What is tarnish exactly?
Tarnish is a form of oxidation that makes metals appear darker and is caused by contact with sulfur molecules. Surprisingly, sulfur is found in more places than you think. It’s found in leather, rubber, plastic, soaps, bleach and other cleaning products, in the air, and so many more places!
So does gold jewelry tarnish?
Gold itself is a naturally tarnish-resistant metal, so 24kt gold won’t, but the lower the karat, the more likely it will. The other metals present in the gold alloys, especially copper, can react with the sulfur to give the gold a darker appearance. 14k gold still has great tarnish resistance, and tarnish can be prevented almost indefinitely if the gold is cleaned and stored properly.
Does platinum jewelry tarnish?
Nope! Platinum (and metals in the platinum family like rhodium) is naturally resistant to tarnishing. Platinum CAN develop something called a “patina.” Patina is also caused by oxidation, oils, and normal wear-and-tear. However, instead of making the metal darker, it makes the platinum more matte and frosty looking over time, but can be treated with a quick polish.
Does silver jewelry tarnish?
Like gold, pure silver doesn’t tarnish; however, since the metal is incredibly soft, most silver jewelry is alloyed. 925 Sterling Silver (which is 92.5% silver) tarnishes easily, which is why we add a rhodium finish.
So how do you prevent tarnish?
Wear your jewelry! Your natural oils will coat and protect your pieces from tarnishing if you wear your jewelry frequently.
Take off your pieces before swimming, showering, or cleaning. Sunlight, moisture, and sulfur-containing chemicals can cause pieces to tarnish.
Store all of your jewelry in cool, dry places with low humidity.
Keep your tarnished jewelry separate. Tarnish spreads like mold, so storing a tarnished piece of jewelry with untarnished pieces will make the process happen faster. Try to keep any tarnished pieces stored by themselves until they can be cleaned.
Clean your pieces regularly! Cleaning your jewelry will remove any sulfur molecules before they can become a problem and keep your jewelry shiny.
How do we clean jewelry if it gets tarnished anyway?
Well, that all depends on what your piece is made from. For most cases, soaking or wiping your piece with mild soap and water and cleaning with a soft cloth or soft brush can restore shine. Remember, some stones and stone settings are sensitive, so always check our Jewelry Care Guide before cleaning.
A polishing cloth can remove some mild cases of patina from platinum or tarnish from gold or silver that is either plain or has durable stones. It shouldn't be used on jewelry with soft porous stones like pearls or turquoise for example.
For heavily tarnished gold and silver, heavily patinaed platinum, or pieces with delicate stones and stone settings, you should take your jewelry to a professional for cleaning and polishing. If your silver or white gold pieces seem heavily tarnished, their rhodium finish may be worn down and will need to be replated. We offer replating, polishing, and cleaning services! Contact us to get your pieces looking like new.
