How to Keep Fashion Jewelry From Tarnishing

You bought gorgeous earrings, wore them a few times and suddenly they started looking dull and dark, or worse, they turned your skin green. Sound familiar? Fashion jewelry and gold- or silver-plated pieces are an affordable, fun way to wear jewelry, but they need a little care. With these tips you will learn how to keep fashion jewelry from tarnishing so it stays pretty much longer.

Why does fashion jewelry tarnish?

Most fashion jewelry has a metal base, like brass, copper or alloys, covered by a thin gold or silver plating. Over time, that layer wears down and the metal underneath reacts with air, moisture, sweat and the products we use. That process is called oxidation, and it is what darkens pieces or leaves green marks on your skin.

What damages your jewelry most

• Water: showering or swimming in the pool or ocean with your accessories speeds up wear. Chlorine and salt are especially harsh.
• Sweat: at the gym or on very hot, humid days, like those in the Caribbean.
• Perfume, lotion and hairspray: chemicals and alcohol wear down the plating.
• Bathroom humidity: storing your jewelry there is one of the most common mistakes.
• Friction: storing everything together makes pieces scratch each other.

The golden rule: last on, first off

Put your accessories on after applying lotion, perfume, makeup and hairspray. When you get home, take them off before washing your face, showering or working out. This simple habit can greatly extend the life of your pieces.

How to clean your fashion jewelry

Daily cleaning

After wearing it, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat, oil and product residue.

Deep cleaning (every so often)

1. Lightly dampen a soft cloth or cotton swab with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap.
2. Gently wipe the piece, without rubbing hard.
3. Remove the soap with another barely damp cloth.
4. Dry very well, even between links and clasps. Trapped moisture is the worst enemy.

Avoid

• Soaking pieces in water for a long time.
• Toothpaste, baking soda or abrasive products: they can scratch and remove the plating.
• Silver or fine jewelry cleaners, unless the piece says they are safe.

How to store your fashion jewelry

• Somewhere cool and dry, away from the bathroom.
• Separately: use a jewelry box with compartments or individual pouches so pieces do not scratch or tangle.
• In zip-top bags: they reduce contact with air. You can add one of those little silica packets that come with shoes or handbags.
• Hang or lay necklaces flat to avoid knots.

What if it has already tarnished?

If the piece is just dull, a gentle clean with lukewarm water and mild soap can bring back some shine. If the plating has already worn off and you can see the metal underneath, it is hard to restore at home. In that case, enjoy it for casual looks or replace it.

Why do some pieces turn skin green?

It is a reaction between the copper in some alloys and the sweat and moisture on your skin. It is usually not dangerous, just annoying. To prevent it, keep the piece dry, take it off to work out, and some people apply a thin coat of clear nail polish to the inside surface that touches the skin.

Extra tips

• Choose stainless steel for pieces you wear daily: it usually holds up better to water and sweat.
• Rotate your accessories so they do not wear out as quickly.
• At the beach, leave delicate jewelry at home and bring pieces made for that moment.

Find it at BeautyRosee

In our accessories collection you will find stainless steel bracelets, gold-plated pieces, earrings, rings and gold and silver necklaces for every style, plus bags with room to store your accessories when you are out. And to complete your look, check out our sunglasses collection.

FAQ

Can I shower with my fashion jewelry?

It is not recommended. Water, soap and shampoo wear down the plating and speed up oxidation.

Does stainless steel turn black?

It is usually much more resistant than other alloys, though it is still best to dry and store it well.

How do I keep my earrings from turning black?

Put your earrings on after perfume and hairspray, take them off to sleep and shower, and store them dry and separately.

Does clear nail polish work?

It is a DIY trick some people use on the part that touches the skin to create a barrier. It needs to be reapplied every so often.

Shine for longer

Your fashion jewelry can look beautiful for a long time if you treat it with care. Adopt these habits and discover new favorite pieces in our accessories collection at BeautyRosee.