The biggest jewellery trend in years but is it worth the price tag?
Tarnish Free Jewellery has popped up everywhere.
It’s affordable, comes in thousands of designs and is easy to look after. But is it worth it?
Is Tarnish Free Jewellery worth the price?
We take a look at the pros and cons of this top trend.
Well that depends on how you value your jewellery and what you want from it.
Let's take a closer look at one of 2024 hottest trends and see if they are worth the hype.
Why would you choose tarnish free jewellery?
The idea is appealing isn't it? No need to clean your rings to get rid of dull marks. Never needing to take your necklace off when having a shower or go swimming.
Tarnish Free jewellery has been penned as the worry free option for busy women and for good reason. It comes in a huge range of designs and prices to suit every budget.
We have found pieces for as little as £8.00 online, meaning that compared to other ‘costume’ or ‘fashion’ options from high street brands, they are affordable enough to have a piece for any occasion and still wear your favorites without worry that they will become dull through use.
The message from most sellers of ‘Tarnish Free’ jewellery is that they will last a lifetime. But what this means exactly is open to interpretation.
The components used to make these pieces are mixed. Using stainless or surgical steel which is then bonded with a PVD coating.
it typically will last 1-3 years depending on wear and although it wont tarnish its likely to lose its lustre. It is still likely to get dented, scratched and break over time.
Isn't it just plating?
The short answer is no.
The coating is bonded at a chemical level meaning it won't scrape off like gold plating can.
Is it worth the money compared to gold?
If you're looking for something to pass on later in life or resell, Tarnish Free Jewellery is not the best option for you.
No matter who it’s made by or what gemstones it may include, the metal is not easily reusable and so has generally no value.
We tested a piece of tarnish free Jewellery and here are the results.
Pros:
After 90 days of wear the chain and pendant are still in good condition.
There is no sign of tarnish or damage to the chain.
Its very light and easy to wear.
Cheaper than a real gold alternative
Cons:
The chain colour is a very brassy gold- it almost looks fake but is closer in colour to 24k yellow gold. The most common weight for gold jewellery is between 9k and 18k meaning it can look out of place if worn with other traditional gold jewellery.
It’s not worth anything to resell.
To sum up. Tarnish Free Jewellery can be a nice addition to your jewellery box if you want something long wearing and inexpensive but it is unlikely to stand the test of time or have the same weight and feel of real gold.