Sweat-Proof Jewelry for Swimming, Running, Dance & The Gym

Do you love working out but hate taking off your jewelry? You want to look tres chic, especially for your pre- and post-workout selfies, without the hassle of removing your favorite everyday accessories, not to mention worrying about jewelry that doesn't turn skin green. Traditional plated jewelry can discolor, turn green, corrode, or tarnish when exposed to sweat. 

 

 

 

The Solution: Excellent news! You don't have to go jewelry-free during your favorite workout or gym session. You just need higher-quality gold-plated jewelry :)  PVD-plated stainless steel is considered to be sweat-proof jewelry. PVD-plated stainless steel provides a high-quality, sweat-resistant alternative to less expensive, lower-quality jewelry plating techniques, making it a great choice for wearing during exercise.  Glam Body Candy has all the info you need here to make the best decision.

 

 

Why Does Sweat Ruin Jewelry? (The Science)

Sweat is acidic. It reacts with metals like brass, copper, and even sterling silver.

What is sweat? Sweat 99% water and trace amounts of carbs, salt, protein, and urea. Sweat is your body cooling naturally and contains trace amounts of sodium. When your body heats up during exercise, this combination of elements (sweat) ends up sitting directly on the jewelry, collecting in crevices, chain links, stones, and backside.

Metals like copper, brass (base metals), and even sterling silver may be highly reactive when they come into contact with sweat. This chemical reaction starts almost immediately and increases during movement.

 

The Result: Cheap plating fades, silver turns black (oxidation), and your skin might turn green.

Cheap, low-quality plated jewelry begins to fade, chip, corrode, discolor, and/or peel when it comes into contact with a substance it reacts with (such as sweat). Sterling silver darkens as it oxidizes (tarnishes). Copper-based metals leave green discoloration on the skin. Sweat accelerates these reactions, reducing the beauty and luster of the jewelry.

 

Takeaway: Stop wearing your delicate heirlooms to the gym!

Instead, wear PVD-plated jewelry to the gym. It WILL last throughout your gym sessions, unlike cheaper base-plated metals.

 

The Solution — Why 316L Stainless Steel is the Best Gym Buddy

Durability: Gym equipment is tough, heavy, and rough, constantly coming in contact with your skin and accessories, whether you are aware of it or not. Although fine metals can withstand sweat, many are softer than stainless steel, like gold. This may cause it to bend or warp under pressure.

 

 

316L stainless steel (our high-quality, surgical steel jewelry) is incredibly strong and durable, impact-resistant (under normal circumstances), and designed to handle friction without losing its shape or shine.

 

But, is 316L stainless steel jewelry of good quality? Check out our blog, Is Stainless Steel Jewelry of Good Quality? (An Honest Expert Guide), confirming this is the best metal choice for your everyday trendy jewelry collection. 316L stainless steel is one of the best gym jewelry options for those who love to use equipment and work up a good sweat. It is tarnish-free jewelry, made to go everywhere you go.

 

Glam Body Candy’s Jewelry Recommendations:  

Below are some of our favorite pieces for the gym, jewelry for yoga, and sweat resistant necklaces for any active lifestyle.

 

Stud Earrings: Best for dance classes,  cardio/running (won't bounce around or get caught on headphones).  If you like small, simple studs, check out our Minimalist Heart Stud Earrings, featuring a smooth, buffed finish with a sleek silhouette. Easy butterfly backs keep them in place, making them a great choice for workout earrings.

 

Snake Chains/Flat Chain Necklaces: The smooth surface of these classic style link chains doesn't trap sweat or catch on hair/clothing.  Our delicate Dainty Butterfly Mother of Pearl Necklace features a beautiful butterfly pendant on a lightweight cable chain.

 

Bracelets: Check out our Minimal Layered Enamel Bracelet featuring a double layer with charms, giving you all the layering look you need in one single bracelet.

 

 

Care Tips: Post-Workout Routine for Your Jewelry

A simple, gym-ready step-by-step care routine will help keep your PVD stainless steel and "bare" stainless steel jewelry looking clean, pristine, and free of bacteria and build-up.

