A jewellery expert reveals the 10 things that tarnish your treasured pieces

As jewellery is exposed to air, moisture, and oils over time, a chemical reaction known as oxidation occurs. This process is what causes jewellery to lose its shine, form a layer of dark, discolouration, and eventually tarnish. If you have jewellery made from cheap metals, i.e. the kind of metals used for fast-fashion jewellery like copper or brass, this tarnishing is unfortunately irreversible. However, tarnishing on higher-quality metals like sterling silver or gold-fill can absolutely be cleaned up. 

Blake Asaad, a jewellery expert from Goodstone, a leading provider of exquisitely crafted diamond jewellery, shares the most common mistakes people make that tarnish their jewellery faster.
 
Pollution
Air pollution is one of your worst nightmares when it comes to preserving your silver jewellery. The air contains sulphites like sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide which chemically react with the metal of the jewellery, causing it to oxidize and turn black. ‘Avoid this by storing your jewellery in a cabinet when you’re not wearing it,’ Blake suggests. 
 
Water
Apart from the general moisture and humidity in the air, habits such as showering, swimming, or washing dishes with jewellery on can put you on the fast track to tarnishing your precious pieces. When you are ready to pop in the shower, or wash up, it is best to take off your jewellery first to ensure their long-lasting lustre. 
 
Eggs
Do not forget, the main reason why metal tarnishes in the first place is because it reacts with sulphur. Eggs are a big producer of this gas, and exposure to them can quicken the rate at which your precious metals blacken and blue. 
 
Cleaning products
According to Blake, ‘Ingredients found in disinfectants will tarnish your jewellery while you are cleaning. For instance, bleach is known to tarnish and ruin jewellery quite quickly.’ By doing your chores with your jewellery on, you are introducing those metals to substances that could cause a chemical reaction on the surface of your jewellery, and therefore tarnish faster.
 
Lotion
Products like lotion, sunscreen and moisturizers contain oils, acids, and alcohols that cause discolouration and speed of the process of tarnishing. Not to mention, any jewellery containing gemstones could absorb the moisture through its pores and ultimately lose its sparkle.
 
Hand sanitizer
Since the pandemic, people are using hand sanitizer more than ever. Asaad advises that ‘before you squirt sanitizer into your palm, take off your rings and bracelets, as the high alcohol content can damage gemstones such as pearls, opals, and turquoise.’ Hand sanitizer is also known to tarnish various metals as well. 
 
Nail polish remover
If you live by a nail salon, it’s imperative that you store your jewellery in a closed container away from the window. Chemicals from nail polish remover, and other nail products are a fiend when it comes to tarnishing jewellery, so it’s best to keep your pieces sealed away where the salon chemicals wafting in will not be able to harm your favourite necklaces and earrings.
 
Hairspray
Similarly, if you live close to a hair salon, or are someone that uses a lot of hair products when getting ready, be sure to keep your jewellery safe and tucked away while you are using chemical-inducing products such as hairspray. Your jewellery will thank you, and you’ll notice it will shine and sparkle for much longer!
 
Perfume
Beauty products such as fragrances can cause discolouration or even corrosion. Blake says that ‘a good rule of thumb is to make putting on your jewellery the last step in your beauty routine. This will ensure that your jewellery is not exposed to any abrasive cosmetics that could ruin your favourite pieces.’
 
Your pH balance
In the words of Blake, ‘What you consume and expel from your body plays a role in your hormonal compounds and overall pH balance. Because of this, the very gasses that your body chemistry produces may cause discolouration once it encounters your jewellery.’

To break it down, what you eat, medicines you take, your sweat, and even your gas are all factors in how your personal body chemistry could affect the rate of your jewellery tarnishing.
 
Goodstone is a leading provider of exquisitely crafted diamond jewellery, rooted in a commitment to integrity, authenticity, and sustainability. Their collections embody timeless elegance and modern sensibilities, catering to individuals who seek not just adornment, but a reflection of their values and aspirations. With a focus on ethical sourcing, artisanal craftsmanship, and personalized service, Goodstone offers a distinctive experience that resonates with clients worldwide. Visit www.goodstone.com.