7 best tarnish

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Trust us, waterproof and sweat-proof designs are a jewellery box must-have

Summer means sun, sand, salt, sweat and sunscreen – all features of an exciting beach holiday, but a nightmare for your jewellery box. And yes, we know the rules for gold and silver-plated jewellery – ‘remove before showering’, ‘keep away from soap and perfume’ – but sticking to them can be a little... unrealistic. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some jewellery brands offering tarnish-free accessories that are equal parts stylish, durable and affordable.

The answer depends on who you ask. In its truest sense, tarnish-free means that the item won’t fade or discolour over time. Solid gold jewellery ticks the box, while cheaper copper rings can cause your fingers to turn that dreaded green hue. Where it can get a little confusing is when brands use gold and silver plating (at a premium cost) over materials such as brass and sterling silver. Over time, even precious plating can start to wear away and cause the colour to fade (requiring effort to then clean your jewellery), making these pieces more tarnish-resistant than tarnish-proof.

This stands for ‘physical vapour deposition’ (which is a bit of a mouthful), and refers to a process in which stainless steel is covered with a thin layer of metal. This type of coating can be up to 10 times stronger than regular gold or silver plating, and is highly resistant to tarnishing and scratching. The best part? It’s cheaper and lasts longer than plating.

So what are you waiting for? Right this way for the best tarnish-free jewellery brands offering waterproof pieces that will stay sparkly for years to come. That's what we call the perfect additions to your jewellery box.

Quick tip: Most of these brands offer classic plated styles, too – so make sure you double-check the piece you’re eyeing up is tarnish-proof before buying.

We love them for: Eye-catching rings and earrings

How it works: PVD

Prices start at: £36

Warranty? Yes

With enviably cool pieces that look far more expensive than they actually are, Hey Harper is an industry favourite. Our top picks? The gorgeous rings. Plus, the brand also offers a lifetime colour warranty.

P.S. Make sure to check out our full Hey Harper review here.

Shop Hey Harper

We love them for: Classic investment pieces and charms

How it works: Solid gold

Prices start at: £175

Warranty? Yes

Pandora is a mainstay on the high street for a reason: there’s something for everyone. While it offers sterling silver and gold-plated options, the brand also has a range of solid gold designs to choose from – we especially love the fun charms and classic bangles. All of Pandora’s solid gold pieces carry a two-year warranty.

Shop Pandora

We love them for: Layering necklaces and stacking rings

How it works: PVD

Prices start at: £30

Warranty? Yes

Named after the founder’s late mother, Deborah Louise, this brand has mastered versatile, delicate jewellery that layers perfectly. Plus, every piece comes with a lifetime warranty against colour fading.

Shop D. Louise

We love them for: Chain necklaces and T-bar bracelets

How it works: PVD

Prices start at: £30

Warranty? Yes

Fashion girlies on Instagram can’t get enough of Orelia, and the brand’s new SS23 Luxe range features PVD styles. The theme for the collection is ‘understated elegance meets vintage inspiration’, and pieces come with a two-year guarantee.

Shop Orelia

We love them for: On-trend hoops and bracelets

How it works: PVD

Prices start at: £15

Warranty? Yes

Fans of chubby hoops and expensive-looking chain bracelets need look no further than Olette, which offers that high-end aesthetic. Every order comes with a two-year warranty and a tree is also planted.

Shop Olette

We love them for: Dainty chains and pearl details

How it works: PVD

Prices start at: £22

Warranty? Yes

If you spend summer by the sea, you’re going to love Atolea. This brand’s minimalist, ocean-inspired waterproof jewellery comes with a lifetime colour warranty.

Shop Atolea

We love them for: Timeless designs perfect for stacking

How it works: PVD

Prices start at: £30

Warranty? Yes (a six-month warranty on jewellery breakages)

Launched in 2021, By Rae is a small independent brand creating classic jewellery pieces, such as snake chain necklaces and huggies adorned with birthstones. For every order, By Rae contributes to CleanHub's ocean plastic initiative and funds 1lb of plastic removal from the ocean.

Shop By Rae

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