The only thing worse than emerging from the pool to find your hair has turned green? Looking down to see your bracelets and rings are green, too. Nothing spoils the aesthetic of a good wrist stack or neck mess like having your gold-plated or gold vermeil jewellery fade, flake off, or tarnish. While solid gold jewellery is naturally resistant to the elements and won’t fade or tarnish when exposed to water, salt, and air, pure gold jewellery represents a significant step up in terms of price compared to its gold-plated or gold vermeil counterparts.
Fortunately, there’s a new wave of affordable waterproof jewellery brands that don’t lose their lustre when exposed to the elements, meaning it’s possible to keep them on when swimming, hitting the gym, and going about your day.
Comprising both Australian and international brands, the best waterproof jewellery brands offer durable construction and elevated aesthetics at affordable prices. But before we get into brands, a short primer on terminology and definitions to know.
Why does jewellery tarnish?
Tarnishing in jewellery is caused by oxidation, a natural chemical reaction wherein metal reacts with exposure to oxygen or sulfur. This chemical reaction creates a layer of metal oxide on the surface of the jewellery, resulting in the appearance of discoloured, dull, or ‘faded’ jewellery. The process of oxidation can be triggered by exposure to various substances like sweat, water, perfume, and moisturiser.
Additionally, gold-plated and gold vermeil jewellery is susceptible to erosion, with everyday wear and tear (such as rubbing on clothing or against skin) causing the layer of gold to wear off and reveal the base metal underneath.
Does real gold jewellery tarnish?
Solid 24k gold jewellery is the only type of jewellery that is completely waterproof and tarnish resistant, as gold is a non-reactive metal. However, 24k gold is very delicate and susceptible to being scratched or bent due to its malleability, meaning it’s not a viable everyday jewellery metal for most people.
Other gold alloys—10k, 14k, 18k, 22k—are relatively resistant to both water and tarnish, however prolonged exposure to water, salt, oils, alcohol (including from perfume) and sweat may cause them to slightly tarnish or look dull over time. This is because gold is mixed in with other metals to form an alloy. Fortunately, this can be reversed with the correct cleaning methods.
What is the difference between gold-plated and gold vermeil jewellery?
We mention both gold-plated and gold vermeil jewellery in this article — both of these terms refer to a layer of gold applied over a base metal. However, the terms differ when it comes to the type of base metal and quantity of gold used.
- Gold-plated jewellery: gold-plated jewellery uses any form of inexpensive base metal (often brass, copper, or nickel, but sometimes stainless steel) and has a thin coating of gold, typically 0.5 microns or less. Gold-plated jewellery is prone to scratching and tarnishing and is often not very durable due to the weaker base metals used.
- Gold vermeil jewellery: all gold vermeil jewellery has a base metal of sterling silver and a minimum gold coating of 2.5 microns. Its thicker coating of gold and more durable base material means gold vermeil jewellery lasts significantly longer than gold-plated jewellery.
Both gold-plated and gold vermeil jewellery can tarnish, however gold-plated jewellery is more prone to tarnishing and erosion due to the smaller amount of gold coating it.
What is tarnish-free jewellery?
For those seeking the best tarnish-free jewellery, opting for platinum; 14-, 18- or 24-carat gold jewellery; or pure silver materials is best. Solid gold jewellery is a non-reactive metal, which is why it doesn’t corrode or tarnish, and is ideal for those shopping for tarnish-free jewellery. However, such pieces come with hefty price tags. Solid silver may be preferred but 925 sterling silver can be a more affordable, yet still durable, alternative.
In the truest sense of the term, tarnish-free jewellery is jewellery that won’t fade or discolour over time. The best options for failsafe tarnish-free jewellery are 24k gold, gold alloys, platinum, and silver. While silver does tarnish, this is easily reversed with cleaning.
The new wave of tarnish-free jewellery entering the market is neither gold nor silver, but instead employs a stronger form of gold-plating to create a more durable coating that doesn’t tarnish, fade or erode over time. This is known as PVD (physical vapour deposition).
What is PVD?
PVD stands for ‘physical vapour deposition’, which is a process wherein a base material (like stainless steel) is coated in a source material (such as gold) that is first vapourised into a liquid and then deposited onto the base material to form a thin layer of film. Waterproof jewellery brand Hey Harper employs this technique and claims their pieces are ten times stronger than traditional techniques such as gold plating.
The best affordable waterproof and tarnish resistant jewellery brands
When it comes to the best affordable waterproof and tarnish resistant jewellery, these are the brands to shop. We’ve tried to emphasise brands which back up their tarnish resistant claims with a generous warranty period.
1. Abbott Lyon
British brand Abbott Lyon specalises in personalised pieces—think name, fingerprint, and birthstone jewellery—dainty stacking jewellery, and trendy styles like talisman and charm necklaces at affordable prices. The brand claims its gold-plated jewellery is waterproof, sweat-, and heat-resistant, and has an anti-tarnish coating, with Abbott Lyon backing up its claims with a two-year warranty.
