Three words show up on almost every jewellery listing in India right now: anti-tarnish, waterproof and stainless steel. Some sellers use all three at once, as if they mean the same thing. They don't. Here is what each one means, and exactly what our own pieces are.
Three words, three meanings
Anti-tarnish
A finish. It is a protective layer that slows tarnish, the dark or dull layer that forms on metal. It describes how the surface is treated, not what the metal is.
Waterproof
A claim about water. It means the seller says the piece can be worn in the shower, the pool or the sea without damage. That is a big claim, and it should come with a clear reason, such as a named base metal.
Stainless steel
A material. It is a steel alloy that resists rust and tarnish on its own. Steel jewellery is often coated in a gold colour on top. If a piece is stainless steel, the seller should name it clearly as the base metal.
They are not the same
- A piece can be anti-tarnish and not waterproof.
- A piece can be stainless steel and still have a gold-tone coating that wears with time.
- "Waterproof" without a named base metal is a claim you can't check.
What to check before you buy
- Is the base metal named? "Anti-tarnish" is a finish, not a metal.
- Does the seller explain "waterproof"? Ask what the piece is made of.
- Are there real reviews of that product? Not just ratings for the store.
- What happens if it arrives damaged? Read the refund policy before you pay.
What NuNu pieces are, and what they are not
We would rather be clear than oversell.
NuNu pieces are:
- Fashion jewellery with an anti-tarnish finish, in gold tone.
- Made to be worn often, and made so they won't turn black with normal wear.
- Under ₹500, with free delivery across India in 3–7 days.
NuNu pieces are not:
- Not sold as stainless steel. We haven't confirmed the base metal, so we don't name one.
- Not waterproof. Water wears down the finish faster. Take them off before a bath or a swim.
- Not 18K gold, and not real gold.
- Not sold as hypoallergenic. If your skin reacts easily, try a piece for a few hours first.
- Not permanent. Any finish wears with time, more slowly with care.
Who should buy which
- You swim, gym and shower with your jewellery on, and never want to take it off: look for a clearly named stainless steel base, and read the product reviews.
- You want a gold look for daily wear at a small price, and don't mind taking it off before a bath: anti-tarnish fashion jewellery like ours suits you.
- You want something to pass down for generations: that is real gold, at real-gold prices.
New to the word? Read what anti-tarnish means. Or browse our necklaces and earrings.
Questions
Does anti-tarnish mean waterproof?
No. Anti-tarnish is a finish that slows darkening. Waterproof is a separate claim about water.
Is stainless steel jewellery better than anti-tarnish?
It depends on how you live. Steel resists rust on its own, but a gold coating on steel still wears. Anti-tarnish fashion jewellery costs less and suits daily wear with simple care.
Can I bathe with NuNu jewellery on?
Please don't. Take it off before a long bath or a swim, and it will keep its colour for longer.