Stainless steel resists corrosion and won’t change color when it comes in contact with water, making it ideal for everyday wear—including in the shower.
Our gold-plated stainless steel jewelry also benefits from water resistance. The 18-karat gold is applied using ion plating, which creates a strong bond that keeps the gold finish vibrant and long-lasting without fading.
While sterling silver is a higher-grade metal with a beautiful shine, it is more delicate than stainless steel. Silver can tarnish over time due to environmental exposure, so we add a rhodium plating for extra protection. This slows tarnishing even with water contact. If tarnishing occurs, it can be easily polished away with a silver cloth or cleaning solution. Our gold-plated silver pieces also have some water resistance, but the gold layer may gradually fade with repeated exposure.
Can I Wear ParureParisienne Jewelry in the Ocean?
Yes! Stainless steel jewelry from ParureParisienne is strong enough for ocean swimming. Though it’s recommended to rinse your jewelry afterward to remove salt residue, the metal itself resists saltwater corrosion and color loss. The same goes for our gold-plated stainless steel items.
Sterling silver jewelry, however, is more sensitive. Saltwater can speed up tarnishing and wear down the gold plating over time. While rhodium plating offers some protection, it’s best to avoid regular ocean use for silver pieces.
Is Pool Water Safe for My Jewelry?
Chlorine can damage jewelry materials. However, stainless steel, including gold-plated versions, can tolerate small amounts of chlorine, like those found in private pools or spas. Be sure to rinse your jewelry afterward with chlorine-free water.
Sterling silver jewelry should be removed before swimming in chlorinated pools, as chlorine can corrode the metal and wear off gold plating.
Tips to Keep Your Jewelry Looking Its Best
- Avoid contact with cosmetics: Perfumes, lotions, and creams can damage plating. Put on your jewelry only after these products have dried.
- Remove jewelry when exercising: Sweat can affect the finish and comfort, so take your pieces off before workouts.
- Clean your jewelry regularly: Dust, oils, and debris can dull your pieces. Use gentle cleaning methods—check out our Jewelry Care Guide for advice.
- Store your jewelry properly: Keep your items in a closed box or pouch to minimize exposure to air and light, which can accelerate tarnishing.
About Other Materials
Some ParureParisienne jewelry includes freshwater pearls and zirconia stones:
- Freshwater pearls have a natural, unique shape and can tolerate occasional water exposure, including salt water, but chlorine should be avoided as it can harm their surface. Remove pearl jewelry before swimming.
- Zirconia stones are lab-created crystals with brilliance similar to diamonds. They are water-resistant and won’t be damaged by water.