If there’s one thing that makes jewelry owners cringe, it’s the sight of tarnish. If you’ve seen it up close, you know that it often rears its ugly head on the metal surface of a piece of jewelry. Tarnish appears as a thin layer of corrosion that is either yellow, reddish-brown, blue, green or black. This undesirable discoloration can significantly diminish your jewelry’s luster and may even stain your skin. Fortunately, there are easy and effective ways to remove tarnish from your jewelry and restore it to its original shine. Read on to learn how to clean tarnished jewelry at home and discover practical tips for avoiding a tarnish cringe in the future.
What types of jewelry can tarnish and why?
Jewelry made of silver, copper or brass naturally tarnishes over time. When these metals come into contact with certain elements in the air – like oxygen, sulfur, moisture or humidity—a chemical reaction called oxidation occurs, producing a murky film that coats its surface. Jewelry metals can also react with the chemicals in everyday products like makeup, hairspray, perfume, sunscreen, lotion, hand sanitizer or household cleaning agents. Even the oils, sweat and acidity from your skin can contribute to the formation of tarnish.
Here is a more complete breakdown of the types of jewelry prone to tarnishing and the reasons why:
Sterling silver jewelry
Most silver jewelry is made of sterling silver, a silver alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). When silver and copper react with hydrogen sulfide in the air, a compound called silver sulfide forms, which shows up as a dull yellow, green, or black residue on the metal.
Silver-plated jewelry
Silver-plated jewelry is costume jewelry made of a base metal (like brass or copper) coated with a layer of sterling silver. With prolonged wear, the top layer can deteriorate and expose the base metal underneath, leaving it susceptible to tarnish.
Copper jewelry
Copper is a soft, warm-colored, reddish metal used for costume jewelry. When exposed to air and moisture, copper jewelry can react and form a layer of copper oxide on its surface. This layer can initially appear reddish-brown until gradually darkening to a green or blue-green patina.
Gold-plated jewelry
Unlike pure gold and gold above 14 karats, gold-plated jewelry is not immune from tarnishing. That’s because, similar to silver-plated jewelry, it is made of a base metal (usually copper or brass) underneath a thin layer of gold. As the gold wears away, the base metal becomes exposed, leading to tarnish.
How to remove tarnish from jewelry: 4 DIY cleaning methods
Are you ready to bring your tarnished jewelry back to life? Luckily, all it takes is a few household products and some elbow grease. Here are four cleaning methods to try at home to help remove tarnish from your jewelry and make it look new again. Keep in mind that different metals may require different cleaning techniques.
Soap and water method
The gentlest and safest way to remove tarnish from jewelry made of any metal is with soap and water. You’ll be amazed at what a warm bubble bath can do for your faded jewels!
Instructions:
Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
Place your tarnished jewelry in the suds mixture and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. For heavily tarnished pieces, increase the soak time to 20 minutes.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub any stuck-on grime from crevices.
Rinse the jewelry under cool water (plug the drain for safety).
Use a soft, dry cloth to pat jewelry dry (avoid using napkins and paper towels).
Polish with a microfiber cloth (optional) and marvel at the glow-up!
Baking soda and aluminum foil method
For tarnished silver jewelry, especially silver chains, try a simple concoction of baking soda, boiling water, and aluminum foil.
Instructions:
Boil some water.
Line a small bowl or pan with the shiny side of aluminum foil and place your tarnished piece inside.
Sprinkle one tablespoon of baking soda on top of your jewelry.
Slowly and carefully pour a cup of boiling water into the bowl until your piece is submerged.
Let it soak in the boiling solution for 2-5 minutes (or up to 10 minutes if needed). Sit back and watch science come to the rescue (tarnish typically transfers onto the aluminum foil).
Remove the jewelry from the hot solution with tongs or a spoon.
Rinse the jewelry under cool water.
Dry with a soft, clean cloth.
Baking soda and water method
Try creating a baking soda and water
paste to restore luster and shine to dull copper jewelry.
Instructions
Combine three or four tablespoons of baking soda with water in a small bowl to form a paste.
Use a cloth, an old toothbrush, or your fingers to apply this paste to and around the tarnished copper jewelry. Work on a small area at a time and gently rub in circles to remove the tarnish.
Rinse away the baking soda paste under cool water.
Dry with a soft, clean cloth.
Commercial jewelry polish
If you’re not the DIY type, plenty of ready-made jewelry cleaners and polishes are on the market to help you tackle tarnish. These cleaners typically contain mild acids, surfactants, solvents and anti-tarnishing agents that get the job done. Choose a commercial polish specifically formulated for your jewelry's metal type for best results. Be sure to carefully review the product's instructions and follow them to the letter.
Warning: Do not use commercial silver cleaners on gemstone pieces, as they may damage the stones. Consult your local jeweler to be sure.
Tips for tarnish-free jewelry
While it’s true that silver, copper and gold-plated jewelry are susceptible to tarnishing over time, you can take actions to slow down the process considerably. Follow these care and safety tips to keep tarnish at bay for as long as possible:
Clean and polish regularly
Dirt, oils, and residues can collect on jewelry, trapping moisture and accelerating tarnish. Use the appropriate homemade remedies above to prevent and remove tarnish buildup. If possible, wipe your jewelry with a soft, lint-free or microfiber cloth before and after you wear it.
Visit a jeweler for a professional cleaning and inspection 2x per year.
A jeweler’s trained eye and specialized equipment can help detect and remove tarnish effectively. For tarnished plated jewelry, a jeweler can re-plate the metal if necessary.
Store it properly
When you’re not wearing your jewelry, keep it in a cool, dry place and away from sunlight to protect it from oxidation. Good storing options include an airtight plastic container or a felt-lined jewelry box with a lid. For valuable pieces, consider storing them separately inside their own dedicated cloth pouch or plastic zip-locked bag. For extra assurance, place a strip of anti-tarnish paper inside the pouch or bag to absorb moisture and delay further tarnishing. A piece of chalk, activated charcoal or silica gel packet will also do the trick.
Wear silver jewelry often
Silver jewelry is shinier when worn regularly. The oils on your skin act as a protective layer, slowing down the tarnishing process.
Keep it dry
Remove your jewelry before showering, bathing or swimming. Exposure to water, chlorine from pools, and ocean salt can rapidly tarnish metals.
Keep away from harsh chemicals
Products ranging from beauty and personal care items to household cleaning agents may contain chemicals, fragrances or alcohol that can weaken and corrode jewelry metal. Be sure to remove your pieces before doing your makeup, hair and/or skincare routine and household chores.
Don’t wear while exercising
Take off your jewelry before a workout. Sweat contains salt and acids that can react to jewelry metal (especially silver), speeding up the tarnishing process.
Protect your jewelry with Jewelers Mutual
While routine cleaning and maintenance are crucial for delaying and removing tarnish, you can further protect your favorite piece(s) by insuring them. Obtaining personal jewelry insurance through Jewelers Mutual is an affordable option and covers loss, damage, and disappearance. You can check your rate by clicking the button below.
