How to prevent jewellery from tarnishing

Tarnishing is the result of oxidation, a natural chemical reaction that occurs between the metal in the jewellery and the environment. This happens when jewellery comes into direct and prolonged contact with air pollution, high humidity, or products, like makeup, perfume, sunscreen and sweat.

Tarnishing is an inevitable process that can't be avoided but can be slowed down by cleaning and taking proper care of your jewellery, ensuring it lasts for years to come.

All our sterling silver jewellery is coated with an anti tarnish layer to help prevent the build up of tarnish however there are other steps you should take to keep your jewellery tarnish free.

1. Store your jewellery safely in a dry jewellery box or bag. Anti oxidation jewellery bags are perfect for this. Anti tarnish strips can also be used inside your jewellery box. Exposure to air and moisture is one of the main causes of tarnishing. Leaving jewellery out on a jewellery stand or in a trinket dish will result in it losing its shine much quicker.

2. Clean and polish regularly and always at the first signs of tarnishing. Jewellery can be cleaned with a small amount of washing up liquid and a soft brush. Rinse in clean water and dry thoroughly - leaving any area of the jewellery wet can increase tarnishing. Finish by polishing with a soft microfibre cloth.

3. Do not wear your jewellery in the shower or when swimming as prolonged exposure to the chemicals in the water can accelerate tarnishing. Put your jewellery on only after applying makeup, lotions, creams or perfume.