Tarnished Jewellery? What Can I Do About It?
Are you fed up with tarnished earrings and necklaces after wearing them just a few weeks? We all have special jewellery pieces that we treasure. If not cared for properly, they could become worn, damaged, and keep us from continuing to enjoy them for years to come.
How quickly jewellery tarnishes depends on a number of factors - the way you care for them, your skin composition, the air around you and the processes and materials used to make them.
ALL fashion jewelleries are capable of tarnishing - and some faster than others. Why? Jewellery tarnish is caused when the surface of the metal comes into contact with body oils, makeup, sulfur, sweat, perfumes, deodorants, lotions, and other external substances. Tarnish varies from looking slightly dull to totally black, depending on the metal and how you wear and care for your jewellery.
Tips For Preventing Tarnish On Your Jewellery
- Avoid wearing your fine jewellery in swimming pools or expose it to any chlorinated water.
- Store your jewellery in a dry and clean place.Take it up a level by storing your jewels in a Jewellery Dust Bag or Ziploc Bag - but you'll want to make sure you get rid of as much air as possible before sealing it. With the air removed, the metal won't be able to oxidize from the air.
- Remove your fine jewellery before doing housework, exercising or any intense physical activity that will cause too much sweat on your skin.
- Don’t wear your jewellery when showering or sleeping.
- Keep your fine jewellery away from any make-up, lotions, hairsprays, soap or any chemicals.
- Try to use a jewellery protectant Spray
Clean Your Tarnished Jewellery Like A Pro!
What You'll Need
- A dish or bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Boiling water
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda for each cup of water
What You'll Do
- Line the bottom of a dish or bowl with aluminum foil.
- Bring water to a roaring boil (it should be enough to fill that bowl or dish).
- Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water. Expect that the solution may bubble and froth a bit.
- Place the piece of jewellery in the dish, making sure it's touching the aluminum foil. This is essential for the chemical reaction to occur.
- Pour the solution of baking soda and boiling water into dish.
- Let sit for two to 10 minutes, depending on the level of tarnish.
- Allow it to dry ... and be amazed!