Picture this: you are reaching into your jewelry box to grab one of your favorite pieces of jewelry just to find that it is covered in a blackish gray haze, tarnish. Now, what do you do? Most would probably put it back and worry about it another time or you might try to rub/wash it off, having little success. Many do not know how to properly clean tarnish jewelry, so we are here to answer the most common questions about tarnish.
What is tarnish?
Most would think it is dirt, when in fact is actually a thin layer of corrosion that forms on metal when it undergoes a chemical reaction with a non-metal compound, usually oxygen or sulfur dioxide gases. The surface of the metal undergoes a chemical change, the result of which discolors the metal.
Does Cleaning Remove Tarnish?
No, it does not. The discoloration is not the result of dirt or something that can be washed off the surface using a cleanser, cleaning will not remove tarnish.
Well, How Can I Remove Tarnish?
You can bring it in, and we can spruce it up for you for FREE! Otherwise, wearing your jewelry frequently can help prevent the build-up of tarnish which becomes harder to remove over time.
What About DIY Tarnish Removal Methods?
There are many ideas online for tarnish removal. Some may use chemicals to create a cool chemical reaction, but others use boiling water on our jewelry can cause damage to our precious jewelry.
How Can I Prevent Tarnish?
The natural oils on your skin help prevent the chemical reaction that causes tarnish. A big win!
For the pieces you do not wear as often, the key to keeping tarnish at bay is proper storage. If the piece sits out in a dish, it will be exposed to the air and will tarnish. So store it in an air-tight container, such as a jewelry pouch or jewelry box (even a Ziplock bag will work). We also recommend not storing your jewelry in paper, cardboard, or cotton-filled boxes, as they can contain sulfur which contributes to the chemical reaction that causes tarnish.
Set up an appointment today to get rid of the tarnish on your favorite pieces of jewelry!