Kendra Scott has become a beloved go-to brand for stylish, accessible jewelry—think vibrant gemstone earrings, dainty necklaces, and versatile bracelets that elevate any outfit, from casual jeans to formal dresses. But if you’re a fan of this brand (or considering adding a piece to your collection), one question likely crosses your mind:is Kendra Scott jewelry waterproof? The global waterproof jewelry market size was estimated to be USD 1.34 billion in 2024, showing robust growth, with projections for continued momentum through 2033 at a CAGR of 8.2%. Driven by demand for durable, daily-wear accessories, this market is heavily influenced by materials like PVD-coated stainless steel and brass. Whether you’re rushing through a morning shower, hitting the beach, or simply want to keep your favorite pieces on without constant removal, knowing a brand’s waterproof capabilities is key to keeping your jewelry looking its best. In this blog, we’ll break down the truth about Kendra Scott’s waterproofing, the materials that matter, how to care for your pieces around water, and what to do if your jewelry gets wet. Let’s settle the debate once and for all!
First: What Does “Waterproof Jewelry” Actually Mean?
Before we dive into Kendra Scott specifically, let’s clarify what “waterproof” means when it comes to jewelry—because it’s not a one-size-fits-all term. True waterproof jewelry is designed to withstand prolonged exposure to water (think swimming, showering, or even submersion) without tarnishing, rusting, or sustaining damage. This usually requires specialized materials (like stainless steel, titanium, or solid gold) and protective coatings that seal out moisture. On the flip side, “water-resistant” jewelry can handle occasional splashes (like rain or handwashing) but will suffer if exposed to water for too long. Most fashion jewelry—including many Kendra Scott pieces—falls into the water-resistant category, not fully waterproof. But let’s break down the details to know exactly what to expect.
Is Kendra Scott Jewelry Waterproof? The Straight Answer
The short answer: No, most Kendra Scott jewelry is not waterproof. While the brand crafts beautiful, durable pieces, the majority of their jewelry is designed for everyday wear—not prolonged water exposure. Kendra Scott’s official care guidelines confirm this: their pieces are not intended to be worn in the shower, pool, ocean, or during any water-based activities. The reason boils down to the materials used, which are chosen for style and accessibility rather than full waterproofing. Let’s take a closer look at the materials that make Kendra Scott jewelry unique—and why they’re not ideal for constant water contact.
Why Most Kendra Scott Jewelry Isn’t Waterproof: Key Materials
Kendra Scott jewelry is known for its signature combination of metals, gemstones, and finishes—all of which contribute to its iconic look, but none of which are fully waterproof on their own. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials and how water affects them:
Metals: Plated Gold, Silver, and Brass
The majority of Kendra Scott jewelry uses base metals like brass, which are then plated with gold (vermeil or gold-plated), silver, or rose gold. These plated finishes are what give the jewelry its luxurious shine—but they’re delicate. When exposed to water (especially chlorinated pool water, saltwater, or soapy shower water), the plating can wear off over time, revealing the base metal underneath. This leads to tarnishing, discoloration (like turning green), and even rust in some cases. Unlike solid gold or stainless steel, plated metals don’t have the same water-resistant properties—and Kendra Scott rarely uses solid gold in their everyday collection (it’s reserved for higher-end, limited-edition pieces).
Gemstones: Delicate and Porous
Kendra Scott is famous for its colorful gemstones—from quartz and agate to pearls and opals. Many of these gemstones are porous, meaning they can absorb water and chemicals (like those in soap, shampoo, or sunscreen). When gemstones absorb water, they can become cloudy, lose their luster, or even crack over time. Pearls, in particular, are extremely delicate—water can damage their outer layer, leading to yellowing or peeling. Even non-porous gemstones (like crystals) can be affected by water if the setting is weakened by moisture buildup.
Finishes and Settings
Many Kendra Scott pieces feature enamel coatings or intricate settings (like prong or bezel settings) that hold gemstones in place. Enamel is a glass-like material that can chip or crack if exposed to sudden temperature changes (like hot shower water followed by cold air) or prolonged moisture. Settings can also loosen over time if water seeps into the metal, increasing the risk of gemstones falling out. Additionally, chemicals in water (like chlorine or salt) can corrode the metal prongs, weakening the entire piece.
Are There Any Waterproof Kendra Scott Pieces?
While most Kendra Scott jewelry isn’t waterproof, there are a few exceptions—but they’re rare. The brand occasionally releases limited-edition pieces made with stainless steel or solid gold, which are more water-resistant. However, these pieces are often more expensive and not part of their core collection. For example, some of their simple stainless steel bracelets or solid gold stud earrings may hold up better to water, but even these should be treated with caution. Kendra Scott does not label any of their pieces as “waterproof,” so it’s always safest to assume a piece is not waterproof unless explicitly stated.
What to Do If Your Kendra Scott Jewelry Gets Wet (Accidentally!)
