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My approach to jewelry has always skewed toward the more the merrier. But one of the things that no one tells you about strategically stacking jewelry is just how cumbersome it can be—especially while traveling. Constantly having to take off my vintage rings in between hand washes (with the fear of leaving them on the bathroom basin at hip Parisian restaurant Bonnie) and removing layers of necklaces before a trip to the beach to prevent any potential discoloration became quite tedious. And then I discovered Hey Harper’s waterproof jewelry.
I was admittedly introduced to the brand in a flashy targeted ad on social media. Positioning itself as a destination for water- and sweat-proof jewelry brand with trend-focused collections, the Lisbon-based label brought its designs to the market in 2018 as long-lasting pieces that you didn’t have to worry about tarnishing—despite exposure to humidity and moisture. As someone who flits between cities, countries, and climates quite regularly, durable, long-lasting styles are not just preferred but required. I was skeptical about Hey Harper’s lifetime color warranty, which guarantees that its waterproof pieces won’t fade or turn green over time when exposed to potentially harmful elements, like saltwater or chlorine.
Rather than simply take the brand’s word for it, I decided to bring a diverse selection of chain necklaces, rings, and earrings with me to three different countries in the last four months to see just how well they hold up in different situations. Whether it was exploring the cold, rainy streets of Ireland, battling the heat in Mexico, or navigating the temperamental conditions of Paris in spring, I really put the pieces to work. I wore them consistently and without taking them off when I showered, worked out, or swam in order to see if what the brand promises is true.
How does it work?
What separates Hey Harper’s waterproof technology apart from other anti-tarnish brands is its 10x fortifying PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition process). Instead of gold or silver plating (where fading is inevitable), each piece is cast with a thin-film coat that’s essentially bonded to the surface to ensure long-lasting color. This means that any exposure to chlorine, hand soaps, or other elements that would otherwise oxidize your jewelry won’t chip away at the exterior. Per the brand, its pieces are completely life-resistant, which means that I can wear my rings and necklaces throughout a full day, even to the pool or during a workout at the hotel gym.
What is the jewelry made of?
On a short list of requirements I have for the jewelry I bring into my collection, specifically when I travel, durability is at the top. All of Hey Harper’s waterproof pieces are made from stainless steel—which is ideal when talking about jewelry that can withstand natural wear and tear. It also makes sense for the brand's ethos; head designer Miko Boyarov aimed to find a balance between creating pieces that are of quality but still accessible in price, with most pieces falling under $100. The brand’s jewelry offers high-impact resistance, which will come in handy when lifting heavy luggage at the airport or doing other strenuous activities that could cause the disfiguration of your pieces.
Is it really waterproof?
The brand stands firmly by its guarantee that the pieces in its waterproof collection won’t experience any tarnishing—so much so that it offers customers a lifetime color warranty. From dips in tropical resort pools and encounters with botanical-based lotions from the Codage Paris spa, to sweat-soaked HIIT workout classes, I’ve put my pieces through the ringer and there’s been no discoloration in sight. Not to mention, I very rarely take off the ‘Moana’ necklace or silver ‘Nassau’ chain, which means I’m showering in these pieces daily and have had no green residue left behind from the metal tarnishing.
The verdict
Beachgoers, casual hikers, and adventurous travelers who like to accessorize will benefit from adding a few reliable jewelry pieces like these to their collection. Here are some of the tried-and-true pieces I recommend:
