Artificial and minimal jewellery are the rage among young women as you can find good designs in a reasonable price. However, it can be a little difficult to maintain them, and the anti-tarnish claims of imitation jewellery can also be misleading. To solve your problem, we have a complete guide on how to buy artificial anti-tarnish jewellery that will last longer.
How To Identify Anti-Tarnish Artificial Jewellery Before Buying:
It can be a little difficult to buy anti-tarnish jewellery via online or offline store as you do not know if the claims are true or not. Here is a guideline you can follow to identify whether your imitation jewellery is anti-tarnish or not.
- Check for 36L stainless steel or sterling silver base metal, which acts as a natural resistance to oxidation and does not turn green or black even if the top plating fades.
- You can also choose gold-plated stainless steel, which has multiple layers of PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating.
- Avoid choosing jewellery made up of brass or copper if you want to tarnish.
- Check the thickness of the plating before buying, as it is less likely to get tarnished.
- While buying the imitation jewellery online, always check the customer reviews along with the photos to assure that the product is not making false claims.
- Several brands have the warranty or tarnish guarantee mentioned in its description. Always check that.
What Materials Are Commonly Used In Anti-Tarnish Artificial Jewellery?
The materials used in anti-tarnish artificial jewellery are:
- 316L Stainless Steel- It is strong and rust-proof and naturally resists oxidation because it contains chromium.
- Titanium- Not only is titanium lightweight, but it is also a tough metal that is suitable for daily wear.
- Sterling silver- It is usually used as a base but requires further plating to prevent it from tarnishing.
Is Anti-Tarnish Jewellery Completely Tarnish-Proof?
No, anti-tarnish jewellery does not mean that it is completely tarnish-proof. It means that the jewellery is tarnish-resistant. When a brand mentions anti-tarnish, it means that the jewellery will slow down the natural oxidation process.
- Exposure to perfumes, lotions, sweat, and harsh soaps can break down the protective seal over time.
- Moreover, if the outer plating or coating degrades, the underlying metal gets exposed to moisture and oxygen.
- The protective coating or layer can also fade due to continuous friction and use.
How To Make Anti-Tarnish Artificial Jewellery Last Longer?
To make anti-tarnish jewellery, or any artificial jewellery, last longer, you need to follow some steps:
- Keep the jewellery completely dry.
- Store each piece separately in airtight bags.
- Put them on after applying perfume, applying lotion, and doing your hair or makeup.
- Take them off before showering, swimming, working out, or washing your hands.
- Gently clean each piece with a soft, dry and lint-free cloth.
How To Check Anti-Tarnish Artificial Jewellery When Shopping Online?
- While shopping online for anti-tarnish jewellery, check the product description.
- If it mentions a stainless steel or 925 silver base and explicit details on protective coatings like PVD or E-coating, then it is anti-tarnish.
- Check the price range too; if it is between Rs 400 to 1500, then it is most likely anti-tarnish. But cheap jewellery prices like Rs 200 cannot use genuine anti-tarnish technology.
- Check online reviews and feedback too.
Choosing the right anti-tarnish jewellery can be a little tricky, but if you will follow this guide, it will become easier for you. Style your jewellery without any hesitation but also make sure to take care of them.
(Image Credit: Pinterest)
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