What Jewelry Can You Wear in the Ocean?: When it comes to wearing jewelry at sea, balancing style with practicality and durability is essential. It requires careful consideration to ensure that it can withstand the harsh conditions of the sea environment, including salt water, strong currents, sand, and sun.
Choosing ocean-friendly jewelry is a great way to enjoy stylish accessories while supporting sustainability and ocean conservation. Brands like 4ocean, Pura Vida Bracelets, Ten Thousand Villages, Alex and Ani, Sand Cloud, Blanca Monrós Gómez, and John Hardy offer beautiful, sustainable pieces made from eco-friendly materials. By choosing jewelry from these brands, you can make a positive impact on the environment.
Ideal Materials for Ocean Jewelry
Rustproof Steel:
Stainless steel is an excellent choice for marine jewelry. It is resistant to rust, corrosion, and tarnish, making it ideal for saline environments. Additionally, stainless steel is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of ocean activities.
Titanium:
Known for its incredible strength and lightweight properties, titanium is another fantastic option. It’s hypoallergenic and resistant to corrosion from saltwater, ensuring your jewelry stays intact and looking great.
Silicone:
Silicone rings and bracelets have gained popularity for their flexibility and durability. They are waterproof, comfortable to wear, and available in different colors and styles. Silicone jewelry is suitable for those who engage in active water sports.
Platinum:
Platinum is a premium choice for ocean jewelry. It is incredibly durable and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for prolonged exposure to seawater. Platinum’s density means it’s less likely to scratch or damage.
Solid Gold (preferably 14k or higher):
While gold can be a luxury option, it is important to choose high karat gold (14k or higher) for ocean wear. Higher karat gold contains more pure gold, which is less likely to tarnish. However, avoid wearing delicate or intricate gold pieces, as they can be damaged by the abrasive conditions of the ocean.
Recommended Jewelry Types
Common Bands and Cuffs:
Choose simple, solid bands or cuffs over delicate, intricate designs. Such jewelry is less likely to rust and is usually stronger.
Pendant Necklace:
If you prefer to wear necklaces, choose ones with solid chains and minimalistic pendants. Make sure the clasp is secure to prevent losing your necklace in the water.
Stud Earrings:
Stud earrings are safer than hoops or dangling styles. They are less likely to get caught or pulled while you are in the water.
Cuff and Bracelet:
Stainless steel or silicone cuffs and bracelets are ideal. Seawater does not affect this type of jewelry. Simple designs are more durable and practical.
Best Brands For Ocean-friendly Jewelry
Choosing ocean-friendly jewelry not only protects your accessories from the harsh marine environment but also supports sustainable practices that protect our oceans. Here are some of the best brands that offer stylish, durable, and environmentally conscious jewelry perfect for your beach adventures:
AUrate:
Why are they different:
Known for their commitment to durability, AUrate offers solid gold jewelry (14k or 18k) that is both beautiful and waterproof. Solid gold doesn’t tarnish, making it perfect for beach days and beyond.
4ocean
Why are they different:
Mission-driven: 4ocean is dedicated to cleaning up the world’s oceans and coastlines. For every piece of jewelry sold, they remove a pound of trash from the ocean.
Materials: Their jewelry is made from recycled materials, including ocean plastic and glass beads.
Variety: They offer bracelets, necklaces, and rings in different colors and styles.
Popular Products:
- Ocean Plastic Bracelets
- Beaded Anklets
Hey Harper:
Why are they different:
This affordable jewelry brand uses stainless steel coated with a process ten times stronger than regular gold plating. Stainless steel is extremely durable and corrosion-resistant, ensuring that your pieces last even around water.
Pura Vida Bracelets
Why They Stand Out:
Handmade: Pura Vida bracelets are handcrafted by artisans around the world, providing fair wages and sustainable jobs.
Materials: They use water-resistant wax-coated string and eco-friendly materials.
Support for causes: A portion of their profits goes to various environmental and humanitarian causes.
Popular Products:
- Beach Life Bracelet Packs
- Wave Rings
Sea Glass Jewelry by Ten Thousand Villages
Why They Stand Out:
Ethical Craftsmanship: Ten Thousand Villages works with artisans worldwide, ensuring fair trade and ethical production.
