Athenia · Material guide
Non-tarnish jewelry — what it really means
"Non-tarnish" is one of the most over-used words in modern jewelry. It only really applies to a few specific finishes. Here's what to look for so you don't end up with a piece that turns black, peels, or stains your skin after a month.
The two finishes that actually don't tarnish
Gold-filled jewelry has a thick mechanical layer of real gold bonded to a brass core (typically 1/20 by weight). It's the closest thing to solid gold without the price.
PVD-coated stainless steel uses physical vapor deposition to fuse a real gold layer onto surgical steel at high temperature. It's hypoallergenic and extremely resistant to scratching, salt water and sweat.
Anything just labelled "gold-plated", "18k plated" or "gold-tone" is not non-tarnish — the gold layer is thinner than a human hair and will wear off.
How to care for non-tarnish jewelry
- Rinse with fresh water after the sea or a sweaty workout.
- Avoid chlorine hot tubs and harsh chemical cleaners.
- Store dry, ideally separated so chains don't tangle.
- Skip ultrasonic cleaners — those can lift even PVD finishes.
Common questions
Is non-tarnish jewelry waterproof?
In most cases yes — both PVD-coated stainless steel and gold-filled pieces are safe in fresh and salt water.
Does non-tarnish jewelry turn skin green?
No. The green discoloration comes from copper alloys reacting with skin, which neither PVD nor gold-filled finishes expose.
How long does it last?
With normal everyday wear, expect 2–5+ years before any visible wear on either finish.