How To Keep Your Jewelry From Tarnishing

There is nothing like putting on a brand new necklace, seeing it shimmer and sparkle on your skin, only to put the same necklace on a few months later to find that it does not have the same vibrancy it once did. You thought you had taken care of your necklace, but it became tarnished anyways. Why did this happen and how can you keep your jewelry from tarnishing?

Why Does Jewelry Tarnish?

Eventually, all jewelry will show signs of wear and some pieces faster than others. This is because your jewelry has come in contact with moisture, acids, oils and the air around you. 

Materials such as sterling silver and gold vermeil, while not totally resistant to tarnishing, will hold up much better than plated metals.

How quickly your jewelry tarnishes is not just depenent on environmental factors, it's also dependent on you! Your skin's composition, the makeup and hair products you use, the amount you sweat, all contribute to the wear of your jewelry.

Tips To Prevent Tarnishing 

While virtually all jewelry is capable of tarnishing, we do have a few tips to help keep the wear to a minimum. Our pieces are handcrafted and meant to last, but you need to do your part by taking care of them!

1. Avoid contact with aerosol sprays & lotions

This includes your hair products, lotions and perfume! Be sure to put on any products before your jewelry to avoid contact. If you happen to forget, wipe down your jewelry with a damp cloth and gently dry it off. 

2. Store your jewelry properly

While our pieces look beautiful out on display, it will speed up the oxidization process. The best way to store your jewelry is laying flat, out of direct sunlight and preferably in an air tight container, like a jewelry box.

3. Rotate your pieces if not made of sterling silver or gold

It's hard to not wear your favorite necklace every day, but if it's not made of sterling silver or gold, you shouldn't. If made of a plated metal, your skin's oil will tarnish the necklace quicker if exposed daily. 

4. Invest in quality jewelry

All of our jewelry is crafted out of quality materials, including sterling silver and hypoallergenic stainless steel, designed to be enjoyed for years to come. We have always believed in quality over quantity and think the same rings true for jewelry. Invest in quality pieces that make you feel fabulous, are going to wear well and will last you.

While it may seem like a hassle, taking the few extra minutes to care for your jewelry will make all the difference in the world. If you have pieces that have lost their shine, use a jewelry cleaning cloth to buff them back to perfection. 

We hope these tips on how to keep your jewelry from tarnishing will be helpful. All it takes is a few minutes to care for your pieces properly. Once you get in the habit, you won't even have to think about it.

If you ever have any questions about the materials that we use at Carolily or how to care for our pieces, please don't hesitate to reach out! We're always happy to help!