Materials: They use sea glass and other recycled materials for unique, ocean-themed designs.
Sustainability: The brand promotes sustainable practices and supports community development.
Popular Products:
- Sea Glass Necklaces
- Recycled Glass Earrings
Alex and Ani
Why They Stand Out:
Eco-friendly manufacturing: Committed to sustainability, Alex & Ani uses recycled materials and eco-friendly processes.
Durability: Their pieces are designed to withstand daily wear and tear, including exposure to water.
Charity by Design: A portion of the proceeds from certain collections goes to environmental charities.
Popular Products:
- Ocean-Themed Charm Bangles
- Eco-Conscious Bracelets
Sand Cloud
Why They Stand Out:
Ocean Conservation: Sand Cloud donates a portion of profits to marine conservation efforts.
Materials: They use sustainable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing methods.
Lifestyle Brand: Beyond jewelry, they offer beach towels and apparel designed with the ocean in mind.
Popular Products:
- Ocean Wave Necklace
- Recycled Glass Bracelets
Blanca Monrós Gómez
Why They Stand Out:
Fine jewelry with a conscience: Focuses on sustainable and ethical sourcing of materials.
Recycled Metals: Uses recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds.
Elegant Design: Offers simple, elegant pieces that are perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Popular Products:
- Recycled Gold Bands
- Ethical Diamond Studs
Nature Conservancy Jewelry by John Hardy
Why They Stand Out:
Commitment to Nature: John Hardy collaborates with The Nature Conservancy to help save the ocean.
Sustainable Practices: They use reclaimed metals and responsible gemstones.
Artisan Craftsmanship: Each piece is handcrafted by artisans, ensuring high quality and unique design.
Popular Products:
- Reclaimed Metal Cuffs
- Ocean-Inspired engagement rings
Jewelry to Avoid in the Ocean
- Fashion Jewelry: Usually made from base metal that can tarnish or corrode. There are often glued stones that can fall off.
- Pieces of leather or fabric: Exposure to salt water may degrade or discolor them. They are more difficult to clean and maintain.
- Pearls and Soft Gemstones: Prone to damage and discoloration from salt water. Sea wear requires special care and is not practical.
- Avoid plated jewelry: Be careful with plated jewelry (such as gold-plated or silver-plated) as the plating can wear down over time and tarnish the underlying metal.
Care and Maintenance Tips
- Rinse after use: Always rinse your jewelry with fresh water after wearing it in the sea. This helps remove any salt, sand, or debris that may cause corrosion in the materials.
- Dry thoroughly: Dry your jewelry completely after rinsing to prevent any moisture-related damage.
- Regular cleaning: Clean your ocean jewelry regularly to maintain its appearance and longevity. Use the appropriate cleaning solution for your jewelry material.
- Inspect for damage: Check your jewelry frequently for any signs of damage, such as loose stones or weak clasps, especially if you wear it often in the ocean.
FAQ Of What Jewelry Can You Wear in the Ocean?
Q. What Jewelry Can You Wear In The Ocean?
Ans:- You can wear pure gold, gold-filled, platinum, or sterling silver jewelry in the sea. These metals can handle salt water better.
Q. What Jewelry Won’t Tarnish In Salt Water?
Ans:- Choose jewelry made of solid gold, titanium, platinum, non-plated stainless steel, or non-plated sterling silver to avoid tarnishing in salt water.
Q. What Is The Best Jewelry Material For Saltwater?
Ans:- Choose pure gold, gold-filled, platinum, or sterling silver jewelry for the best durability in saltwater.
Q. Is It Ok To Wear 14k Gold In The Sea?
Ans:-Yes, it’s OK to wear 14K gold in the sea as it can handle saltwater without tarnishing.
In Conclusion:
Wearing jewelry at sea is all about choosing the right materials and designs that can withstand the environment. Opt for stainless steel, titanium, silicone, gold (14k or higher), or platinum for durability and longevity. Stick to simple designs like bands, pendant necklaces, stud earrings, and cuffs. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy your beach trip while keeping your jewelry in great condition.