Author Jeri K. Augustus / Category Gold Jewelry. Last Updated: August 8, 2024
Reviewed by John Conor. Reading time 12 mins.
Table Of Contents
Key Insights
- The tarnishing of jewelry is not uncommon and, in fact, most jewelry will tarnish over time.
- Factors in our environment and our body chemistry have a profound effect on how and why jewelry tarnishes.
- Proper care and maintenance can keep your jewelry looking beautiful for years to come.
Introduction
We invest a lot in our jewelry - not only our cremation jewelry but also our regular jewelry. Our jewelry is a reflection of our personality1 and our identity2 and proper cleaning and maintenance helps to keep those special pieces looking their best for years to come. However, what about tarnish?
Tarnish is a chemical reaction between the metal and the oxygen in the air3 or a chemical reaction between the metal and other substances in the environment4. Tarnish can have an adverse effect on jewelry, causing a thin layer of black or brown film on the surface of the jewelry. The good news is, tarnish can be easily prevented.
In this article we will discuss what tarnish is, what causes tarnish and how you can prevent tarnish on your jewelry. We also will show how substances in our personal environment can impact your jewelry and how to clean your tarnished jewelry.
But why trust Jewelry Keepsakes?
Experience You Can Depend On
At Jewelry Keepsakes, all we do is jewelry. We have been engraving, designing and/or creating jewelry since 2005. Our team has a combined experience of almost 90 years working with jewelry.
We have served over 90,000 customers and have assisted them with getting the absolute best out of their jewelry. We handcraft many of our own keepsakes and have an intimate knowledge of the metals and how the surrounding environment can impact those metals.
We have had hundreds of questions on tarnishing that we have vetted over the course of two decades. We understand the emotional and monetary investment our customers are making and we want them to be proud of the memorial they are wearing. And one way we can do that is to make sure that they are fully educated on what tarnishing is, how they can fix it and provide answers to their challenges.
Trust In Our Expertise
We always say that our customers are our biggest testament to our company. Our customer reviews offer complete transparency and you can find them on Facebook, Google and Etsy. We are proud to be BBB accredited and encourage every visitor to our site to dig deep and get real feedback from real customers because we want every customer to make an informed purchase.
I think it's important to share a little about my own story so that readers can understand that, as a company, we walk the walk AND talk the talk. I have been working for Jewelry Keepsakes since 2006 and have played a key role in helping to develop new products, website maintenance and I'm very involved with our social media. However, the part of my job that I love most is working with customers. And I think that's because I AM a customer too.
I have gifted countless photo engraved pendants and keychains. One year for Christmas, I had medallions made for each of my children and myself and a golf ball marker for my husband. The medallions have a Saint Christopher on the front and our family motto "Family First" surrounded by our initals on the back. I understand the importance, the value that our jewelry offers to our customers.
Our knowledge and experience allowed us to help them understand what was happening and eliminate the substance that was accelerating the tarnishing.
Why Does Jewelry Tarnish?
There are a couple of different reasons why jewelry tarnishes. The most common reason jewelry tarnishes is due to a chemical reaction with the metal and the oxygen in the air3. Tarnish can also happen due to a reaction between the metal and other external factors in the environment4. Let's take a look at some of those additional factors below.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Environmental factors like humidity and air pollution (such as high amounts of sulphur in the air) play a significant role in jewelry tarnishing4. This factor is nearly impossible to get away from and is unfortunately unavoidable.
BODY CHEMISTRY
Believe it or not, your body chemistry and subsequent body ph can have a profound impact on whether or not your jewelry will tarnish5. A high ph can cause certain metals such as sterling silver to tarnish almost instantaneously.
The Human Body Chemical Composition
SOAPS, LOTIONS, ETC.
Oils and chemicals found in soaps, shampoos, perfumes, swimming pools, etc. can cause your jewelry to tarnish6. These chemicals can create a reaction with the metal and not only cause tarnish but also accelerate the tarnishing process.
Do All Metals Tarnish?
Most metals are prone to tarnish; however, there are certain metals that are more resistant to tarnishing than others.
