Including the early warning signs she experienced.
We’ve all owned our fair share of jewelry pieces that lose their shine after just a few days, or worse, hours, of wear. That’s why unless it’s made of expensive precious metals, we’re typically skeptical of tarnish-free jewelry that claims it can survive sweat, water, and moisture. Green fingers? No thanks. But with the recent swell of tarnish-proof jewelry brands promising trendy, waterproof styles without the luxury price tag, affordable jewelry doesn’t have to lose its sparkle over time.
Question is—which brands *actually* stand up to brine and boob sweat, and which ones just say they do?
To find out, Well+Good staffers set out to find the best tarnish-free jewelry brands durable enough to withstand wear after wear. We’ve spent the better half of the summer putting our rings, necklaces, and earrings through the wringer—at the pool, at the beach, and on sweaty days outdoors—and narrowed down our picks to eight brands, all worthy of their shiny reputation.
Our favorite tarnish-free jewelry brands, at a glance
What to look for in tarnish-free jewelry
Material
Tarnish-free jewelry comes down to the material. Typically, luxury jewelry made with precious metals (solid gold, platinum, etc.) doesn’t tarnish over time, hence the hefty price tag. Affordable metals, like brass, copper, sterling silver, and nickel, might look good but can tarnish and oxidize when exposed to moisture.
The solution? Shopping for jewelry made with metals like stainless steel, titanium, or solid gold. If you’re going for something more budget-friendly, gold-filled or gold vermeil options are great alternatives—they have a thicker layer of gold than regular gold plating, making them more durable and tarnish-resistant.
Coatings and platings
If you’re eyeing a piece that isn’t made from solid precious metals, pay attention to the coating. Many tarnish-free jewelry brands opt for PVD (physical vapor deposition)-coated pieces to prevent tarnishing over time. “Physical vapor deposition is an alternative plating process,” says Trisha Okubo, founder of Maison Miru, jewelry designer, and engineer. “It’s typically used in industrial manufacturing for things like cars, architectural hardware, and medical devices—stuff that’s built to last. It’s much more durable than traditional jewelry plating, so you don’t have to worry about taking your jewelry off when working out, showering, or swimming.” A bonus: “PVD plating is more environmentally friendly than traditional water plating.”
Care and maintenance
Even tarnish-free jewelry needs a little TLC. If and when you do get it wet or sweaty, give it a good wash or wipe down after. Keep it away from perfumes, and lotions to maintain their shine. Storing them in a dry, airtight container when not in use will also help prolong their life.
The best tarnish-free jewelry brands, according to editors
Hey Harper
Based in Lisbon, Portugal, Hey Harper is a “waterproof” jewelry brand with a devoted internet following for its long-lasting, stylish, and budget-minded pieces. Its goal is “to democratize high-quality designer jewelry,” offering both timeless and of-the-moment baubles, from simple to statement-making rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, that are made to be worn daily and without worry. All items purchased from Hey Harper come with a “lifetime color warranty”—a further testament to its longevity.
If you’re looking for a pair of everyday hoop earrings, Hey Harper’s Daphne Amelia Earrings are an ideal pick. They’re neither too big to be cumbersome nor too small to go unnoticed and are made from stainless steel and PVD-coated in 14-karat gold to maintain their shine for the long haul.
“I have worn the Daphne Amelia Earrings every day since I got them—for about a month and a half,” says W+G Contributing Editor, Kate Bratskeir. “I’ve worn them in every shower and swam with them in chlorinated pools and in the ocean, and they’ve held up perfectly. They look exactly the same as they did the day they arrived.” She adds they’re super lightweight, too: “I can’t stand the feel of heavy earrings in my lobes, and these are pretty much weightless while being sturdy enough to stay put while I’m tossing and turning in my sleep,” she says.
Materials: stainless steel, PVD plating
Available styles: 1
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Hypoallergenic
- Lifetime color warranty
Cons:
- According to some reviewers, the earring clasps are delicate
- Only one color option available
OXB Jewelry
OXB Jewelry is made for sweat, whether you’re taking a brisk Hot Girl Walk around the block or pushing through mile 26 of your marathon. Its selection of sweat-proof jewelry includes simple, elegant rings, earrings, and personal necklaces that can stand alone or be mixed and matched together. They’re stylish and really freakin’ durable (so much so that the Olympians Missy Franklin and Kate Courtney launched collabs with the brand ahead of the 2024 Paris games).
