The most important step in preventing jewellery from tarnishing is proper storage and regular maintenance. Jewellery oxidises when exposed to air, and this process is inevitable, especially for silver and gold-plated pieces. However, you can significantly slow down this process by keeping your jewellery away from moisture and storing it in an airtight box. Delicately crafted jewellery, such as Arabic designs with intricate patterns, may be more prone to oxidation. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them in a jewellery pouch when not in use. Similarly, jewellery should be kept away from perfume, deodorant, creams, and other chemicals, as these substances can cause the plating to wear off and the colour to become dull. For cleaning, the best method is to wipe jewellery with a non-abrasive, specialised jewellery cleaning solution. Additionally, removing jewellery before showering, swimming in the sea, or entering a pool will help protect it from chlorine and salt water, both of which accelerate tarnishing. These simple yet effective precautions will ensure your jewellery remains shiny and looking new for a long time.
In Which Environments Does Jewellery Tarnish More Quickly?
The rate at which jewellery tarnishes depends on environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and chemical exposure. In regions with high humidity (such as coastal areas or steam-filled spaces like bathrooms), jewellery tends to tarnish more rapidly. Silver and gold-plated jewellery oxidise faster when in direct contact with moisture, leading to discolouration in a shorter period. Similarly, in air-conditioned or centrally heated environments, exposure to airborne sulphur and other gases can cause gradual colour changes in jewellery.
Jewellery that frequently comes into contact with perfume, deodorant, or sweat is also more likely to tarnish quickly. Additionally, body chemistry plays a role in how fast jewellery tarnishes; some people have higher skin acidity, which means that the same piece of jewellery may tarnish faster for one person than another. Wearing jewellery while exercising or handling cleaning products can also accelerate the tarnishing process due to exposure to detergents, soap, and sweat. To extend the lifespan of your jewellery, it is best to avoid wearing it in such environments whenever possible.
Why Does Silver Jewellery Tarnish and How Can It Be Prevented?
Silver jewellery tarnishes due to a reaction between silver and airborne sulphur and oxygen, resulting in oxidation. Intricately designed silver pieces, such as Arabic bracelets, may be more susceptible to tarnishing due to their detailed patterns and larger surface area. One of the most common reasons for tarnishing is exposure to sweat and body chemistry. People with higher skin pH levels may experience tarnishing more quickly than others. Additionally, exposure to water, soap, cosmetic products, and chemicals can cause silver jewellery to darken and lose its shine.
While it is impossible to completely prevent silver jewellery from tarnishing, regular maintenance can slow down the process. Storing jewellery in an airtight pouch or a velvet-lined jewellery box can help reduce exposure to oxygen. To clean tarnished silver, gently rubbing it with a mixture of baking soda and water or using a specialised silver polishing cloth is highly effective. Regular professional cleaning can also help maintain the brightness and freshness of silver jewellery over time.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Gold-Plated Jewellery?
Gold-plated jewellery requires careful handling and maintenance, as it is more delicate than solid gold. Unlike real gold, gold plating can wear off and fade over time, so taking special precautions is essential to prolong its lifespan. First and foremost, gold-plated jewellery should be kept away from water and chemicals; it is important to remove jewellery before showering, washing hands, or swimming. Additionally, preventing direct contact with perfume, creams, deodorant, and hairspray can help slow down the wearing of the plating.
After daily use, wiping jewellery with a soft cloth to remove sweat, dirt, and other residues can help preserve the plating. Storing jewellery separately in individual compartments prevents friction and scratches, which is particularly important for those who own multiple pieces. Intricately designed gold-plated bracelets, such as Arabic jewellery, require extra care due to their delicate craftsmanship. If the plating begins to wear thin over time, professional re-plating can restore the jewellery’s original shine. With the right care, gold-plated jewellery can maintain its lustre and elegance for many years.
