Precious Cross Necklace

I wore this on ten days in the Red Sea and it never came off, not for diving, not for showers, not once. My assumption was that salt water would work into the tiny gaps around each stone and either loosen them or leave a white crust nothing could shift. Neither happened. All the stones are still seated and clear, the gold between them is as bright as ever, and the adjustable chain still slides freely with no stiffness. Even the small loop at the top where the pendant hangs, which stays wet the longest, is completely unmarked. Rinsing it under the tap each night was my entire routine.

I have not been able to keep a necklace on for more than a few hours in years without a raised itchy line appearing exactly where the chain sits. Necklaces are the worst for me because the metal stays trapped in sweat at the back of the neck all day with no air getting to it. I bought this one for the design and assumed I would end up wearing it for photos only. Instead it has barely left my neck since March, including through sleep, gym sessions and hot weather. My skin has stayed completely clear the entire time, both under the chain and where the heavy pendant rests on my chest. Not one bump or patch of redness in nearly four months.

Pave settings are the worst offenders for tarnish in my experience, because the metal between each stone is recessed and impossible to reach with a cloth. On my last stone-set pendant it went grey within about six weeks and the whole thing looked dirty from a distance even though the stones themselves were fine. I have worn this virtually every day since February through summer heat, perfume, moisturizer and plenty of sweat. Last weekend I studied it under a magnifier, working across the whole cross stone by stone. The gold between them is still clean and bright everywhere with no darkening at all, and I have never polished it.

Getting the clasp open takes a moment with a manicure. Once on it is genuinely comfortable and stays put.

It has been through hot water and shampoo every morning since it arrived. Most plated chains go dull from that within a month. This is still fully bright.

It has more presence than the listing photos suggested to me, which suits some necklines better than others. Under an open collar it is perfect. Beautifully made and I have no real complaint.