WHAT IS JEWELRY TARNISH?
Tarnish is a thin layer of surface discoloration that forms when certain metals react with elements in their environment, such as oxygen, sulfur, moisture, chemicals, or pollutants. This chemical reaction alters the surface of the metal, causing jewelry to darken, yellow, dull, or develop patina over time.

WHY DOES MY JEWELRY TARNISH?

Tarnish occurs when metal reacts with environmental and chemical exposure. The speed at which this happens varies depending on several factors:

1. LIFESTYLE

Daily habits can significantly impact how quickly jewelry changes.

Exposure to soap, hand sanitizer, perfume, lotion, hairspray, household cleaners, dish soap, chlorine, and sweat can all accelerate tarnishing and surface wear—especially for plated or filled jewelry. A good thing to remember is, the closer to all-natural we can get is both beneficial for our jewelry and our bodies.

2. CARE

Proper care greatly extends the life and appearance of your jewelry.

Regular cleaning with a soft polishing cloth helps remove corrosive impurities and buildup before they affect the metal. Jewelry stored improperly—especially in humid areas like bathrooms—will tarnish faster.

3. BODY CHEMISTRY

Your personal chemistry plays a major role in how jewelry wears.

Skin pH, perspiration, medications, skincare products, diet, and hormonal changes can all affect how quickly metals react against your skin. If jewelry suddenly begins tarnishing faster than usual, body chemistry or environmental shifts may be the cause.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Your surroundings matter.

Humidity, air pollution, sulfur exposure, salt air, and moisture all contribute to tarnishing. To reduce oxidation, store jewelry in a dry environment away from excess humidity, ideally in a pouch or jewelry box.

WILL MY GOLD FILLED JEWELRY TARNISH?
Gold filled jewelry is significantly more durable than gold plated jewelry because it contains a much thicker bonded layer of real gold over a base metal core.

Because it still contains alloy metals, gold filled jewelry can eventually show wear or tarnish under certain conditions, particularly with heavy exposure to moisture, chemicals, sweat, or abrasion. However, with proper care, gold filled jewelry typically lasts much longer and resists tarnishing far better than standard gold plated jewelry.

A NOTE ON SOLID METALS
Solid sterling silver, brass, and gold alloys are not "ruined" by tarnish. Tarnish is a surface reaction, not structural damage, and in most cases can be polished away to restore the original finish. This is one of the advantages of solid, unplated jewelry compared to plated pieces, where surface wear cannot simply be polished back indefinitely.

CAN ANY METAL TARNISH?
Not all metals tarnish in the same way.

Pure 24k gold is highly resistant to tarnish because it is non-reactive. Pure silver does not tarnish from oxygen alone, but it can react with sulfur compounds in the air, causing color change over time.

Metals and alloys that commonly tarnish include brass, bronze, copper, sterling silver, and lower-karat gold alloys such as 9k, 14k, and 18k gold, since they contain reactive metals mixed with pure gold. However, gold tarnish is barely noticeable, so don't think too hard about it.

WHAT DOES WATERPROOF REALLY MEAN?

When jewelry is advertised as waterproof, it should mean that normal exposure to water will not affect its appearance over time. Raw brass and 925 sterling silver is waterproof, as there is no plating to wear off from chlorine or chemicals. PVD plated metals are safe from regular water exposure however this plating will wear off in 1-5 years. It is important to keep unplated jewelry out of consistently humid environments when not wearing and stored in an appropriate container. What could happen is that it oxidizes and loss its luster, but a quick polishing can mend this - so don't fret too much.

WHAT IS AN APPROPRIATE JEWELRY STORAGE CONTAINER?

Anything that advertises non-corrosive or oxidative materials. Our eco friendly boxes do not contain corrosive compounds and can work as storage containers.