How to Stop Jewelry from Tarnishing: 5 Tips That Work
Tarnished jewelry can dull your sparkle—literally. Whether it's a beloved silver ring or a go-to pair of earrings, nothing is more frustrating than watching your favorite pieces lose their shine over time. Fortunately, there are simple, effective ways to prevent tarnishing and keep your jewelry looking radiant for years to come. Here's how to do it.
1. Store Your Jewelry the Right Way
Air, moisture, and light are the main culprits behind tarnish. That means where—and how—you store your jewelry matters. Keep pieces in a cool, dry place, preferably in a closed jewelry box lined with soft fabric or velvet. Individual pouches or anti-tarnish bags can also protect them from air exposure and friction.
Pro Tip: Use silica gel packets (the ones that come in shoeboxes) in your jewelry drawer to absorb excess moisture.
2. Avoid Humidity and Water Exposure
Humidity accelerates the tarnishing process, especially for metals like silver or brass. Avoid wearing your jewelry in the shower, while swimming, or during sweaty workouts. Even high humidity environments (like bathrooms) can dull your jewelry over time.
Do this instead: Remove all jewelry before bathing or cleaning, and wipe it dry if exposed to water accidentally.
3. Clean Jewelry After Each Use
Oils from your skin, makeup, and everyday dust can build up on your jewelry and cause it to tarnish faster. To prevent this, give your pieces a quick wipe-down with a soft microfiber cloth after each wear. For a deeper clean, use a mild soap and warm water, then dry thoroughly.
Skip the harsh chemicals—they can damage finishes and gemstones.
4. Use Anti-Tarnish Tools
Invest in anti-tarnish strips, cloths, or paper to keep in your jewelry boxes or pouches. These products are specially designed to absorb tarnish-causing elements and prolong your jewelry’s brilliance. You can also polish your pieces occasionally with an anti-tarnish polishing cloth to refresh their shine.
5. Apply Beauty Products First, Jewelry Last
Lotions, perfumes, hair sprays, and even sunscreen can corrode metal and dull stones. To limit exposure to these chemicals, always put on your jewelry after applying your beauty and grooming products.
Quick rule of thumb: “Last on, first off.” Jewelry should be the final step in getting ready—and the first thing you take off when you get home.