How to Keep Jewelry From Tarnishing: Simple Habits

Sooner or later, most jewelry changes color. Silver turns darker, a gold finish looks a little duller, and the piece you wore all summer does not shine the way it did on day one. The good news: a few simple habits slow it down a lot. No finish lasts forever, but you can keep your pieces looking their best for longer.

Why does jewelry tarnish?

Tarnish is a thin dark layer that forms when metal reacts with things around it: moisture, sweat, perfume, lotion and the air itself. Sterling silver darkens naturally this way. On plated jewelry, a thin gold or silver layer covers the metal underneath, and friction, water and chemicals wear that layer down over time. That is why care matters most for the pieces you wear every day.

Seven habits that slow tarnish

1. Put your jewelry on last. Perfume, hairspray, body lotion and makeup go on first, and your jewelry goes on after they dry.
2. Take it off before water. Showers, pools, the sea and washing your hands are the quickest way to dull a finish. See can you shower with gold-plated jewelry?
3. Skip the gym and bedtime. Sweat and friction are tough on thin finishes. Take your pieces off before a workout and before you sleep.
4. Wipe it after wearing. A soft, dry cloth removes sweat and oils before they can sit on the metal.
5. Store it dry and apart. Keep each piece in its own pouch or small bag so they do not scratch each other, in a dry drawer or box.
6. Keep it away from humidity. A bathroom is the worst place to keep jewelry. A bedroom drawer is better.
7. Do not scrub. Rough cloths and abrasive cleaners can remove a plated layer. Wipe gently, and use a polishing cloth only on solid silver.

Silver or plated: what changes?

Solid sterling silver can be polished back to a shine, because the color is in the metal itself. Plated pieces have a thin surface layer, so they need a gentler touch: wipe, do not scrub. If you are not sure what a piece is made of, check the material in its listing. To learn how plating and silver differ, read gold plated vs gold filled vs vermeil and what 925 sterling silver means.

Pieces to wear with care in mind

If you wear one piece every day, put it on last and wipe it at night. The Golden Disc Necklace is an 18k gold-plated chain made for daily wear, and the Petit Heart Silver Bracelet is 925 sterling silver. Both are easy to care for with the habits above.

Frequently asked questions

Does gold-plated jewelry tarnish?

A plated finish can dull or wear with time, friction and contact with water or chemicals. Putting it on last, keeping it dry and wiping it after wearing help it last longer.

Does sterling silver tarnish?

Yes. Sterling silver darkens naturally over time. Regular wear, a soft cloth and dry storage keep it looking bright, and you can polish it when it dulls.

How should I store jewelry?

Store each piece dry, in its own pouch or small bag, away from the bathroom and from direct sun.

Ready to build a piece you will wear every day? Browse all necklaces, bracelets and rings.