Francesca Krempa, W+G’s own commerce editor, swears by OXB’s jewelry for her life on the water. “Almost every minute of spare time I get is spent on the water, whether that’s fishing, paddling, or just going for a dip,” she says. “OXB’s Gigi Chain and gold-filled Tube Hoops have been staples this entire summer. They’re just as sparkly as the day they arrived and they haven’t turned color or tarnished once. They’re also sensitive-skin friendly. My skin is picky about what I put on it, but it doesn’t seem to mind these pieces one bit.”
Materials: gold-filled (also available in sterling silver)
Available styles: 2
Lengths: 16-24 inches
Pros:
- Versatile and customizable with separate charms
- Gold filled
- Hypoallergenic
- Available in multiple lengths
Cons:
- Pricey
- Sterling silver option may not be tarnish-resistant
Adrianne Marie Jewelry
Adrianne Marie Jewelry is a woman-owned and -operated brand based out of Los Angeles that makes long-lasting, budget-friendly pieces from recyclable stainless steel. All of its jewelry is plated with 18-karat gold using PVD, making it “10x thicker than standard gold plating, ” according to the brand’s site. This includes its line of dainty everyday earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. If a product doesn’t live up to expectations or if a product arrives damaged, Adrianne Marie also offers a “lifetime color guarantee” and free returns within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
The Ciara Ring is minimalist luxe at an affordable price. Like all of the jewelry from Adrianne Marie, it’s tarnish-resistant to withstand dips and dunks, as well as dirt and debris, ticking all the boxes for Well+Good Senior Health & Fitness Writer, Ciara Lucas.
“I’m a big fan of any jewelry brand that can be worn 24/7 without being damaged from water or sweat. I live an active lifestyle as a runner and fitness instructor, and I love being able to keep my jewelry on during my workouts,” Lucas says. “I love how simple and dainty the Ciara Ring is (it was only right that I pick a ring with my name!), and it’s truly a timeless piece that can be worn every day and compliment any outfit. It’s subtle, simple, and hasn’t left my hand since I got it.”
Materials: stainless steel, PVD plating
Available styles: 1
Sizes: 5-9
Pros:
- Affordable
- Made from recyclable materials
- Hypoallergenic
- Lifetime color guarantee
Cons:
- Limited retailer availability
- Only one style option available
Maison Miru
Founded by Okubo, Maison Miru takes a fun and functional approach to jewelry, as noted by the brand’s beloved flat-backed Nap Earrings. But for tarnish-free frosting, its Performance Metals selection stands out. Made from tarnish-resistant materials (like stainless steel and titanium), many of which are PVD-coated, these styles look beautiful worn on their own or layered together. Maison Miru’s offerings also include gold-plated, gold-filled, and gold vermeil jewelry, and it even offers body jewelry.
Maison Miru’s Siren Necklace is a statement piece in itself, but it isn’t overly chunky so as to steal attention from everyday outfits. The necklace is made from stainless steel and plated in 14-karat gold, but unlike other options on the list, it isn’t PVD-coated. However, over a month of constant wear (even working out, swimming, showering, and sleeping with it), it looks as shiny as it did out of the box.
The necklace is sturdily made, not flimsy-feeling, and despite some yanking from my cat and other rough behavior, it stays right where I want it. Because it isn’t made from solid gold, I’m not precious about wearing it every day either. Whether I’m wearing the necklace on its own or stacked with others, it looks as nice with my WFH outfits as it does with a dress for date night—and the fact that I don’t have to take it off adds to its adaptability.
Materials: stainless steel, 14-karat gold plating
Available styles: 2
Lengths: 18-22 inches
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- Made of recycled stainless steel
- Available in two styles and multiple lengths
Cons:
- Not PVC-coated
- Sterling silver option may not be tarnish-resistant
Simple & Dainty
Simple & Dainty, a woman-owned jewelry brand based out of San Francisco, is all about simple, timeless designs that are sustainably made (not to mention, simple and dainty.) Its pieces are made from recycled gold and silver, most of, if not all, which can withstand the regular wear and tear of everyday life. The jewelry is hypoallergenic, waterproof, and as a bonus, caters to a variety of budgets.
W+G Deputy Editor Chloe Metzger is a big fan of Simple & Dainty, having owned many of its pieces for months—including this gold-filled paperclip necklace. “My sensitive skin and I are genuinely obsessed with Simple & Dainty’s gold jewelry, to the point where I may or may not refresh their ‘New Arrivals’ page every few days to see if anything new has dropped,” Metzger says.
“It’s a small, female-founded brand that was recommended again and again on Reddit, and it hasn’t disappointed. I have four pairs of earrings and three necklaces, and all have been worn through showers and sweat without any deterioration or tarnish. I’ve purchased ‘waterproof’ jewelry from virtually every viral brand, and these pieces are still my go-tos when I want to wear something nonstop without irritating my skin.”
