Yahoo Lifestyle These tarnish-free jewellery brands are perfect for summertime
Summer means sun, sand, salt, sweat and sunscreen – all perks of a gorgey 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. Plus the top picks most worn by our fashion editors.
What is ‘tarnish-free’ jewellery?
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.
What is PVD?
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, now we truly understand what qualifies as tarnish-free jewellery, what are you waiting for? Right this way for the best jewellery brands offering waterproof pieces that will stay sparkly for years to come. That's what we call 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.
Abbott Lyon
We love them for: Personalised necklaces
How it works: PVD
Prices start at: £39
Warranty? Yes
Known for its iconic personalised pieces and delicate layering necklaces, Abbott Lyon also has a collection of waterproof jewellery that features the highest standard of plating. The brand’s pieces even have an extra protective layer which means no tarnishing or green necks.
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Orelia
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 Luxe range features PVD styles. The theme for the collection is ‘understated elegance meets vintage inspiration’, and pieces come with a two-year guarantee.
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Astrid & Miyu
We love them for: Eye-catching earrings
How it works: Rhodium-plating
Prices start at: £40
Warranty? Yes
With enviably cool pieces that are coveted by fashion editors, Astrid & Miyu is an industry favourite. Our top picks? The gorgeous huggie hoops that our fashion team can't stop wearing. Plus, the brand also offers a 1 year warranty.
P.S. Make sure to check out our full Astrid & Miyu review here.
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Laura Vann
We love them for: Art deco designs
How it works: Rhodium-plating
Prices start at: £75
Warranty? Yes
Founded back in 2013, Laura Vann has quickly become one of London’s most coveted jewellery brands. Not all jewellery styles are tarnish-free, so look out for pieces that are rhodium-plated. Part of the platinum family of metals, rhodium is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing.
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Laura Bond
We love them for: Solid gold stud earrings
How it works: Nickel-free solid gold
Prices start at: £28
Warranty? Yes
A pioneer of the curated ear, Laura Bond is a must for affordable, solid gold stud earrings and huggie hoops. Each piece is cut from responsibly sourced 9ct or 14ct, responsibly-sourced solid gold and guaranteed to be shower, swim, and sweat-proof. What's not to love!
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Pandora
We love them for: Classic investment pieces and charms
How it works: Solid gold
Prices start at: £125
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, as well as the bold new Essence Collection styles. All of Pandora’s solid gold pieces carry a two-year warranty.
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Monica Vinader
We love them for: Elegant "forever" pieces with a cool-girl feel, like sterling silver or solid gold bangles
How it works: MV is a go-to brand for timeless precious metal jewellery. The quality and real sterling silver or gold nature of the products means they can take a lot of wear and tear, and you don't have to faff with taking them off.
Prices start at: £48
Warranty? Yes, 5-year
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Katie Loxton
We love them for: Jewellery gifting
How it works: PVD
Prices start at: £16.99
Warranty? Yes
Our fave accessories brand Katie Loxton has branched out into the jewellery sphere – with waterproof pieces, no less. Designed to last, the new collection uses a nifty vacuum plating technology which is actually 10 times stronger than standard gold coating. Our fashion team are big fans of this affordable brand.
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d.louise
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. (So much so that the brand has been worn by Cosmopolitan cover stars.) Plus, every piece comes with a lifetime warranty against colour fading.
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Atolea
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. Chic, chic, chic.
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By Rae
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.
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