We’ve all been there—you’re getting ready for a special occasion, eager to wear your favorite piece of jewelry, only to bring it out of its box and discover that it has lost its sparkle and looks discolored. Tarnishing can quickly ruin a favorite piece, which can be disappointing especially if it holds sentimental value.
When searching for the best jewelry stores in Houston, you’re not just looking for stunning pieces—you also want jewelry that won’t easily tarnish and will stay beautiful for many years to come. Here’s everything you need to know about jewelry tarnish, and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
Tarnish is that annoying dull layer that forms on jewelry when the metal reacts with oxygen or other substances. It often appears as a grey or black coating, and makes your jewelry look old and less vibrant. This reaction happens over time, especially if your jewelry is exposed to air, moisture, or certain chemicals. While tarnish can be removed, it’s best to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Tarnishing occurs when the precious metal in your jewelry reacts with everyday elements like sweat, water, perfume, makeup, skincare products, and even the air around you. These reactions cause the surface of the metal to change color, giving it that unwanted dull appearance.
The type of metal your jewelry is made of plays a big role in how likely it is to tarnish. Precious metals like gold are too soft on their own, so they’re mixed with other metals to make them stronger. For example, the white gold from a diamond and gold bracelet is made by mixing gold with palladium or nickel, while the gold in a rose gold ring gets its pinkish hue from a mix of gold and copper.
Gold-plated jewelry has a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal like brass or copper. Because the gold layer is so thin, it’s more prone to tarnishing. Gold vermeil has a thicker layer of gold plating and is more durable than regular gold plating, but will still tarnish over time. Fine gold jewelry is less likely to tarnish and can keep its shine for years, making it a great investment if you want pieces that will last.
Regularly cleaning your jewelry is key to preventing tarnish. Use mild soap and water, and gently scrub your diamond engagement ring or diamond wedding band with a soft toothbrush. For an extra shine, use a polishing cloth designed for jewelry. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods that could damage the metal.
How you store your jewelry can also make a big difference. Keep your yellow gold and diamond bangle or curb chain necklace in airtight containers to protect them from moisture. Consider using a jewelry organizer with separate compartments to keep your pieces organized and separate, and to prevent scratching and tangling. Be sure to keep your costume jewelry separate from your fine jewelry to prevent cross-contamination and tarnish.
Moisture is one of the biggest culprits behind jewelry tarnish. Make sure you are not wearing your jewelry before showering, swimming, or even applying lotion, perfume, or sunscreen. Even sweat can speed up the tarnishing process, so it’s a good idea to take off your jewelry during intense workouts. If your jewelry does get wet, dry it off immediately with a soft cloth.
While costume or fashion jewelry can be fun to wear, it’s more prone to tarnishing. Investing in fine jewelry made from higher-quality precious metals like 14k or 18k gold will save you the hassle of frequent tarnish issues. If your jewelry does start to tarnish, don’t panic—Zadok Jewelers, one of the best jewelry stores in Houston, can provide you with a thorough jewelry cleaning or rhodium plating service to bring your favorite pieces back to life.