 

1：Quick Rinse (Immediately After Workout)

After you finish working out, remove your stainless steel jewelry and give it a quick rinse with warm water. This removes salt, sweat, oils, and other bacteria your jewelry may have collected during exercising. It is quick and easy, with no other tools required.

 

The good news is YOU CAN shower with your jewelry on! Making sure you wipe away all shampoo, conditioner, and body wash is very important. Feel free check out our other blog, Can I Shower With My Stainless Steel Jewelry? For all the up-to-date information you need on this important topic.

 

2：Gentle Wash (If Needed) + Mild Soap

Using an easy-to-find mild dish soap or hand soap with warm water makes the perfect solution for cleaning not only your stainless steel (plated or regular) jewelry, but also other types of jewelry as well. Mix a few drops with warm water in a bowl. Or, using hand soap and your hands, mix this combination as you would when washing your hands and holding the jewelry. Avoid anything harsh or abrasive; no scrubbing required. Rinse under cool water, pat or air dry.

 

 

3：Dry Thoroughly

Drying your PVD-plated stainless steel jewelry and other jewelry immediately removes moisture lodged in tiny crevices and spaces. Making sure clasps, chain links, and other decorative details are fully dry will remove build-up.

 Drying properly removes:

 ● Water droplets. Water droplets sitting on the surface after rinsing may cause marks on the surface.

● Sweat residue. Residue may hide within the jewelry, even after cleaning.

● Salt particles. Salt particles from sweat may be left behind, even after cleaning.

● Oils. From your skin that clings to the metal, in addition to the applied body oils, lotions, SPF, and other creams.

● Any leftover soap film. Cleaning any residual soap will remove a film.

● Moisture inside clasps, hinges, links, texture, settings, etc. May settle if it isn't properly wiped away and dried.

 

4：Use a Jewelry Cloth

Wiping away any debris and bacteria with a jewelry cloth helps restore its shine. This easy way removes any sweat sitting on the surface of the metal and stones.

 

 

5：Avoid Harsh Chemicals & Heat

Avoiding cleaning agents, perfumes, heavy creams, and lotions will help extend the life of any jewelry. This is because your jewelry won't be exposed to potentially damaging substances, stripping it of any decorative element, fancy finish, shine, or ruining the stone if it has been enhanced.

 

For more in-depth articles on how to clean your jewelry at home, make sure to check out our latest blog, How to Safely Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry (The Right Way).

 

 

Final Tip

If you follow these simple steps: rinse, dry, and store properly, your PVD-plated stainless steel jewelry will stay sweat-proof and selfie-ready for years, making it your favorite go-to both in and out of the gym. 316L stainless steel PVD-plated designs offer a stunning non-tarnish gold jewelry choice that is budget-friendly and versatile.

 

Summary

Waterproof gold jewelry is easily within reach. Don't compromise your personal style; instead, choose jewelry you can wear all the time without worrying about damaging it!

 

PVD gold plating durability: Feel free to run, lift, swim, and so much more with stainless steel jewelry and PVD-plated jewelry, knowing it will withstand this normal wear and tear.

 

 

316L stainless steel jewelry benefits: Sweat-proof PVD-plated stainless steel jewelry gives you all the confidence you need to make a statement of style--touched with wearability and realism as you make picture-perfect moments doing your favorite activities. Hypoallergenic earrings for sensitive ears are a common issue; selecting stainless steel earrings is the perfect solution for many, with their minimal nickel composition.

 

Ready to upgrade your workout look and stay on-trend by selecting the best jewelry for an active lifestyle? Shop our Sweat-Proof PVD Stainless Steel Collection and sparkle while you sweat. We have growing collections of stainless steel bracelets, earrings for running, and necklaces.

 

 

About the Author

Emma Zerner was born in Guelph, Ontario and raised in Gainesville, Florida. Emma has a B.S. in Retail Merchandising from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and Graduate Gemologist (G.G), from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). In 2002, Emma began her jewelry career in retail and now creates jewelry content for global brands. In her free time, Emma has appeared on several major network reality TV shows, including MTV, BRAVO, and TLC