What is tarnished jewellery? And why does it happen?

Tarnishing is a natural process and absolutely nothing to worry about. It has been long misconstrued that tarnish was a sign of below par materials which is not the case. Tarnish happens when the metal come into contact with oxygen and sulphur from the air. This causes oxisidation which is a grey to black film that appears on your jewellery. Certain other chemicals and activities can speed up the process such as:

• Perfumes, lotions, hairspray and other chemicals from swimming pools
• Body oils, sweat, make up and your skins natural chemistry (which can change)
• Prolonged wear without cleaning the jewellery
• How you store your jewellery when you are not wearing it

All of these effect your jewellery. Read on to find out how to slow down the tarnishing process and how you can clean your jewellery eaily and cheaply at home.

How can I clean my jewellery?

There are many commercial jewellery cleaners on the market, they can be expensive and contain chemicals that can damage your jewellery.

I prefer to use a simple and inexpensive method that doesn't involve any harsh chemicals. Here's what I do:

1. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water.
2. Submerge your jewellery in the soapy water.
3. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewellery.
4. Rinse the jewellery with warm water. (Top Tip - Use a sieve and save risking losing your favourite pieces to the plug hole!)
5. Dry the jewellery with a soft cloth.
6. Polish to a high shine with a silver or gold polishing cloth depending on the metal

How should I store and care for my jewellery?

I know you want to keep your much loved jewellery pieces looking their best so you can wear them for many years to come. Here are my top tips for storing and caring for your jewellery.

• • Put your jewellery on last, after you've applied perfume, body lotion, and hairspray. 
  • Take your jewellery off before you go swimming, showering, bathing or in hot tubs. 
  • Store your jewellery in a closed jewellery box or a safe place away from sunlight and heat.
  • Be careful not to drop or bang your jewellery. This can damage stones or claws
  • Periodically check your jewellery for wear and tear. 
  • Avoid wearing your jewellery when you are doing activities that could damage it, such as gardening or working out.

Some gemstones need specific care such as Opals and Pearls:

• Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear. Do not soak pearls in water or use any harsh chemicals.
• Opals are delicate gemstones and should be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use any harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.

If you are in any doubt of how to best take care of your jewellery drop me a message and I will happily advise you.

If you have found my jewellery cleaning and care tips helpful today, share this post so your friends and family can keep their treasures looking the best for years to come.