Have you ever bought a beautiful piece of jewellery only to find it looking dull or discoloured after just a few wears?
If your jewellery seems to lose its shine faster than expected, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. Why does some jewellery tarnish so quickly, and is there anything you can do to stop it?
The good news is that tarnishing is a natural process, and in most cases, it’s completely normal. It happens to many types of jewellery, especially those made from metals like silver or copper. And with the right care, you can easily keep your favourite pieces looking clean and shiny for much longer.
Let’s explore what causes jewellery to tarnish quickly, what materials are more likely to do so, and how to protect your jewellery from losing its sparkle too soon.
What Is Tarnishing?
Tarnishing is a surface change that happens when certain metals react with elements in the air, moisture, or products like lotions or perfumes. It often appears as a dark or cloudy coating, but it doesn’t mean your jewelry is damaged. It just needs a quick cleaning to look like new again.
Some metals react faster than others, and some conditions can speed up the process. Understanding what causes it can help you take steps to slow it down.
Common Reasons Your Jewellery Tarnishes Quickly
If you’ve noticed your jewellery losing its shine faster than usual, there could be a few things at play. These everyday habits and conditions might be speeding up the tarnishing process without your even realizing it.
Skin Oils and Sweat
Your skin naturally produces oils and sweat, which can affect the surface of your jewellery. Sweat contains small amounts of salt, which can react with metals like copper or silver. While this is totally normal, it may lead to faster tarnishing, especially if you wear the same piece daily.
Lotions, Perfumes, and Hair Products
Products like moisturizers, sunscreens, perfumes, and hairsprays often contain ingredients that can interact with your Evry Jewels jewellery. When these products come into contact with your rings, bracelets, or necklaces, they may leave behind a residue that dulls the surface.
To keep this from happening, try to apply these products first and let them dry before putting on your jewellery.
Water Exposure
Water itself isn’t harmful, but when mixed with soap, chlorine, or salt, it can have a big impact on how quickly your jewellery tarnishes. Washing hands, showering, swimming, or even doing dishes with your jewellery on can slowly affect its shine.
Removing your pieces before water activities is one of the easiest ways to help them stay in better shape.
Air and Humidity
Even when you’re not wearing your jewellery, the air around it can cause tarnish over time. Humid environments can speed up this process, especially if the jewellery is stored out in the open. That’s why some pieces may tarnish faster during summer or in tropical climates.
Keeping jewellery in dry, sealed containers when not in use helps prevent air exposure.
Metal Type and Finish
Some materials are more prone to tarnishing than others. For example, sterling silver and copper-based metals tend to tarnish faster than stainless steel or solid gold. Gold-plated jewellery can also tarnish once the outer layer begins to wear off.
How to Slow Down Tarnishing
You can’t always prevent tarnishing completely, but you can slow it down. With just a few simple habits, you’ll be able to keep your jewellery looking newer for longer.
Cleaning Tarnished Jewellery at Home
When your jewellery does start to tarnish, it’s usually easy to bring it back to life with a gentle cleaning. There are many safe ways to clean tarnished pieces at home using items you already have.
For silver jewellery, a soft cloth and mild soapy water can work well. You can also use a baking soda and water paste to clean tough spots. Just remember to rinse and dry completely before storing.
If you’re cleaning gold-plated pieces, go extra gently. Use a microfiber cloth and avoid scrubbing too hard to protect the surface.
You can also find jewellery polishing cloths made for specific metals, and they’re great to keep on hand for a quick shine.
When to See a Professional
Sometimes, your jewellery might need a little more care than what you can do at home. If a piece is heavily tarnished, especially if it has delicate settings or gemstones, a jeweller can clean it safely and make it look as good as new.
Many jewellers also offer re-plating services if your gold-plated jewellery is losing its colour. These small touch-ups are worth considering to extend the life of your favourite pieces.
Everyday Jewellery That’s Less Likely to Tarnish
If you’re someone who loves wearing jewellery all the time, consider choosing materials that naturally resist tarnishing. These pieces are easier to maintain and perfect for everyday use.
Wrapping It Up
If your jewellery is tarnishing quickly, don’t worry—it’s normal and happens to most pieces over time. The good news is that with a little care and attention, you can slow down the process and keep your accessories looking shiny and fresh.
From knowing what metals you’re wearing to storing your pieces properly and cleaning them gently, every small step makes a difference. So the next time your jewellery looks a bit dull, you’ll know exactly what to do—and how to make sure it keeps shining for many more wears to come.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Birthstone Jewelry: Meaningful and Stylish Gifts
