Our jewelry materials – waterproof & allergy-friendly
The majority of our jewelry is made of 316L stainless steel, also known as surgical steel, and is 18-karat gold-plated. In addition to surgical steel, we also offer pieces made of 925 sterling silver. These pieces are also 18-karat gold-plated.
Here you can find out what our chains , rings , Bracelets and earrings makes it waterproof and how you can protect your ICRUSH jewelry from tarnishing and discoloration.
What makes ICRUSH jewelry waterproof?
316L stainless steel is a very durable and resilient material that is ideal for making jewelry. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, it has long been used in surgery. Because it does not cause allergies, stainless steel is also particularly suitable for earrings and piercings. Stainless steel is also waterproof, meaning it does not lose its color or tarnish even with regular contact with water. Stainless steel jewelry can therefore be worn while showering without hesitation. The same applies to gold-plated stainless steel. Because it is a very strong and robust material that is ion-plated, the gold plating adheres very well to the base material. This means that gold-plated stainless steel jewelry does not tarnish; the gold plating does not fade over time, but remains permanently intensely gold.
Compared to 316L stainless steel, 925 sterling silver is a higher quality material, but also a more delicate one. Sterling silver has been used in jewelry making for a very long time because of its beautiful, radiant shine. Silver can tarnish slightly over time; this is a completely normal reaction of the material to external environmental influences. Our sterling silver jewelry is rhodium-plated, meaning it has an additional coating that delays tarnishing. With regular contact with water, rhodium-plated silver jewelry can also tarnish over time. However, with the help of a silver polishing cloth or a silver bath, the jewelry can quickly be made to shine again. The situation is similar with gold-plated silver jewelry; thanks to an additional coating, it can also withstand contact with water to a certain extent. Over time, however, the gold plating can fade slightly as it washes away from the base material.
Can I wear ICRUSH jewelry in the ocean?
With stainless steel jewelry from ICRUSH, you can swim in the ocean without worry. While it's always best to remove jewelry before swimming in salt water, stainless steel is robust enough to withstand the salt. The same applies to gold-plated stainless steel jewelry. To keep your jewelry shining and lustrous for a long time, you should rinse it with fresh water after swimming in the ocean to remove any salt residue.
Sterling silver jewelry is a bit more delicate. It's best to avoid saltwater exposure, as the salt can corrode the silver and gold plating. If you do forget, rhodium plating will protect your sterling silver jewelry, but it doesn't offer sufficient protection against regular contact with saltwater.
Can I go into the pool with the jewelry?
Tips to prevent your jewelry from tarnishing or discoloring
- Keep your jewelry away from cosmetics: You shouldn't apply perfume and creams directly to your jewelry, as these cosmetics can damage the jewelry materials. So, it's best to put on your jewelry only after applying cream and perfume.
- Remove your jewelry when exercising: Sweat can also damage your jewelry, and jewelry can quickly become uncomfortable during exercise. Removing it beforehand will protect the material and keep it safe.
- Clean your jewelry regularly: Over time, your jewelry can get a little dirty as dander, dust, and other debris collect in it. Therefore, it's a good idea to clean your jewelry regularly. You can find tips for cleaning jewelry in our Jewelry care guide .
- Store your jewelry in a safe place: Your jewelry should be exposed to air and light as little as possible; it's best to store it in a closed jewelry box. Inspiration and tips for Jewelry storage can be found in our guide.
Other jewelry materials
Some of our jewelry pieces are also adorned with pearls or stones. These are genuine freshwater pearls and zirconia stones in various colors and shapes.
Our freshwater pearls are characterized by their natural, irregular shape, making each one unique. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are adorned with these pearls. Freshwater pearls can be worn in water, and they are also unaffected by salt water, but they may lose some of their luster with regular contact with water. Freshwater pearls should be well protected from chlorine, as this can damage the nacreous surface. Therefore, pearl jewelry should be removed when swimming.
Zirconia are synthetically produced crystals made of zirconium oxide. They resemble real diamonds in appearance and radiance. Zirconia stones are available in various colors, but colorless zirconia is the most commonly used. Jewelry set with zirconia stones is also waterproof, as water cannot harm the stones.