There’s nothing more disappointing than reaching for your favourite piece of jewellery only to find that it has lost its shine or developed a dark, dull appearance. Fortunately, tarnishing is a natural process and, with the right care, you can significantly slow it down and keep your jewellery looking beautiful for longer.

Whether you love gold vermeil, sterling silver, or precious sentimental jewellery you save for special occasions, these simple tips will help prevent tarnishing and protect your favourite pieces.

What causes jewellery to tarnish?

Tarnishing happens when certain metals react with substances in the environment. Moisture, oxygen, sweat, oils from your skin and chemicals can all contribute to the process.

Silver jewellery is particularly prone to tarnishing because it reacts with compounds in the air, creating a darker layer on the surface. Gold-plated and other jewellery can also become dull over time, particularly when the plating is exposed to moisture, chemicals or frequent friction.

The good news is that tarnishing doesn't necessarily mean your jewellery is damaged. In many cases, it can be gently cleaned and restored.

Keep jewellery away from moisture

One of the easiest ways to reduce tarnishing is to keep your jewellery dry. Make it a habit to remove jewellery before showering or bathing, swimming, exercising, washing dishes, and using a sauna or steam room.

Water itself isn't always the main problem, but prolonged exposure to moisture can speed up oxidation and may cause some jewellery finishes to deteriorate more quickly.

Avoid contact with perfume and beauty products

Perfume, hairspray, moisturiser, sunscreen and cosmetics can contain ingredients that react with jewellery.

Apply your perfume, skincare and cosmetics first and allow them to dry before putting on your jewellery. When you're finished wearing it, remove your jewellery before using beauty or cleaning products.

Remove jewellery before exercising

Sweat contains salts and other substances that can contribute to tarnishing and discolouration. If you're heading to the gym or going for a run it's best to leave your jewellery at home.

Apart from reducing tarnishing, removing jewellery during exercise can also help prevent scratches, knocks and accidental damage.

Store jewellery properly

How you store your jewellery can make a huge difference. Instead of leaving pieces loose on a dressing table, store them somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight. Avoid keeping jewellery in bathrooms, where humidity levels are often high.

The best place to store your jewellery is in the soft pouch we supply with all Toolally pieces, or keep it in a lined jewellery box. Keep chains separated to prevent tangling and ensure you close clasps before putting necklaces away.

For silver jewellery in particular, an anti-tarnish pouch or cloth can help slow down the tarnishing process.

Gently clean your jewellery

Regular gentle cleaning can remove sweat, oils and everyday residue before they have a chance to build up. For many jewellery pieces, you can use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface after wearing. 

For more thorough cleaning, always check the care recommendations for the specific metal and gemstones. Some stones and jewellery finishes can be sensitive to water, chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods. 

With Toolally’s acrylic earrings, to keep the rhodium or gold-plated metal tops shiny and clean we recommend a small amount of liquid detergent and warm water in a non-metallic bowl. Rub your jewellery gently with a soft cloth to clean it and then rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any excess detergent. Finally, dry with a soft cloth. Don’t leave your jewellery to soak as this can affect the life of the plating.

Avoid using harsh household cleaners or rough materials unless you're certain they're suitable for your jewellery. 

Put jewellery on after getting dressed

Another simple habit is to put your jewellery on after you've finished getting ready.

Perfume, hairspray, lotions and other products can come into contact with jewellery while you're getting dressed. Putting your jewellery on last reduces unnecessary exposure. It also helps prevent chains and earrings from catching on clothing.

Don't wear the same pieces every day

If you have a favourite necklace or pair of earrings that you wear constantly, giving them a break can help prolong their appearance. Rotating your jewellery allows pieces to be cleaned and stored properly between wears. It also gives you the opportunity to enjoy more of your collection and get creative with your accessories. Plus, it’s fun to have different pieces for different outfits and occasions!

Handle plated jewellery with extra care

Gold-plated and silver-plated jewellery require particular care because the outer layer can gradually wear away through friction and exposure to chemicals.

With the right care, outlined above, plated jewellery can maintain its finish for much longer.

Can tarnished jewellery be restored?

In many cases tarnished jewellery can be restored. Light tarnishing can often be removed with an appropriate jewellery polishing cloth or cleaning method. The safest approach depends on the type of metal, finish and gemstones involved.

A cleaning method that's suitable for sterling silver may not be appropriate for gold-plated jewellery or jewellery containing delicate gemstones. If you're unsure, check the manufacturer's care instructions or have the piece professionally cleaned.

🥰 We hope you love your jewellery as much as we love making it. Look after it and it’ll stay looking fabulous for a long time!