There’s nothing quite like the shine of a new piece of sparkling jewellery, but over time, that sparkle can sadly fade. If you’ve ever noticed your silver or gold pieces darkening, dulling, or developing a strange discolouration, you’re not alone. Tarnishing is a natural process, but the good news is, it can be slowed down or even prevented with the right care. Learn how to clean tarnished jewellery more in-depth, here.
What Causes Jewellery to Tarnish?
Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on metals when they react with elements in the air or on your skin. It’s especially common with:
Sterling silver, which reacts with sulphur in the air
Gold vermeil and gold-plated jewellery, where the surface layer can wear off over time
Copper-based alloys, like rose gold or bronze, which darken due to oxidation
Even the highest quality jewellery isn’t immune, it’s just part of the chemistry.
Common Tarnish Triggers:
Air pollution and humidity
Sweat, lotions, and perfumes
Chemicals in cleaning products
Chlorine and saltwater
Storage in open air or damp places
How to Prevent Tarnishing
You can’t stop oxidation completely, but you can slow it down and keep your jewellery looking gorgeous for longer. Here’s how:
1. Store It Right
Keep your jewellery in a cool, dry place, ideally in a soft pouch or airtight bag. Anti-tarnish strips or cloths can also help absorb moisture and sulphur in the air.
2. Avoid Contact with Moisture and Chemicals
Take jewellery off before swimming, showering, exercising, or applying products like perfume, hairspray, or lotion. These can all speed up tarnishing.
3. Wear It Often
Believe it or not, wearing your jewellery regularly (especially silver) can actually help prevent tarnish. Natural oils in your skin can keep it polished.
4. Clean It Gently and Regularly
Use a soft cloth to wipe your jewellery after each wear. For deeper cleans, use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush — or a professional jewellery cleaning cloth.
5. Get into the Habit
Store, clean, and protect your pieces as part of your regular routine — it only takes a minute, but makes a big difference.
Keep Your Jewellery Like New
Tarnish is normal, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right care, your jewellery will stay bright, beautiful, and ready to wear whenever you are. At The Diamond Store, we include a complimentary cleaning cloth with every order to help you keep your sparkle shining. Learn more about how to clean different metals – such as gold, silver and platinum – here.
Why Jewellery Tarnishes (and How to Prevent It)
There’s nothing quite like the shine of a new piece of sparkling jewellery, but over time, that sparkle can sadly fade. If you’ve ever noticed your silver or gold pieces darkening, dulling, or developing a strange discolouration, you’re not alone. Tarnishing is a natural process, but the good news is, it can be slowed down or even prevented with the right care. Learn how to clean tarnished jewellery more in-depth, here.
What Causes Jewellery to Tarnish?
Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on metals when they react with elements in the air or on your skin. It’s especially common with:
Even the highest quality jewellery isn’t immune, it’s just part of the chemistry.
Common Tarnish Triggers:
How to Prevent Tarnishing
You can’t stop oxidation completely, but you can slow it down and keep your jewellery looking gorgeous for longer. Here’s how:
1. Store It Right
Keep your jewellery in a cool, dry place, ideally in a soft pouch or airtight bag. Anti-tarnish strips or cloths can also help absorb moisture and sulphur in the air.
2. Avoid Contact with Moisture and Chemicals
Take jewellery off before swimming, showering, exercising, or applying products like perfume, hairspray, or lotion. These can all speed up tarnishing.
3. Wear It Often
Believe it or not, wearing your jewellery regularly (especially silver) can actually help prevent tarnish. Natural oils in your skin can keep it polished.
4. Clean It Gently and Regularly
Use a soft cloth to wipe your jewellery after each wear. For deeper cleans, use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush — or a professional jewellery cleaning cloth.
5. Get into the Habit
Store, clean, and protect your pieces as part of your regular routine — it only takes a minute, but makes a big difference.
Keep Your Jewellery Like New
Tarnish is normal, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right care, your jewellery will stay bright, beautiful, and ready to wear whenever you are. At The Diamond Store, we include a complimentary cleaning cloth with every order to help you keep your sparkle shining. Learn more about how to clean different metals – such as gold, silver and platinum – here.
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