Why Does Jewelry Tarnish? Expert Tips to Prevent and Clean Tarnished Jewelry.
If you've ever opened your jewelry box to find a once-bright necklace looking dull or your favorite silver ring darkened, you're not alone.
Jewelry tarnishing is a common—and completely natural—reaction that happens to metals like silver and gold. The good news? With the right care, you can prevent most tarnish and easily restore your jewelry’s shine.
In this article, we’ll explain what tarnish is, which metals are most affected, how to clean tarnished jewelry at home, and the best ways to prevent it from happening again.
What Is Jewelry Tarnish?
Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on the surface of metals when they react with air, moisture, or chemicals. It’s most common in sterling silver, but it can also affect gold, especially lower-carat gold like 9ct or 14ct, which are alloyed with other metals.
Tarnish doesn’t mean your jewelry is fake or damaged—it’s a normal part of owning real metal pieces. It’s simply a sign that your jewelry has interacted with its environment over time.
What Causes Jewelry to Tarnish?
There are a few common culprits behind tarnishing:
Air exposure (oxygen and sulfur)
Humidity and moisture
Sweat and natural body oils
Perfume, lotion, hairspray, and makeup
Cleaning products or household chemicals
Water—especially chlorinated or salty water
If you live in a humid climate or store your jewelry in a damp space like a bathroom, you’ll likely notice tarnishing more quickly.
Which Metals Tarnish the Most?
925 Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. It’s beautiful and durable, but the copper content reacts with sulfur and oxygen, causing a yellow or dark gray layer over time.
9ct Gold
9ct gold contains more alloy metals (like copper and silver) than higher-karat gold, which makes it more prone to slight tarnishing—especially with everyday wear. However, gold tarnish is often less noticeable than silver tarnish.
Gold-Plated Jewelry
Plated jewelry tends to tarnish faster than solid metal because the plating is thin and can wear off, exposing the base metal underneath.
How to Prevent Jewelry Tarnish
Taking care of your jewelry doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some simple, effective tips to protect your pieces:
Store jewelry in an airtight container or zip-lock bag to limit exposure to air and moisture
Keep jewelry away from humid areas, like bathrooms
Use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets in your jewelry box
Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, or working out
Put jewelry on last, after applying perfume, lotion, or hair products
Wipe jewelry after each wear with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils and residues
Proper storage and mindful handling are your best defenses against tarnish.
How to Clean Tarnished Jewelry at Home
If tarnish has already appeared, don’t worry—it can often be removed easily.
How to Clean Sterling Silver:
Use a silver polishing cloth to gently buff away tarnish.
For deeper cleaning: mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, soak the piece for 10–15 minutes, then clean gently with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
How to Clean Gold:
Soak in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes.
Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any residue.
Rinse well and dry with a clean, non-abrasive cloth.
Avoid harsh chemicals, toothpaste, or baking soda on precious metals—they can scratch and damage the surface.
Quick Jewelry Care Checklist
✔️ Store in a cool, dry place
✔️ Keep pieces separate to avoid scratching
✔️ Avoid exposure to perfumes, sprays, and lotions
✔️ Remove before exercise, swimming, or sleeping
✔️ Wipe clean after every wear
✔️ Get occasional professional cleaning for long-term maintenance
Why Proper Jewelry Care Matters
Jewelry isn’t just an accessory—it often holds sentimental or financial value. Whether it’s a silver bracelet you wear every day or a pair of gold earrings passed down through generations, proper care helps your favorite pieces last longer and look their best.
Even solid gold and sterling silver will need occasional polishing, but by following these tips, you can significantly slow down tarnish and keep your jewelry in beautiful condition for years.
About THERESHEIS.jewels
At THERESHEIS.jewels, we curate a collection of timeless 9ct gold and 925 sterling silver jewelry designed to be worn, loved, and gifted. While we don’t make the pieces ourselves, we handpick styles that are elegant, long-lasting, and perfect for everyday wear. We also include care tips with every order, so your jewelry can remain as radiant as the day you received it.
Explore our collection or find more jewelry care tips at theresheisjewels.com