Sterling Silver: Sterling silver consistes of 92.5% silver combined with 7.5% copper7. Because sterling silver contains copper, this makes it susceptible to tarnishing8.
Copper: Copper metal is very susceptible to tarnish and the result is a green patina on the surface of the metal8.
Brass: Brass is a copper alloy and is susceptible to tarnish8.
Gold: 24K gold is pure gold and is tarnish resistant9. However, because pure gold is very soft, it is not used in jewelry making as it won't retain a shape. Jeweler's use gold alloys such as 22k gold, 18k gold and 14k gold. These alloys are a percentage of gold plus other metals. It is the additional metals that react to outside substances such as moisture and air.
Truths And Myths About Jewelry & Tarnish
Jewelry is an investment and having a clear understanding of the truths and myths surrounding tarnishing can help with proper care and maintenance of that investment. Let's take a look at some common truths and myths regarding tarnishing below.
MYTH: Real sterling silver should never tarnish.
TRUTH: Real sterling silver will tarnish over time. For instance, sterling silver flatware is typically stored in an airtight container. Why? Because exposure to air will cause the flatware to tarnish which in turn requires frequent polishing to keep its luster10.
MYTH: Tarnish ruins the jewelry and can't be removed.
TRUTH: Tarnish is a natural process and can be easily removed with cleaning and polishing. We will discuss the best way to prevent and remove tarnish later on in the article.
MYTH
Storing jewelry in an air tight container will prevent tarnish.
TRUTH
While storing your jewelry in an airtight container will certainly help to slow down the tarnishing process, it will not prevent tarnish11. There are other factors that impact tarnishing such as body chemistry, chemicals found in soaps, shampoos and perfumes.
Customer Experience
We had a customer that ordered two pendants - one for her son and one for her daughter. We received a call that while her son's pendant was perfectly fine, her daughter's pendant had started to tarnish. Same pendant, same surroundings; however, something that in the daughter's immediate environment (perfume, body chemistry, etc.) was having a chemical reaction with the pendant.
What we did in this instance is place a clear coat on the daughter's pendant. What the clear coat does is provide a protective barrier so that whether it is body ph or other factors, the silver is protected and there is no opportunity for a chemical reaction. This also explains why some jewelry nowadays will not tarnish even though it did years ago.
How To Determine What Is Causing Tarnishing
There are some ways to help narrow down what is causing your jewelry to tarnish.
KEEP AWAY FROM MOISTURE
Moisture in the air can impact how quickly your jewelry will tarnish12. There are some ways you can combat the acceleration of the tarnishing:
- Taking your jewelry off before swimming or bathing.
- Do not wear if you work in a high humidity profession such as a salon
- Proper storage in an air tight container
Practicing the above can go a long way to slowing down the tarnishing process.
CHECK YOUR BODY PH
Your body ph can have a significant impact on your jewelry tarnishing13. A high acidic ph can accelerate the tarnishing of jewelry. Skin contact or even contact through sweating may also have an adverse impact on jewelry tarnish.
Knowing your body ph levels14 can play a significant role in not only preventing jewelry tarnishing but also your health and well-being. A simple urine or blood test can help you determine what your body's ph is and can be found online or in local drug stores.
MINIMIZE EXPOSURE TO BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Chemicals found in lotions, perfumes, etc. can make your jewelry more susceptible to tarnish. Some of these products are more acidic than others15 and/or may contain sulfates. A high acidity ph and contact with sulfates can all accelerate the tarnishing process.
When using beauty products or spraying perfume, do so BEFORE you put your jewelry on. Where the jewelry will still come in contact with the skin and the products, it is a better option than having your jewelry on and, for instance, spraying perfume directly on the jewelry.
Our Tarnishing Experiment
Sometimes seeing is believing and we conducted our own tarnishing experiment. We wanted to give a real time look at how certain things in our environment, things we consume or use have an impact on tarnishing. And the results were pretty incredible!
STEP ONE: THE JEWELRY PLUS THE PRODUCT
For the first step in the experiment, we chose 8 brand new pieces of jewelry. Below you will see each piece selected as well as the product that it was exposed to.
