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The Best Everyday Jewelry That Won't Tarnish
Looking for everyday jewelry that won't tarnish? Discover the best tarnish-free metals for daily wear — and why 18K gold plated stainless steel is the top choice. Read more...
The Best Waterproof Jewelry for Swimming, Showers & Everyday Wear
Looking for waterproof jewelry that won't tarnish? Discover the best materials for swimming, showering, and everyday wear — and why stainless steel wins every time. Read more...
Gold Plated vs Gold Filled vs Solid Gold: What's the Difference?
Confused by gold plated, gold filled, and solid gold jewelry? We break down the differences in quality, price, and durability so you can choose wisely. Read more...
The Arcive Jewellery Care Guide: How to Keep Your Gold Looking New
The Arcive pieces are built to be worn every day without being taken off. But a little care — the right care — extends their life and keeps them looking exactly as they should. Here's everything you need to know. What You Can Do In Your Jewellery Because every piece is made from 18k gold PVD-coated 316L stainless steel, they're built for: Showering and bathing Swimming — pool and sea Gym and exercise Sleeping Hot weather and humidity The PVD finish bonds at a molecular level rather than sitting as... Read more...
What Is 316L Stainless Steel Jewellery?
You'll see "316L stainless steel" on a lot of quality jewellery. But what does it actually mean, and why does the grade of steel matter? What Is 316L Stainless Steel? 316L is a specific grade of austenitic stainless steel — a family of steel alloys known for their corrosion resistance and non-magnetic properties. The "316" designation indicates its chemical composition: primarily iron, with chromium (16–18%), nickel (10–14%) and molybdenum (2–3%). The "L" stands for low carbon, which improves its resistance to corrosion in welded applications. Why 316L Specifically? Not all... Read more...
How to Layer Gold Necklaces Without Tangling
A layered necklace look is one of the most wearable things in jewellery. Done well, it feels personal and intentional. Done wrong, it turns into a knot. Here's how to get it right. The Length Rule The most important thing in necklace layering is graduated length. Each necklace needs to sit at a different point on your chest — typically at least 2–3cm of separation between each layer. The classic three-layer stack: choker (35–40cm), mid-length (45–50cm), longer pendant (55–65cm). If two necklaces are the same length, they'll compete and tangle.... Read more...
How to Stack Rings: A Guide to Building the Perfect Ring Stack
Ring stacking looks effortless when it's done well. Getting there takes a bit of thought — but once you understand the logic, it becomes intuitive. Here's how to build a stack that works. Start With an Anchor Piece Every good stack has a focal point — usually a slightly larger or more detailed ring that the others orbit around. This could be a statement band, a textured ring or a piece with a slight sculptural quality. The rest of the stack is built around it, not competing with it. Mix... Read more...
Hypoallergenic Jewellery: What It Actually Means
The word "hypoallergenic" appears on a lot of jewellery. But what does it actually mean — and how do you know if a piece will genuinely work for sensitive skin? What Hypoallergenic Actually Means Hypoallergenic means "less likely to cause an allergic reaction." It doesn't mean impossible — but for most people with metal sensitivities, the right materials make the difference between jewellery you can wear and jewellery you can't. The most common culprit in jewellery reactions is nickel. Nickel is cheap, durable and often used as a base metal... Read more...
18k Gold Plated vs PVD Gold: What's the Actual Difference?
Walk into any jewellery shop and you'll see the term "18k gold plated" everywhere. It sounds premium. And visually, it can look identical to more durable alternatives. But the way a piece of jewellery is made determines how long it holds its finish — and the difference between gold plating and PVD gold coating is significant. How Gold Plating Works Traditional gold plating uses a process called electroplating. A base metal — usually brass, copper or silver — is submerged in a solution containing gold ions. An electrical current causes... Read more...
How to Clean Stainless Steel Jewellery (Without Damaging It)
Stainless steel jewellery is built to last — but a little care goes a long way. Here's how to keep your 18k gold PVD pieces looking exactly as they did on day one. What You Need Nothing complicated. For routine cleaning you only need: Warm (not hot) water A small amount of mild soap — washing-up liquid works fine A soft cloth or microfibre towel Optionally: a very soft toothbrush for getting into detailed areas The Right Way to Clean It Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm... Read more...
Does PVD Gold Tarnish? The Truth About PVD Coating
One of the most common questions we get: does PVD gold actually tarnish? The short answer is no — not the way standard gold-plated jewellery does. Here's why that matters, and what actually happens to each type of coating over time. What Is PVD Coating? PVD stands for Physical Vapour Deposition. It's a vacuum-based process that bonds a thin layer of material — in our case, 18k gold — directly onto a stainless steel base at a molecular level. The result is a coating that's fundamentally different from electroplating, which... Read more...