How they’re made
Why it doesn’t turn green.

We’ll explain it in 2 minutes, no jargon. And we’ll tell you what we can’t promise, too.

The problem

Why costume jewellery tarnishes.

A lot of gold-tone costume jewellery is brass (copper + zinc) with a wafer-thin electroplated gold layer on top. Sweat, water and perfume wear it away. Once it’s gone, the copper is exposed and oxidises: black on the metal, green on your skin.

It wasn’t your fault. It was the brass.

Typical costume jewellery

Brass + thin gold plating

There’s copper underneath. When the plating wears off, it oxidises. The piece ends up in the drawer.

UpperEast

316L steel + 18K gold-tone PVD plating

Underneath, it’s stainless steel: no copper to oxidise. Shower, sweat, sea: just put it on. Lifetime anti-tarnish guarantee included.

The process

What PVD is, in 3 steps.

PVD stands for Physical Vapour Deposition. It’s an industrial technique that’s been used for years to coat watches, taps and tools that need to last.

CleaningThe steel piece goes into a vacuum chamber and is cleaned thoroughly.
CoatingThe gold-coloured material is vaporised and settles on the piece in a thin, even layer.
FinishThe coating bonds to the steel far better than traditional gold plating.

An honest comparison

Everyone says “gold”. Here’s what’s underneath.

Type	What’s underneath	With water and sweat
“Gold-tone” costume jewellery	Brass + thin gold plating	Wears off fast, then the copper shows through
Vermeil	Silver + thicker gold plating	Better, but the silver underneath can tarnish
UpperEast	316L stainless steel + 18K gold-tone PVD	Made for everyday wear · written guarantee
18K solid gold	Solid gold alloy	Lasts a lifetime, but costs hundreds

General descriptions of each category, not of specific brands.

Our limits, honestly

What we don’t promise.

It’s not solid gold. It’s steel with gold-tone plating. We tell you before, not after.
It’s not bleach-proof. Neat bleach, acids and solvents ruin any finish.
Zero allergy risk doesn’t exist. 316L steel releases very little nickel, within REACH limits, but if you have a severe allergy, start with a necklace or bracelet.
Years of rubbing wear down any plating. That isn’t covered. What is covered, in writing: tarnishing, flaking or peeling with normal wear.

The specs

Materials, made clear.

Base: 316L stainless steel
Finish: 18K gold-tone PVD plating
Nickel: Release within the limits of the REACH regulation (Annex XVII, entry 27)
Fine with: Water, sweat, sea, sunscreen, perfume
Keep away from: Neat bleach, solvents, acetone
Guarantee: Lifetime anti-tarnish guarantee · read the terms