Summer is *officially* here, and you know what that means: Beach trips! We're pretty sure you already have a list of non-negotiables to bring on your vacay (including sunscreen), but we're here to add one more: Accessories.
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Aside from a cute bikini, accessories will just add some extra oomph to all your beach OOTDs. From cute charm necklaces, sparkly studs, minimalist anklets, and even sweet ring stacks, they're the cherry on top of a winning island girl 'fit.
Some trinkets are specially made for seawater and sun exposure, making them worthy of a space in your beach getaway luggage. Enter: Tarnish-free jewelry!
What is tarnish-free jewelry?
Tarnish-free jewelry basically means that the piece won’t tarnish and its color won’t fade over time. Technically speaking, only solid gold jewelry can be considered *truly* tarnish-free. Accessories made with other materials such as copper can fade faster and give your skin an icky green hue over time. Real gold jewelry, however, can be pricey AF, so more brands are starting to come out with gold- and silver-plated accessories so you can get the look sans the hefty price tag.
Something to keep in mind, though, is that gold- and silver-plated can still wear out and fade over time. (P.S. This process happens faster if you don't clean your jewelry regularly, so this is your reminder to do so!) Thankfully, there is another way to craft tarnish-free jewelry that won't cost that much to ~fashionistas. These pieces of jewelry go through a process called Physical Vapor Deposition.
What is Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)?
Physical Vapor Deposition, widely known as PVD, is a process used to coat jewelry with a thin layer of metal. This type of coating can be up to 10 times stronger than just the regular ol' gold or silver plating while making it just as tarnish-proof. Think of it as a *shield* for your jewelry—not only will it help prolong its life, but it will also make it more durable and resistant to scratches. PVD-coated jewelry is also built to last longer, which means you get more wear out of your accessories and less junk ending up in landfills.
Plus, you can also wear your fave PVD-coated accessories in the shower and yes, even on beach trips. Say goodbye to worrying about having to take them off before hitting the waves and risk losing them!
If you're looking for proudly local jewelry brands that offer water-resistant accessories that won't tarnish or turn your skin green, we've got you covered. Ahead, we round up seven brands that will help with your ~hot girl summer~ agenda:
LIST: Local Jewelry Brands Offering Water-Resistant, Tarnish-Proof Accessories
1. Sunspell
Follow them on Instagram: @studiosunspell
Trust us, Sunspell will be your go-to for accessories this summer—they even have a specially made beach-inspired collection! Their newest drop, Heatwave, has 66 pieces that include bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings to ensure you'll look g-o-o-d for your next beach trip.
You'll be sure that your Sunspell accessories won't fade, tarnish, or turn your skin green. All of their jewelry is made of stainless steel. Their accessories use 18k gold using the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) method, which makes it more durable and more resistant to oxidation and rust. [Photo source]
2. Tala By Kyla
Follow them on Instagram: @officialtalabykyla
PSA: Your wallets always need to be ready every time Tala By Kyla releases new collections because all of them are just so freakin' cute—we want them all. You'll be glad to know that their jewelry is safe to swim with since they're made with premium stainless steel. Cute bikini pics, incoming! [Photo source]
3. Mazee
Follow them on Instagram: @mazeeph
If you're a fan of vintage French- and street culture-inspired pieces, then you'll love Mazee's jewelry. From dainty, minimalist trinkets to chunky, bold statement pieces, there's something in their huge catalog that will tickle your fancy. P.S. Most of their pieces also come in both gold *and* silver! ;) [Photo source]
4. Fibi and Co
Follow them on Instagram: @fibiandco
Are you a big fan of pearls? If so, then you'll be *obsessed* with Fibi and Co's jewelry. They incorporate pearls into their gold and silver pieces that will have you looking ready to hit the waves!
If you're looking to save money, they also have a "buy 2, get 1 free" promo on their website. BRB, currently adding more pieces to our carts. [Photo source]
5. Solasta
Follow them on Instagram: @shop.solasta
Fans of the minimalist aesthetic will fall in love with Solasta's pieces. They're also incredibly durable—you can take their jewelry from the long days in the office during weekdays to your weekend beach trips! [Photo source]
6. ISLA.PH
Follow them on Instagram: @isla.ph
This local jewelry brand based in Siargao creates pieces that are elegant and magical—just like the island itself. Their jewelry is also made from 18k gold-plated stainless steel, so your mind will be worry-free when you take a dip in the pool or ocean. P.S. Beach babe celebs like Kylie Verzosa and Andi Eigenmann are big fans of their pieces! [Photo source]
7. Isolana Co.
Follow them on Instagram: @isolana.co
For the girlies who love spending their entire summer on beaches, Isolana Co.'s pieces will be your new BFF. Their jewelry is saltwater-resistant, non-tarnish, and lead- and nickel-free! But that's not even the best part—they give a portion of their sales to various non-profit organizations in the Philippines. [Photo source]
In case you're curious, here are the following organizations and initiatives you'll be supporting with every purchase from Isolana Co.:
- Waves For Water Philippines
- Moalboal Animal Welfare
- Project Curma
- Save Philippine Seas
- S.E.A. Movement
