How to Prevent Your Jewellery from Tarnishing

Few things are more disappointing than reaching for your favourite silver bracelet only to find it dull, discoloured, and unappealing. Tarnishing is a natural chemical process that affects most precious metals, but with the right knowledge and prevention strategies, you can significantly slow this process and keep your jewellery looking brilliant for much longer.

Understanding why tarnish occurs is the first step in preventing it. Armed with this knowledge and some practical storage and care techniques, you can preserve the beauty of your jewellery collection for generations.

Understanding the Science of Tarnish

Tarnish is the result of a chemical reaction between metal and environmental elements, primarily sulphur compounds. When silver reacts with hydrogen sulphide in the air, it forms silver sulphide—that familiar dark coating we call tarnish. Gold can also tarnish, though it's more resistant, especially higher-karat pieces.

Several factors accelerate tarnishing:

• Humidity: Moisture in the air speeds up the chemical reaction. This is particularly relevant in Australia's tropical and subtropical regions.
• Air pollution: Industrial areas and cities have higher concentrations of sulphur compounds.
• Household chemicals: Everything from perfume and hairspray to cleaning products contains compounds that accelerate tarnishing.
• Body chemistry: Your skin's natural oils, pH level, and sweat composition affect how quickly jewellery tarnishes when worn.
• Storage conditions: How and where you store jewellery significantly impacts tarnish formation.

Proper Storage: Your First Line of Defence

The most effective way to prevent tarnishing is proper storage. Creating an environment that limits your jewellery's exposure to air, moisture, and sulphur compounds will dramatically slow the tarnishing process.

Choose Anti-Tarnish Storage Solutions

Modern jewellery boxes often feature anti-tarnish lining, which is specifically treated fabric that absorbs sulphur compounds before they can reach your jewellery. When shopping for a jewellery box, look for these features:

• Pacific Silvercloth or similar anti-tarnish fabric lining
• Individual compartments to prevent pieces from touching
• Tight-fitting lids to limit air exposure
• Felt or velvet surfaces that won't scratch your pieces

Use Anti-Tarnish Strips and Tabs

These small, inexpensive products absorb tarnish-causing gases from the air inside your storage container. Place one or two in each drawer or compartment of your jewellery box and replace them every six months for optimal protection.

Consider Airtight Storage for Rarely Worn Pieces

For jewellery you don't wear frequently, small airtight bags or containers provide excellent protection. Silica gel packets can be added to absorb any moisture that enters the container. This is particularly effective for valuable silver pieces or heirloom jewellery.

Daily Habits That Prevent Tarnishing

Small changes in how you wear and handle your jewellery can make a significant difference in how quickly it tarnishes.

The "Last On, First Off" Rule

Make your jewellery the last thing you put on when getting ready and the first thing you remove when you get home. This minimises exposure to:

• Perfumes and body sprays (which contain sulphur compounds)
• Lotions and moisturisers (which leave residue on metal)
• Hairspray and styling products (which can coat and damage surfaces)
• Makeup and sunscreen (which contain oils and chemicals)

Wipe After Wearing

Before storing your jewellery, take a moment to wipe each piece with a soft, dry cloth. This removes body oils, perspiration, and any product residue that accumulated during wear. These substances accelerate tarnishing if left on the metal.

Avoid Certain Activities While Wearing Jewellery

Some activities are particularly damaging to jewellery and should be avoided while wearing your pieces:

• Swimming: Chlorine in pools and salt in ocean water are both corrosive to metals
• Cleaning: Household cleaners contain chemicals that accelerate tarnishing and can damage stones
• Exercising: Sweat contains salts and acids that affect metals
• Showering: Soap residue builds up on jewellery and humidity accelerates tarnishing
• Cooking: Food residue and cooking oils can coat and dull jewellery

Special Considerations for Different Metals

Sterling Silver

Silver is the most tarnish-prone of the precious metals. Beyond proper storage, consider these additional tips:

• Wear silver regularly—the friction of wear actually helps prevent tarnish buildup
• Store silver pieces separately from other jewellery to prevent chemical reactions between metals
• Consider rhodium-plated silver, which resists tarnishing longer (though the plating wears off over time)

Gold

While more resistant to tarnishing, gold is not immune, particularly lower-karat pieces (14K and below). The copper and other alloys in gold can cause discolouration over time. Higher-karat gold (18K and above) resists tarnishing better but is softer and more prone to scratching.

Platinum and Palladium

These metals are highly resistant to tarnishing and corrosion. However, they can develop a patina over time that some people find attractive while others prefer to have professionally polished.

When Prevention Isn't Enough

Despite your best efforts, some tarnishing may occur, especially if you live in a humid climate or if jewellery is worn frequently. Regular, gentle cleaning can remove light tarnish before it becomes severe. See our guide to cleaning jewellery at home for safe methods.

For valuable or antique pieces, consider professional cleaning and polishing annually. Professional jewellers have access to tools and techniques that can restore heavily tarnished pieces without risking damage.

Remember, tarnish is a surface phenomenon—it doesn't damage the underlying metal. With proper care and prevention, your jewellery can maintain its beauty for a lifetime and beyond, ready to be passed down to future generations.