MATERIALS & CARE
Each material in our collection is chosen with care.
To help yours go the distance, we've put together a complete guide to materials and care.
WATERPROOF JEWELLERY
Our waterproof gold pieces are made using PVD gold plating over solid stainless steel. PVD, or Physical Vapour Deposition, is a premium coating process that bonds the finish directly to the metal at a molecular level, creating a result that is far more durable and long lasting than traditional plating. It's designed to handle everyday wear, including water exposure, without compromising on shine.
Our waterproof silver pieces are made from solid stainless steel. Naturally resistant to rust, tarnish and corrosion, stainless steel is one of the most durable materials in jewellery and requires very little maintenance to keep looking great.
Our waterproof two tone pieces combine PVD gold plating and stainless steel in one design, giving you the best of both finishes. The same durability and waterproof qualities apply across the full waterproof range.
Our waterproof rose gold pieces use PVD rose gold plating over stainless steel, giving you that warm, blush tone with all the durability of the waterproof range.
Absolutely. Our waterproof collection is designed for exactly that. Wear it in the ocean, the pool, the gym or the shower without worry. We recommend a gentle rinse after saltwater or chlorine exposure to keep your pieces looking their best for longer.
Standard gold plating gives you that classic, warm finish, ideal for pieces you'll style day to day. Our waterproof pieces are made for water and movement. They use PVD coating over stainless steel, bonded at a molecular level, so you can wear them in the shower, the ocean, or the gym without a second thought.
METALS & GEMSTONES
18ct gold plated jewellery features a layer of 18-karat gold over a brass or copper base, giving you the look of solid gold at a more accessible price point. To help preserve its shine, we recommend storing your pieces carefully and avoiding prolonged exposure to water, perfumes, lotions and moisture. As the base metal is brass or copper, regular contact with moisture can gradually wear the gold plating over time, which may lead to tarnishing or, for some wearers, a temporary green mark on the skin. Proper care will help keep your jewellery looking beautiful for longer.
Sterling silver, marked as 925, is 92.5% pure silver mixed with other metals to improve durability while keeping its signature shine. It's a timeless metal that wears beautifully with the right care. The more you wear your piece, the better. The natural oils in your skin help keep tarnish at bay, so regular wear actually works in your favour. Store away from moisture when not in use, and clean regularly with your H+H Polishing Cloth to maintain its brilliance.
Gold vermeil (or gold plated over sterling silver) is a step up from standard gold plating. Our vermeil pieces feature a thicker layer of 18ct gold plated over sterling silver, giving you a more durable and longer lasting finish while keeping that beautiful warm gold tone. Care for vermeil the same way you would 18ct gold plated, keeping it away from water, chemicals and abrasive surfaces.
Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone that closely resembles a diamond. Brilliant, affordable and found across many of our most loved styles, CZ stones are best cared for by avoiding harsh chemicals and removing jewellery before water exposure.
Our jewellery features a range of semi precious stones, each with their own unique properties and care needs. As a general rule, the level of care required depends on the stone. We recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to water and removing your jewellery before washing, swimming or applying products like perfume and moisturiser. Treat your stones gently and they will continue to look beautiful for years to come.
Pearls are one of the most delicate materials in jewellery and deserve a little extra love. Avoid contact with perfume, hairspray, makeup and lotions as chemicals can damage the surface over time. Wipe gently with a soft damp cloth after wearing and store flat in a soft pouch away from other pieces. Never soak pearls in water.
CARE BY JEWELLERY TYPE
Clean earring posts and backs regularly with a soft cloth or cotton bud. For stud earrings, remove butterfly backs when cleaning to make sure nothing is trapped behind the setting. Store earrings in pairs to avoid losing backs and keep them away from other pieces to prevent scratching.
Rings are exposed to a lot of daily contact. Remove before washing your hands with soap, applying hand cream or doing anything hands-on. Clean gently with a soft damp cloth and dry thoroughly. For gold plated rings, take extra care as the finish on ring bands can wear faster due to contact.
