Tarnish, that dull, discoloured creep over your favourite necklace, is preventable. Here is how to stop jewellery tarnishing using science-backed methods.
What Causes Jewellery to Tarnish?
Sulphur in the air, moisture and humidity, skin chemistry, cosmetics and perfumes, and the base metal itself all contribute. Up to 20% of fashion jewellery wearers experience metal-induced skin reactions. Your necklaces, bracelets, and rings are in constant contact with your environment, choosing the right material is half the battle.
10 Tips to Prevent Tarnishing
- Choose tarnish-proof materials: 316L stainless steel, the foundation of our tarnish-resistant collection.
- Store in airtight containers: Use zip-lock bags with silica gel packs.
- Keep jewellery dry: Remove before showering, swimming, exercising.
- Apply products before jewellery: Perfume, lotion, hair products go on first.
- Store pieces separately: Different metals can react with each other.
- Clean gently and regularly: Soft cloth after each wear.
- Remove before cleaning: Household chemicals are harsh on metal.
- Use a polishing cloth: Specifically designed for your metal type.
- Choose PVD-coated pieces: Up to 10x more tarnish-resistant than standard plating, browse our PVD gold-tone jewellery.
- Rotate your jewellery: Give each piece a rest day.
Tarnish Myths Debunked
Clear nail polish prevents tarnishing: A temporary hack at best. Jewellery tarnishes because it is cheap: False, silver-tone tarnishes too. Toothpaste cleans jewellery: Never do this, it is abrasive and scratches surfaces.
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