ARVENIER
Fashion jewellery tarnishes when the thin plating wears off or the base metal reacts with sweat, water, perfume and air. To slow it down, put jewellery on last and take it off first, keep it dry, wipe it after wearing, and store each piece in an airtight bag. Stainless steel lasts longest; plated alloy needs the most care.
Why does fashion jewellery tarnish?
Most affordable pieces are a base metal (alloy, brass or steel) with a thin coating of gold, silver or rhodium colour. Friction, sweat and chemicals wear the coating away and expose the base, which can darken or turn skin green.
Know your material
Material names here follow supplier listings. Check each product page for its stated material.
- Stainless steel (often listed as 316L or titanium steel): most resistant to water and sweat; keeps its colour well.
- Gold-plated steel: durable base, but the gold layer can still rub off with time.
- Plated alloy or brass: the most affordable and most sensitive; keep it dry.
- Beads and stones on elastic: the cord, not the stone, usually fails first.
Daily habits that make it last
- Last on, first off: after perfume, lotion and hairspray have dried.
- Remove before bathing, swimming, cooking, cleaning and the gym.
- Wipe with a soft dry cloth after each wear to remove sweat.
- Store separately in small zip bags or a lined box with an anti-tarnish strip or silica gel.
How to clean safely
Stainless steel: mild soap in lukewarm water, a soft brush, then dry completely. Plated pieces: only a dry or barely damp microfibre cloth — no toothpaste, baking soda or silver dip, which strip plating. Stone bead bracelets: wipe the beads and let them air-dry flat.
A five-minute monthly care routine
- Lay out everything you wore this month and check clasps, jump rings and stone settings.
- Wipe each piece with a dry microfibre cloth; wash stainless steel pieces in mild soapy water and dry them fully.
- Replace used silica gel or anti-tarnish strips in your storage box.
- Separate any piece that has started to discolour so it does not rub against others.
Storing jewellery when travelling
Use a small travel roll or pill organiser so pieces do not tangle, and seal each compartment from humid bathroom air. Keep perfume and toiletries in a separate bag. On beach holidays, store pieces in zip bags and only wear stainless steel near salt water and pools.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shower with stainless steel jewellery?
Steel itself copes with water, but soap residue dulls it and stones or glue may loosen. It is better to take it off.
How do I stop a ring turning my finger green?
Keep it dry, remove it when washing hands, and wipe it after wearing. Some people coat the inside with clear nail varnish as a temporary barrier.
Can tarnished plated jewellery be restored?
Light dullness can be polished with a dry cloth. Once plating has worn through, it can only be re-plated by a jeweller.