Always fasten the clasp before storing to keep chains from knotting. Store necklaces individually and lay flat or hang when possible. Keep away from perfume and avoid spraying directly onto the chain or pendant.
Bracelets take on a lot of movement and contact throughout the day. Clean regularly with a soft cloth and check that clasps and links are secure. Remove before activities that involve heavy contact or moisture where possible, unless they are from our waterproof range.
All H+H piercing jewellery is made from titanium, making it safe for fresh and healed piercings. For fresh piercings, clean with a saline solution twice daily and avoid over-handling during the healing process. Never twist or turn the jewellery during healing. Once fully healed, care for as you would any other titanium piece.
Our full waterproof range is nickel-free and hypoallergenic, making it a safe and comfortable choice for sensitive skin. Our titanium piercing and sensitive ear pieces are also hypoallergenic.
PLATING & LONGEVITY
This depends on the thickness of the plating and how you care for it. Our standard 18ct gold plating is 1 micron thick, with premium styles up to 3 microns and rings up to 10 microns. With the right care, your pieces can hold their finish beautifully. Our waterproof PVD pieces use a different process altogether, designed for everyday wear including water exposure.
Tarnish happens when metal reacts with moisture, oxygen or chemicals in the environment. Perfume, hairspray, makeup, nail polish remover, body oils, sunscreen, deodorant and household chemicals can all speed this up. Your skin's natural pH plays a role too, and higher acidity can lead to oxidation or discolouration over time. This is completely normal and not a sign of poor quality.
A little care goes a long way. Remove your jewellery before swimming, showering or applying products. Store pieces separately in a soft pouch or your H+H packaging when you're not wearing them. Clean gently with your H+H Polishing Cloth and avoid abrasive materials. Be mindful in saunas and steam rooms, as heat and humidity can affect the finish over time.
Our 18ct gold plated pieces are electroplated onto a brass or copper base. This is standard across the jewellery industry and lets us offer beautiful gold pieces at an accessible price point. The plating sits on top of the base metal, which is why a little care helps the finish last even longer.
GENERAL FAQs
Our waterproof collection is made for it. Swim, shower, sweat, repeat. For all other pieces including 18ct gold plated, sterling silver and gemstone styles, we recommend removing your jewellery before washing, swimming or applying products. Chlorine, salt water and fresh water can dull or damage non-waterproof pieces over time, and stones can be affected too.
Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or its original H+H packaging when not wearing it. Keeping pieces apart prevents friction, scratches and tangling. Always fasten clasps on necklaces before storing to keep chains from knotting. Handle any gemstone pieces with extra care to avoid knocking stones against other surfaces.
Keeping your jewellery clean helps it wear beautifully over time. Gently wipe your pieces with a soft, damp cloth or cotton bud using mild detergent, avoiding harsh chemicals that can cause scratches or damage. To restore shine and remove light marks, use a dry microfibre or 100% cotton cloth. Every purchase includes a complimentary H+H Polishing Cloth to make caring for your pieces effortless.
Yes. Our Sensitive Ear collection is designed for those with metal allergies or sensitive ears. Each piece is crafted from surgical grade titanium, hypoallergenic, lightweight and gentle enough for all-day wear. Our full waterproof range is also hypoallergenic, making it a great option for sensitive skin.
All of our piercing jewellery is made from high quality titanium, making it an ideal choice for fresh and healed piercings alike.
It depends on the piece. Our waterproof collection is designed for 24/7 wear, built to handle every swim, shower and sweat session without compromising on shine. For our 18ct gold plated, sterling silver and titanium pieces, how long they last depends on how they're cared for. Follow our care tips below to get the most out of your jewellery.
Tarnish can happen when jewellery comes into contact with moisture, chemicals or your skin's natural oils over time. Try gently buffing your piece with your H+H Polishing Cloth first. If you are still concerned, please reach out to our customer care team and we will help you from there.
