We all love the sparkle of our favourite jewellery pieces, but there’s nothing quite as disappointing as noticing that they’ve lost their shine.
Jewellery tarnish is a common problem, and understanding how it happens, how it affects your precious items, and how to clean it can help you keep your jewellery looking beautiful for years to come.
What is Jewellery Tarnish?
Tarnish is the dull, often darkened coating that forms on the surface of metals over time. This occurs due to a chemical reaction between the metal and various elements in the environment, such as oxygen, moisture, and even the oils from our skin. Although tarnish doesn’t usually damage the metal beneath, it can significantly affect the appearance of your jewellery.
How Tarnish Affects Different Metals
Different types of metals react differently to tarnish, and understanding these differences can help you care for your jewellery more effectively.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is one of the most popular jewellery metals but is also one of the most prone to tarnishing. The tarnish on sterling silver occurs due to the presence of copper in the alloy, which reacts with sulphur-containing substances in the air. This reaction creates a dark coating on the surface of the silver, diminishing its bright appearance.
How to Clean It:
- Use a silver polishing cloth to gently rub the tarnish away.
- For more stubborn tarnish, a silver-specific cleaning solution can be used.
- A DIY option is to soak the silver in a solution of baking soda, aluminium foil, and boiling water.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is a durable metal, but it can still tarnish over time, especially if it’s of lower purity (like 10k or 14k). The alloy metals mixed with gold, such as copper and silver, can oxidise, leading to a dull or reddish-brown tint.
How to Clean It:
- A gentle soap and warm water solution is usually enough.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
White Gold
White gold is coated with rhodium to give it a bright, shiny finish. Over time, this coating can wear away, leading to a yellowish tint as the underlying gold starts to show through. While this isn’t tarnish in the traditional sense, it does affect the appearance of the jewellery.
How to Clean It:
- Gently clean with a mild soap solution and a soft brush.
- Rhodium plating can be reapplied by a jeweller to restore its bright white finish.
Rose Gold
Rose gold contains a higher percentage of copper, giving it its distinctive pink hue. This copper content makes it more susceptible to tarnishing, which can lead to a slightly darker or more “vintage” look over time.
How to Clean It:
- Mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth work well.
- Avoid using copper cleaners as they can be too harsh.
Platinum
Platinum is highly resistant to tarnish, making it a favourite for jewellery that’s meant to last a lifetime. However, it can develop a patina, a soft, matte finish, over time due to tiny scratches.
How to Clean It:
- A soft cloth and warm, soapy water are usually enough.
- Occasional professional polishing can restore its original shine.
Titanium
Titanium is incredibly strong and highly resistant to tarnish and corrosion. It’s one of the most low-maintenance metals used in jewellery, making it perfect for everyday wear.
How to Clean It:
- Simply wash with warm water and mild soap.
- For tougher grime, a non-abrasive jewellery cleaner can be used.
Why Professional Cleaning is Essential
While it’s great to clean your jewellery at home, there are times when only a professional touch will do. Professional jewellers have the expertise and tools to clean your jewellery without damaging it, including ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners. They can also inspect your jewellery for any signs of wear, loose stones, or damage that might go unnoticed.
Moreover, for metals like white gold, a professional can reapply the rhodium plating to restore its lustre, ensuring your jewellery continues to look as stunning as the day you bought it.
Jewellery is more than just an accessory; it’s an investment and often holds sentimental value. If you need assistance in keeping your jewellery looking great, visit Aztec Jewellers, the best jewellery store in Nelspruit, today.