STEP TWO: THE JEWELRY PLACED IN A CONTAINER WITH THE PRODUCT
In the second step, we then placed the jewelry in a container with the product. The jewelry was sealed in the container for five days.
STEP THREE: JEWELRY IS REMOVED FROM THE CONTAINER TO SEE OXIDATION
After the five days, the jewelry was removed from the container. We took photos of the front and back sides of the jewelry to show how (if any) it oxidized.
LOTION
New piece of jewelry with lotion product.
New piece of jewelry submerged in lotion.
5 days oxidation - Front of jewelry.
5 days oxidation - Back of jewelry.
Conclusion: The jewelry experienced mild oxidization. This would be something that could easily be cleaned off after interaction with the lotion.
Something to think about: Think about your daily routine and the lotions that you apply - whether to your face, your body, your hands. Make a conscious effort to either remove your jewelry before applying and/or set aside one day a week to give your jewelry a quick clean and polish with minimal effort.
HAIRSPRAY
New piece of jewelry with hairspray product.
New piece of jewelry submerged in hairspray.
5 days oxidation - Front of jewelry.
5 days oxidation - Back of jewelry.
Conclusion: The hair spray seemed to have a big of a protective effect, almost like a coating. Any discoloration seemed to be from the hair spray itself, and not from oxidization.
Something to think about: Much like with lotion, a little bit of weekly maintenance with your jewelry can easily remove any sort of build-up.
PERFUME
New piece of jewelry with perfume product.
New piece of jewelry submerged in perfume.
5 days oxidation - Front of jewelry.
5 days oxidation - Back of jewelry.
Conclusion: The perfume caused mild oxidization and staining of the jewelry. This likely would require daily cleaning of the jewelry to maintain its shine. It significantly dulled the jewelry.
Something to think about: Consider applying jewelry to areas where you don't typically wear jewelry (the inside of the wrist, a mist on clothing, etc.) in order to minimize contact. If you do wear perfume on a daily basis, an every other day routine of wiping your jewelry with a jeweler's cloth will help prevent tarnish.
RUBBER BANDS
New piece of jewelry with rubber bands.
New piece of jewelry submerged in rubber bands.
5 days oxidation - Front of jewelry.
5 days oxidation - Back of jewelry.
Conclusion: The rubber bands caused significant oxidization. The jewelry has lost all shine and will require cleaning and polishing.
Something to think about: You may use rubber bands more than what you realize (at home or workplace office supplies, etc.). If the usage is considerable, consider wearing disposable gloves when using rubber bands and/or making it a daily habit to give your jewelry a quick polish.
HARD BOILED EGG
New piece of jewelry with hardboiled egg.
New piece of jewelry submerged in hardboiled egg.
5 days oxidation - Front of jewelry.
5 days oxidation - Back of jewelry.
Conclusion: The hardboiled egg caused heavy oxidization. The jewelry looks old, damaged, dirty and in need of serious cleaning and polishing.
Something to think about: Eggs contain high amounts of sulfur, with the chicken's egg white containing around 50 milligrams of sulfur and the yolk containing approximately 25 miligrams of sulfur16. That sulfur can impact your body's ph which in turn can impact jewelry it comes in contact with and aid in accelerating tarnish.
HAND SANITIZER
New piece of jewelry with hand sanitizer product.
New piece of jewelry submerged in hand sanitizer.
5 days oxidation - Front of jewelry.
5 days oxidation - Back of jewelry.
Conclusion: The hand sanitizer caused mild oxidization. This would be something that could easily be cleaned off after interaction with the hand sanitizer.
Something to think about: Take a few extra seconds after using hand sanitizer to wipe your hands on a towel if possible. If you are wearing rings that were exposed to the hand sanitizer, give the rings a good once over with the towel to remove any left over hand sanitizer.
SUNSCREEN
New piece of jewelry with hand sunscreen product.
New piece of jewelry submerged in sunscreen.
5 days oxidation - Front of jewelry.
5 days oxidation - Back of jewelry.
Conclusion: The sunscreen caused medium to significant oxidization. The jewelry will require serious cleaning and polishing.