Priced from: approx. $75AUD
Materials: 18k gold-plated brass, 18k gold-plated stainless steel, silver-plated brass
Warranty period? Yes, two years
2. Hey Harper
Founded with the intent of democratising high-quality jewellery, Hey Harper is known for being the original affordable waterproof jewellery brand. Using stainless steel as a base metal with a 14k gold PVD coating, Hey Harper’s pieces are suitable for wear while swimming, sweating, and showering, something the brand backs up with a lifetime colour warranty. While its waterproof and tarnish resistant credentials are the brand’s main selling point, we also love the wide breadth of designs Hey Harper boasts, with dainty, statement, contemporary, and vintage-inspired pieces in its lineup.
Priced from: approx. $60AUD
Materials: 14k gold PVD stainless steel
Warranty period? Yes, lifetime warranty
3. Monica Vinader
A veritable ‘cool girl’ jewellery brand, Monica Vinader is beloved by celebrities and influencers alike for its selection of accessible demi- and semi-fine pieces. While the brand is upfront in stating its gold-plated and gold vermeil pieces are not suitable for wear in the shower (and thus not waterproof), the brand has a wide range of 14k gold pieces. Best known for its contemporary styles, Monica Vinader is a go-to for chic friendship and birthstone bracelets, and sculptural pieces. The brand backs up its jewellery with a five-year warranty, including the replating of its gold vermeil jewellery.
Priced from: approx. $300AUD (for 14k gold)
Materials: 14k gold, 18k gold vermeil
Warranty period? Yes, five years
4. Orelia
British jewellery brand Orelia has a selection of waterproof jewellery made using 18k PVD gold-plated stainless steel. The brand’s waterproof pieces lean on the minimalist side, with the mixed cross necklace, T-bar necklace, and signet rings amongst our favourite pieces.
Priced from: approx. $80AUD
Materials: 18k gold PVD stainless steel
Warranty period? Yes, six months
5. Atolea
Another jewellery brand that’s made its waterproof credentials its USP, Atolea specialises in dainty styles crafted from 18k gold PVD stainless steel.
Priced from: approx. $90AUD
Materials: 18k gold PVD stainless steel
Warranty period? Yes, lifetime warranty
6. Missoma
Influencer beloved brand Missoma doesn’t claim to be waterproof, however its lineup does include some accessible 14k gold pieces; an alloy relatively resistant to water and tarnish. We particularly love the brand’s single stud earrings, which render quotidian objects like chillis, mushrooms, and cowboy boots as wearable works of art, as well as its sculptural rings that are simultaneously minimalist and statement making.
Priced from: approx. $180AUD (for 14k gold)
Materials: 14k gold
Warranty period? Yes, two years
7. S-kin Studio
Placing an emphasis on ethical production, Australian brand S-kin Studio makes gold filled jewellery, which represents a step up in quality from gold-plating and is less susceptible to tarnishing. S-kin Studio’s designs draw inspiration from a bygone era, making them ideally suited to lovers of vintage jewellery. It’s worth noting that while S-kin Studio claims its jewellery can be worn while showering and working out, the eight-month warranty only covers manufacturing defects, not tarnishing and loss of colour from wear and tear.
Priced from: approx. $110AUD
Materials: 18k gold fill
Warranty period? Yes, eight months
8. By Rae
Marketed towards ‘lazy girls’ (relatable), By Rae jewellery is designed to never be taken off. Waterproof and tarnish resistant, By Rae jewellery uses 18k gold PVD over stainless steel to create its trendy styles.
Priced from: approx. $50AUD
Materials: 18k gold PVD stainless steel
Warranty period? Yes, one year for plating and lifetime for manufacturing (breakages)
9. Jenny Bird
Canadian jewellery brand Jenny Bird has a dedicated ‘water durable’ range, made from 14k gold-plated stainless steel. The designs here take on a contemporary, sculptural tone, with curvilinear forms in organic shapes reigning supreme.
Priced from: approx. $120AUD
Materials: 14k gold-plated stainless steel
Warranty period? Not disclosed
10. Rue Roosevelt
Independent Australian brand Rue Roosevelt has a dedicated ‘lifeproof’ range, claiming its 18k gold-plated stainless steel pieces are both waterproof and tarnish resistant. Rue Roosevelt’s designs draw from vintage design codes, with details like hammered metal and intricate engraving lending them oldschool appeal.
Priced from: approx. $65AUD
Materials: 18k gold-plated stainless steel
Warranty period? Not disclosed
Enjoyed this story on the best affordable waterproof jewellery brands? Check out our other jewellery stories here.
Words by Arabella Johnson
