Waterproof Jewellery in Sri Lanka: What 18k Plated Steel Means
Waterproof jewellery in Sri Lanka is jewellery made to cope with daily life in a hot, humid climate: hand washing, perspiration, the occasional rain shower. At Paired, every piece of jewellery is 18k plated stainless steel, which we describe as waterproof, anti-tarnish and hypoallergenic. In short, a durable steel base is finished with a layer of 18-karat gold colour, so pieces are made to keep their colour rather than turning dull or green with everyday wear.
Below, we explain what each of those words means, and how to get the most from your pieces.
What does 18k plated stainless steel mean?
There are two parts to this phrase: the base metal and the finish.
The base: stainless steel
Stainless steel is a strong alloy known for resisting rust and corrosion. As a base for jewellery it is durable, holds its shape well and does not easily bend or snap, which makes it well suited to pieces worn every day, such as rings, bangles and huggie earrings.
The finish: 18k plating
Plating means a thin layer of another metal is bonded to the surface of the base. 18k refers to the karat of the gold used, which gives a warm, rich yellow tone. The same principle applies to our rose gold and silver finishes, so you can choose the colour that suits your skin tone and wardrobe.
Explore each finish in our gold jewellery, rose gold jewellery and silver jewellery collections.
What waterproof and anti-tarnish mean in daily life
Tarnish is the darkening or discolouration that can appear on some metals when they react with air, moisture or the natural oils on your skin. Many fashion pieces made from brass or other base metals can tarnish quickly, particularly in humid weather.
Because our jewellery is made on a stainless steel base, it is designed to resist that reaction. In practical terms, this means you can:
- wash your hands without taking off your rings;
- wear your earrings and necklaces on warm, sticky days;
- be caught in a monsoon shower without worrying about your bangles;
- wear the same pieces every day rather than saving them for occasions.
Why this matters in Sri Lanka
Life on the island is warm for most of the year, and humidity stays high in Colombo and along the coast. Jewellery is worn through long commutes, crowded buses, family functions and evenings outdoors. Pieces that can handle moisture and heat without losing their colour are simply more practical, and they let you enjoy the same favourite earrings or bangle for many months of regular wear.
What hypoallergenic means here
Hypoallergenic describes materials that are less likely to cause a reaction. Stainless steel is widely used in everyday jewellery for this reason. Everyone's skin is different, though, so if you know you are sensitive to certain metals, it is sensible to wear a new piece for a short time at first and see how it feels.
How to keep your jewellery bright for longer
Waterproof and anti-tarnish do not mean indestructible. Any plated finish will last longer with a little care. These simple habits help:
- Put jewellery on last. Apply perfume, body lotion and sunscreen first and let them dry.
- Rinse after the sea or pool. Salt water and chlorine can be harsh on any finish, so rinse pieces in fresh water and pat them dry.
- Avoid harsh chemicals. Remove rings before using cleaning products.
- Store pieces separately. A pouch or lined box prevents chains tangling and stops harder pieces scratching softer ones.
- Wipe gently. A soft, dry cloth is enough to bring back the shine.
Our full guide on caring for your shoes and jewellery has more tips.
Building an everyday jewellery wardrobe
Because these pieces are made for daily wear, they are easy to build into a small collection you reach for every morning. A good starting point is one pair of earrings, a delicate necklace and a bangle in the same finish. From there, add a ring, an anklet or a coordinated set for occasions.
Gold, rose gold or silver?
There is no single right answer, but a few simple ideas can help. Gold has a warm glow that many people find flattering against deeper skin tones and bright, festive colours. Rose gold is softer and pairs beautifully with blush, cream and pastel outfits. Silver has a cooler, crisp finish that suits monochrome looks, denim and grey or navy office wear. Above all, choose the finish you enjoy wearing most, and keep your everyday pieces in one tone so they always work together.
If you enjoy wearing several pieces at once, our guide on how to layer necklaces and bracelets shows how to combine lengths and textures.
FAQs
Can I shower with waterproof jewellery?
Our stainless steel pieces are made to cope with water in daily life. To help the finish last, many people still remove jewellery before using soaps, shampoos or body oils, and rinse pieces after swimming.
Will 18k plated stainless steel turn my skin green?
Green marks usually come from copper-based metals reacting with skin. Our jewellery is made on a stainless steel base and is anti-tarnish, which is designed to avoid this.
Is 18k plated jewellery the same as solid gold?
No. Solid gold is gold throughout, while 18k plated jewellery has a stainless steel core with a gold-toned surface layer. It gives the look of gold at a more accessible price.
Discover pieces made for everyday wear in our jewellery collection, with pay in 3 interest-free through Koko or Mintpay.