Let’s be honest, constantly taking your favourite pieces off is a faff. At Hey Harper, we believe everyone should have jewellery that can keep up with you, not the other way around - which is why we’re declaring the end of the take-off era. And after eight years of making waterproof jewellery, we know a thing or two about creating effortlessly chic pieces designed for everyday wear.

In this guide, we’ll cover when to take off jewellery and how to look after it, from whether you can wear gold jewellery in the shower to why silver and gold jewellery tarnish. And we’ll share our picks for the best jewellery for everyday wear.

Water-resistant jewellery can handle some exposure to water, but may not be designed for regular, prolonged contact.

Waterproof jewellery is made to handle everyday exposure to water without fading or tarnishing, although the durability of a piece will still depend on its materials and finish.

Stainless steel: durable, resistant to tarnishing, and made to handle everyday wear.

PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition): durable coating bonded to stainless steel underneath. It’s more resistant to fading and wear than traditional plating, making it ideal for a gold finish.

Solid gold: Naturally resistant to tarnishing, but typically comes with a higher price tag.

Want jewellery that doesn’t tarnish in the shower, pool, or sea? Look for pieces made with durable, water-resistant materials rather than traditional plating.

Hey Harper jewellery is made from durable stainless steel with a PVD finish, making it waterproof and designed to last. What’s more, our jewellery is backed by a lifetime colour guarantee.

Our research revealed over a third of UK women (35%) take their jewellery off in the shower. However, if your jewellery is waterproof, then it can stay on. For those who love gold metal, good news: you can wear gold jewellery in the shower, too, as long as it’s designed to handle water. Look for pieces with a PVD finish, which bonds the gold-tone coating to the stainless steel underneath to help it keep its colour for longer.

A quarter (25%) of UK women take their jewellery off when they exercise. However, as long as it’s designed to handle moisture and sweat, you can wear jewellery when working out. A safe bet is to opt for waterproof jewellery.

But remember, sweat-proof doesn’t automatically mean exercise-proof. Long necklaces can swing around, tight chains can restrict movement, and anything that dangles or catches is best left in your locker. So, if you’re planning an intense cardio session or heavy lifting, choose secure, lightweight pieces that can keep up with your workout, not get in the way of it.

Silver reacts with oxygen and other elements such as sulphur in the air, causing a dark layer of tarnish on its surface. It can usually be cleaned off, but regular tarnishing means regular maintenance - and that’s not exactly ideal for jewellery you plan to wear every day.

Gold plating is a thin layer of gold over another metal. Standard gold plating isn’t typically waterproof, so it can wear down with regular use and exposure to sweat, water, skincare products and perfume. As the gold layer fades, the metal underneath can start to show through, which is why your jewellery will look less shiny.

If you do have gold-plated jewellery, it’s best to take it off before showering, swimming, or exercising, and avoid spraying perfume directly onto it.

If you’re wearing traditional gold-plated or silver jewellery, then, surprisingly, it can tarnish even when it’s sitting in your jewellery box. Air, moisture, and humidity can all still react with metals, causing them to darken or lose their shine. To protect your favourite pieces, store them in separate pouches in a cool, dry space to limit exposure to moisture and reduce scratching. And try to resist the urge to leave your jewellery on the bedside table or bedroom - it might be convenient, but it won’t be doing your pieces any favours!

From everyday hoops to statement styles, Hey Harper earrings are designed to stay in your rotation and not be taken off.

The best necklace is the one you never have to think about. Hey Harper’s waterproof necklaces are made for this exact everyday wear, and always look their best.

Your jewellery shouldn’t need a holiday from your holiday. Hey Harper bracelets and anklets are designed to work with your sea-soaked holiday

Want jewellery that lasts? Check the materials first, then look for a warranty, as this is a good sign a brand is confident in its quality. Hey Harper jewellery is backed by a lifetime colour guarantee, so you can shop with confidence. Find out what that means in our Lifetime Colour Warranty.

The easiest way to clean silver jewellery at home is with a soft jewellery cloth and gentle silver-specific cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive products, which can scratch the surface or damage the finish. Always check the care instructions for your specific piece before cleaning.

Keeping jewellery dry and away from harsh chemicals can help slow tarnishing. But the biggest factor is the material itself. Choosing durable, tarnish-resistant materials like stainless steel and PVD means less maintenance and more time wearing your jewellery.

No, gold-plated sterling silver isn’t generally waterproof. Traditional gold plating can wear away with regular exposure to water, sweat, and everyday products. If you want gold jewellery designed for regular water exposure, look for a more durable finish such as PVD.

Earrings can turn black when metal reacts with oxygen, moisture, sweat, or products such as perfume and skincare. This reaction can cause the surface to darken or tarnish, particularly with certain metals and finishes.

Gold itself doesn’t tarnish easily, but gold-plated or gold-coloured rings can. The finish can react with moisture, sweat, and everyday products or gradually wear away, revealing the metal underneath. Choosing waterproof materials and durable finishes like PVD can help your ring keep its colour for longer.