Materials: 14-karat gold-filled
Available styles: 2
Lengths: 1, includes 2-inch extender
Pros:
- Accessible price point
- Hypoallergenic
- Made from sustainably sourced materials
Cons:
- Not PVD-coated
- Sterling silver option may not be tarnish-resistant
Mejuri
Mejuri has amassed a loyal following, and for good reason. It uses “high-quality, responsibly sourced materials,” and works alongside trusted suppliers around the globe to create pieces that last a lifetime. In the process, the company develops “long-lasting, deep relationships” with folks in the fine jewelry industry and beyond. All to say: It’s worth investing in when you’re ready to make a commitment, and if you’re looking for something that’s as enduring as “forever,” the brand offers a wide variety of solid gold and titanium-made jewelry pieces that will go the distance.
It was Mejuri’s 14-karat gold hoops that turned Well+Good Senior Health and Fitness Writer Rachel Kraus onto the brand. “I’ve always wanted to be the sort of person who could rock hoops in the pool, but never felt confident enough in the quality of the jewelry to wear something that wouldn’t fall off, and wouldn’t turn my ears green,” Kraus says. “Mejuri’s incredibly classy 14-karat gold Bold Large Hoops were the perfect solution.”
Made from solid gold, they won’t turn any weird colors in the water. “They’ve got a super secure clasp that clips in so satisfyingly,” Kraus adds. “And they’re the perfect size: Substantial enough to make you look elegant and not feel too delicate in the water, but not too big so that they get moved about or feel unwieldy. I paired the hoops with the Bezel Diamond Necklace ($578) because it adds a bit of sparkle to my neckline and pulled together a really put-together look—a feat when you’re wearing a bathing suit!” says Kraus. “I wore the set all fourth of July weekend in the pool, swimming in a lake, and jumping off a boat, and felt glamorous and secure the whole time.”
Materials: 14-karat yellow gold
Available styles: 1
Pros:
- Solid-gold construction
- Made from sustainably sourced materials
- Multiple sizes available, including Huggie, Small, and Medium
Cons:
- Pricey
- Only one style option available
Baublebar
Baublebar is all about fun, affordable jewelry that doesn’t skimp on style. From bold statement earrings to delicate layered necklaces, they’ve got pieces that add a pop to any outfit. The best part? Many of their pieces are made from fine and semi-fine materials that can withstand the pool, the beach, and the gym alike. Plus, you can even customize some pieces to make them totally your own. Whether you’re into big, bold designs or something more subtle, Baublebar has something to suit your vibe—without breaking the bank.
Anklets are back, baby. Just look at the Pipa Anklet, a pearl beauty that’s bound to keep up with all your warm-weather adventures. Just ask our Commerce Editor, Francesca Krempa:
“My entire personality this summer has revolved around wearing an anklet—this anklet,” she says. “It makes me feel like a surfer babe, like I should be barefoot strolling the beach at all times. And I could if I wanted to because it’s waterproof. I’ve worn it to the beach, pool, and river and it’s held up flawlessly in all three bodies of water. The gold clasp hasn’t lost an ounce of sparkle, nor have the pearls, and it’s garnered hundreds of compliments. I won’t take it off.”
Materials: pearls, stainless steel
Available styles: 1
Lengths: 3-in-1
Pros:
- Affordable
- Hypoallergenic
- Three different length offerings for a tighter or looser fit
- Durable
Cons:
- Not PVD-coated
Pura Vida
Sure, you know Pura Vida’s colorful, philanthropic string and beaded bracelets (which are tarnish-proof by nature), but the brand makes “fancier” pieces, too. This includes a demi-fine collection of 18-karat gold-plated necklaces, bracelets, and other elevated styles designed to withstand the elements. No matter what you buy, the brand supports artisans and charities worldwide and ships its products in eco-friendly packaging to support the planet and its people.
While this dainty anklet isn’t technically tarnish-proof, Krempa confirms it’s held up all summer long. “I bought this on a whim to satiate my anklet cravings, and more importantly, to support our oceans,” she says. “It’s not technically waterproof but it hasn’t turned colors yet, so I have no plans of taking it off!”
Materials: resin, gold-plated brass (or rhodium-plated brass for silver)
Available styles:2
Lengths: 1
Pros:
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Available in two finishes
- For every anklet sold, Pura Vida will donate 5% of the purchase price ($25,000 minimum) to support
Cons:
- Not technically tarnish-proof; the brand recommends you take it off when swimming or showering
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