The reality is, ALL fashion jewelry necklaces bracelets, earrings or even rings are prone to tarnishing – and some, more rapid than others. The reason? It’s simple – eventually, your jewelry comes in contact with acids, oils, moisture, and air. The jewelry reacts with the metal in it, causing it to, over time, break down and tarnish.
Have you ever left your sterling silver out and realized it’s turned into a darker tone? That’s because of the metal reacting to the moisture and sulfur in the air. Even 10-18karat gold plated and gold-filled jewelry, and vermeil, are not invulnerable to tarnishing. They are going to, over time, indicate signs of wear, but are probably holds up better than jewelry not plated in this way.
And why does some jewelry turn my skin green?
Most of us most likely have worn a ring, only to take it off and see green ring around your finger? This green ring is due to the acids on your finger oxidizing the metal. If this happens to you and to what degree is going to differ based on your body chemistry. However, if you notice green, don’t worry – it’s not going to harm you and does not mean your jewels are not safe. This happens sometimes with pieces made out of copper, but even silver and gold metals can lead to discoloration too.
Ways to Keep Your Jewelry from Tarnishing
You probably unable to control the air around you or the “skin you’re in”, but you can control the way you maintain your jewelry! Below are ways on how to keep your fashion jewelry from tarnishing.
Keep Them Dry
The quickest way to tarnish your jewelry is to allow it to be in contact with moisture and/ or liquids. This includes putting on moisturizers, washing your hands, sprit’s of perfume, and sweating with your jewels on. The oils on your skin can even break down the plating and metals eventually – and this is going to again, differ by person. Did you accidentally get your jewelry wet? Make sure to dry them off straight away!
Store Them Properly
Due to contact with the simplest things such as the moisture in the air can break down your jewelry, it’s important to store them correctly. Take it up a notch by storing your jewelry in a Ziploc baggy – but you are going to want to be sure you take out as much air as possible prior to sealing it. With the air removed, the metal will be unable to oxidize from it.
Super strict on keeping your favorite pieces in excellent shape? Purchase some anti-tarnish strips. These crazy absorbent pieces of paper are going to basically suck all of the culprits in the surrounding air that is going to cause your jewelry to tarnish eventually. Put one in your jewelry drawer/ box, or storage pouch.
Try A Jewelry Spray
Give your jewelry protective shielding to fend off the elements that lead to tarnishing. Not only can it safeguard your favorite pieces longer, but many sprays can also protect you from allergies such as irritation, hives, and rashes. One such spray Tarnish Me Not is great for this. It’s also one-hundred percent hypoallergenic and cruelty-free.
Give Them a Break
Treat your jewelry with love and care, and they will keep sparkling for you for a considerable time!
You’re probably thinking – “this is a TON of work for my jewelry”. But if there’s a specific piece that you’re crazy in love with and wish to have for the foreseeable future, you know the steps you can take to keep them in the best condition!
Shop Signatures In Glendale, Arizona
At Signatures, our custom wedding invitations are all about you, our valued client! We know that everyone of our client’s event is special and important to them. Shop Signatures can handle custom invitations from an elegant wedding, to a backyard birthday party. We turn your custom invitation dreams into reality with one-of-a-kind invitations. Shop Signatures will help you with designing the best and most appropriate invitation for your special event or occasion in Phoenix, Arizona
