Artificial jewellery has come a long way in quality, but not all of it is made equally — some pieces tarnish within weeks while others hold their finish for years. Here's what to check before buying.
Check the Plating Type
Gold-plated and rhodium-plated pieces generally outlast simple gold-tone or silver-tone coatings, which wear off faster with regular contact against skin and clothing. Listings that specify plating type are usually more reliable than those that don't.
Look at the Base Metal
Brass and copper bases tend to hold plating better than cheaper alloy bases. If a listing mentions the base metal, that's generally a good sign the seller is being transparent about quality.
Inspect Stone-Setting Quality
In photos, zoom into how stones are set — glued stones tend to fall out faster than prong-set or bezel-set ones. This matters more for pieces you plan to wear frequently rather than for a single event.
Avoid Moisture and Perfume Contact
Applying perfume or moisturiser after putting on jewellery, rather than before, significantly extends the life of plating. Moisture and chemicals are the biggest causes of premature tarnishing.
Store Pieces Separately
Tossing multiple jewellery pieces into one box causes scratching and tangling that shortens their lifespan. Individual pouches or a compartmentalised box protect finish far better.
When to Spend More
For pieces you'll wear often — like everyday earrings — spending slightly more on better plating pays off. For one-off occasion pieces, more affordable options are often perfectly reasonable.
FAQ
Can tarnished artificial jewellery be restored? Sometimes light tarnish can be gently cleaned, but once plating wears through to the base metal, restoration usually isn't possible.
Is more expensive artificial jewellery always better quality? Not always — checking plating type and base metal in the description is a more reliable indicator than price alone.