Best Waterproof Jewellery in Australia (Tried and Tested)
It's a Saturday morning in Sydney. You're heading to the beach, then brunch, then maybe a late afternoon swim. At what point do you want to be fiddling with taking your earrings out and putting them back in? Never. The answer is NEVER.
If you live in Australia, "waterproof" isn't a nice-to-have in jewellery. It's the bare minimum. Between ocean swims, humid summers that refuse to end, and sunscreen reapplication that happens roughly 47 times a day, your jewellery needs to keep up.
I started The Littl in Sydney over 10 years ago (as a tiny little 21 yo - how time flies) because I couldn't find jewellery that did (at a price I could afford, at that age). Everything either tarnished after a week at the beach or cost $500+ for solid gold. There had to be a middle ground. Turns out there is, and it's called gold-filled.
What makes jewellery waterproof (and what doesn't)
Let's clear something up first: "waterproof" in jewellery doesn't mean the same thing as a waterproof phone case. No jewellery is meant to sit in water indefinitely. What it means in practice is: you can get it wet regularly without the finish degrading.
Here's what holds up and what doesn't:
| Material | Shower | Ocean | Pool | Gym/Sweat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold-plated | No | No | No | No |
| Sterling silver | OK | Tarnishes fast | Tarnishes | OK |
| Gold vermeil | Risky | No | No | Risky |
| 14k gold-filled | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Solid gold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Gold-filled gives you solid-gold water resistance at a fraction of the price. That's the sweet spot for most people.
Our picks: waterproof jewellery for every style
Best waterproof earrings
Freshwater Pearl Thick Hoop Earrings, $159.99
Our all-time bestseller and probably the piece that's seen the most ocean time of anything we've made. The 14k gold-filled hoops are fully waterproof and the freshwater pearl is naturally water-friendly (it grew in water, after all). These have been to more beaches than most people we know (not exaggerating).
Butterfly Thick Hoop Earrings, $159.99
A little more personality. The butterfly detail adds something fun without being over the top, and the thick hoop construction means these sit comfortably and securely. Wear them to the pool, to work, to bed. They're not going anywhere.
Open Hoop Stud Earrings, from $95.99
If you prefer something smaller and more minimal, these are the ones. Available in 12mm, 20mm, and 30mm. Perfect for second and third piercings. Completely waterproof and hypoallergenic.
Best waterproof necklaces
Bead Chain Necklace, $127.99
The necklace you put on and genuinely don't take off. The ball chain is simple, sits beautifully on the collarbone, and the gold-filled construction handles everything. We've worn this one surfing, running, and through multiple Sydney summers.
Bello Opal Beaded Curb Chain Necklace, $179.99
Something with a bit more texture and personality. The opal details catch the light beautifully and the curb chain has that slightly chunkier, cool-girl feel. Waterproof, obviously. And genuinely one of those pieces that gets better the more you wear it.
Best waterproof anklets
Freshwater Pearl Chain Anklet, $137.00
Anklets take the most abuse of any jewellery piece. Sand, salt water, sunscreen on your legs, shoes rubbing against the chain. This one handles all of it. The freshwater pearl adds a beautiful touch and the gold-filled chain won't tarnish or discolour no matter what you put it through.
What to look for when buying waterproof jewellery in Australia
- Check the material, not the marketing. A lot of brands use "water-resistant" or "tarnish-free" without specifying the actual material. If it doesn't say gold-filled, solid gold, or stainless steel, make sure to ask
- Avoid anything that says "remove before swimming." If a brand has to warn you about water exposure, the piece isn't waterproof. It's marketing
- Look for Australian brands that actually test in Australian conditions. There's a difference between "water-resistant in a lab" and "worn to Bronte Beach three times a week for five years." We test our pieces in the conditions our customers actually live in
- Consider the clasp. Lobster clasps are the most secure for water activities. Spring-ring clasps can come undone more easily when wet. All our necklaces and bracelets use lobster clasps for exactly this reason
"Wear them for work, best earrings. They don't tarnish like other sterling silver sleepers that I used to wear. I would definitely recommend these."
Leanne · Classic Hoop Earrings
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear gold-filled jewellery at the beach every day?
Yes. We do, and so do thousands of our customers across Australia. Rinse with fresh water after to remove salt residue and your pieces will look perfect.
Is stainless steel or gold-filled better for waterproof jewellery?
Both handle water well. Stainless steel is cheaper but has a cooler, more industrial look and feel. Gold-filled looks and feels like real gold, is hypoallergenic, and has a warmer tone. It comes down to aesthetic preference and whether you want something that looks like fine jewellery or not.
Will sunscreen damage gold-filled jewellery?
Standard sunscreen is fine. Just wipe off any visible residue when you can. The gold layer won't degrade from sunscreen contact, but heavy buildup over time can make pieces look dull until you clean them.
How long does waterproof jewellery actually last?
Gold-filled pieces last 10 to 30 years with daily wear, including regular water exposure. Solid gold lasts a lifetime. Gold-plated lasts weeks to months. Stainless steel lasts years but can scratch more easily than gold-filled.
Browse our full waterproof gold-filled collection.
Written by Alice, founder of The Littl. Making waterproof, everyday jewellery in Sydney since 2016.