We’ve all been there: you forget to take off your favorite Kendra Scott necklace before jumping in the shower or getting caught in the rain. The good news is that occasional splashes or brief water contact won’t ruin your jewelry—if you act fast. Here’s what to do if your Kendra Scott piece gets wet:
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Pat Dry Immediately: Use a soft, clean cloth (like a microfiber cloth or jewelry cloth) to gently pat the piece dry. Do not rub—rubbing can scratch the plating or gemstones. Make sure to dry all crevices, especially around gemstone settings, to prevent moisture buildup.
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Avoid Heat: Do not use a hair dryer, heater, or direct sunlight to dry your jewelry. Extreme heat can damage gemstones, warp metal, or cause enamel to crack.
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Clean Gently: If the piece was exposed to soap, shampoo, or saltwater, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the surface. Rinse with cool water (briefly!) and pat dry again.
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Store Properly: Once dry, store your jewelry in a dry, airtight container (like a jewelry box or zip-top bag) to prevent tarnishing. Add a silica gel packet to absorb any excess moisture.
How to Care for Kendra Scott Jewelry to Avoid Water Damage
The best way to keep your Kendra Scott jewelry looking like new is to prevent water damage in the first place. Follow these simple care tips to extend the life of your pieces:
Remove Before Water Activities
This is the most important rule: take off your Kendra Scott jewelry before showering, bathing, swimming (pool or ocean), hot tubbing, or doing dishes. Even a few minutes of exposure to soapy water or chlorine can damage the plating and gemstones over time.
Apply Beauty Products First, Then Jewelry
Sunscreen, lotion, perfume, hairspray, and makeup all contain chemicals that can damage Kendra Scott jewelry—even more so when combined with water. Apply all beauty products first, wait a few minutes for them to absorb into your skin or hair, then put on your jewelry. This prevents chemicals from getting on the metal or gemstones, which can react and cause tarnishing or discoloration.
Clean Regularly (When Dry!)
Wipe down your Kendra Scott jewelry with a soft jewelry cloth after each wear to remove oils, dirt, and sweat. For deeper cleanings (every 1-2 weeks), use a mild soap and water solution (as mentioned earlier) and pat dry immediately. Avoid harsh cleaning products (like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or jewelry cleaners with ammonia)—these can strip the plating and damage gemstones.
Store Properly
When you’re not wearing your Kendra Scott jewelry, store it in a dry, cool place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Avoid storing multiple pieces together in a pile—this can cause scratching. Use a jewelry box with separate compartments, or wrap each piece in a soft cloth before storing. For extra protection, add a silica gel packet to absorb moisture and prevent tarnishing, similar to how you’d care for delicate fabrics like wool or羊绒.
FAQs About Kendra Scott Jewelry and Water
We know you might still have questions about is Kendra Scott jewelry waterproof—so we’ve answered the most common ones below:
Q: Can I wear Kendra Scott jewelry in the shower?
A: No, we don’t recommend it. Shower water (especially hot water) combined with soap, shampoo, or conditioner can wear off the plating, damage gemstones, and weaken settings over time. It’s best to remove all Kendra Scott jewelry before showering.
Q: Will Kendra Scott jewelry tarnish if it gets wet?
A: It might. Plated metals (like gold-plated or silver-plated brass) are prone to tarnishing when exposed to water, especially if the water contains chemicals (chlorine, salt, soap). Occasional splashes probably won’t cause immediate tarnishing, but prolonged exposure will.
Q: Is Kendra Scott’s stainless steel jewelry waterproof?
A: Stainless steel is more water-resistant than plated metals, but Kendra Scott’s stainless steel pieces are still not labeled as waterproof. They can handle occasional water contact (like handwashing) but should not be worn while swimming or showering regularly.
Q: What if my Kendra Scott jewelry turns green after getting wet?
A: Green discoloration is usually caused by the base metal (brass) reacting with moisture, sweat, or chemicals. To fix it, gently clean the piece with a mild soap and water solution, pat dry, then polish with a jewelry cloth. If the discoloration is severe, you may need to have the piece re-plated (Kendra Scott offers some repair services).
Q: Can I wear Kendra Scott jewelry to the beach?
A: We don’t recommend it. Saltwater is extremely harsh on jewelry—it can corrode metal, damage gemstones, and strip plating. Additionally, sand can scratch the surface of your jewelry. If you do wear it to the beach, remove it before going in the water and clean it immediately after exposure to sand or salt.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Kendra Scott Jewelry (Carefully!)
To wrap it up: is Kendra Scott jewelry waterproof? For most pieces, the answer is no—but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them for years to come. Kendra Scott jewelry is designed for everyday wear, and with a little care (removing it before water activities, cleaning regularly, and storing properly), you can keep your favorite pieces looking shiny and new. Remember, the goal is to avoid prolonged water exposure—not stress over occasional splashes. Whether you’re wearing a vibrant gemstone necklace, dainty stud earrings, or a versatile bracelet, treating your Kendra Scott jewelry with care will ensure it stays a staple in your collection for years.
If you’re looking for waterproof jewelry options, consider pairing your Kendra Scott pieces with simple stainless steel or solid gold accessories for water-based activities. But when it comes to Kendra Scott’s iconic, colorful designs—embrace the care routine, and they’ll reward you with endless style. Here’s to looking fabulous (and keeping your jewelry safe!)!