Something to think about: A good rule of thumb is to refrain from wearing jewelry when using significant amounts of sunscreen. Or, make a point to clean your jewelry at the end of the day where sunscreen was used.
SKIN CLEANSER
New piece of jewelry with hand skin cleanser product.
New piece of jewelry submerged in skin cleanser.
5 days oxidation - Front of jewelry.
5 days oxidation - Back of jewelry.
Conclusion: The skin cleanser caused heavy to major oxidization. The jewelry will likely need professional cleaning and professional polishing.
Something to think about: Remove any jewelry when using cleansers, cleaners, etc. Many of these products may contain chemicals and compounds that can significantly damage the integrity of the jewelry as seen with the skin cleanser above.
How To Clean Tarnished Jewelry
The good news is tarnished jewelry is relatively easy to clean and a little bit of maintenance goes a long way. Below you will find three ways in which jewelry can be cleaned: ultrasonic cleaner, pin finisher, and a toothbrush. Check out the differences with each method.
ULTRASONIC CLEANER
An ultrasonic cleaner uses high frequency sound waves to clean the jewelry. The jewelry is immersed in liquid and the sound waves break apart any build-up or tarnish on the jewelry. Ultrasonic cleaners are particularly useful when it comes to jewelry that is very intricate and has hard to reach areas.
Ultrasonic cleaner.
Jeweler's grade detergent being added to the cleaner.
Jewelry is placed on a small wire hook to prevent it from being scratched.
Cloud of gunk and debris being blasted off the jewelry.
Cleaned jewelry.
Professional polishing.
Finished piece.
This is what you will find in most jewelry stores and overall does an excellent job of cleaning jewelry. Most jewelry stores will clean your jewelry for no charge; however, we do not recommend using an ultrasonic cleaner for cremation jewelry that has a threaded screw. The water and cleaner could damage the integrity of the seal on the screw and jeopardize the ashes.
PIN FINISHER
With a pin finisher, a magnetic disc spins the pins around and slowly removes build-up and oxidation.
Pin finisher.
The pins in the pin finisher.
The finished product.
Pin finishers are another great option. It is important to note that the pin finisher can remove plating and engraving and should NOT be used on pieces that are plated or engraved.
TOOTHBRUSH
Combine a few drops of a gentle dish detergent with warm water and allow your jewelry to soak for about 30 minutes. Rinse the jewelry and then scrub gently with a soft toothbrush to remove any remaining tarnish.
Dawn dishsoap and a toothbrush.
Finished pendant.
A toothbrush and soap is the easiest and most affordable way to clean your jewelry on a consistent basis. We do not suggest using on cremation jewelry that has a threaded screw as the soap/water can damage the integrity of the seal.
Overall, the method selected will vary depending on just how tarnished the jewelry is. Frequent and consistent cleaning combined with removing items from your environment and diet are very effective and often times, the jewelry does not require any of the methods shown above.
Conclusion
Our jewelry is an investment - not only financially but often times emotionally. Knowing the proper care and maintenance and how to deal with tarnish can aid in keeping our valuables looking their best.
Works cited:
1. "How is your jewelry a reflection of your personality?", Mitch Kushner, Patch, 01 Aug 2016, https://patch.com/new-york/eastmeadow/how-your-jewelry-reflection-your-personality
2. "How jewellery can express your identity.", Voice, https://www.voicemag.uk/blog/8084/how-jewellery-can-express-your-identity
3. "Why does jewelry tarnish and 3 tips on how to prevent it.", Mikutowski, 15 Nov 22, https://mikutowskiwoodworking.com/blogs/blog/why-does-jewelry-tarnish-and-3-tips-on-how-to-prevent-it
4. "Why does jewelry tarnish?", Moon Magic, https://moonmagic.com/blogs/news/tarnished-jewelry
5. "Why does my jewelry tarnish and what can I do about it?", Twyla Dill, Twyladill, 14 Feb 22, https://www.twyladill.com/blogs/news/why-does-my-jewelry-tarnish-and-what-can-i-do-about-it
6. "How to keep your jewelry from tarnishing." Olive and Piper, 01 Jun 22, https://www.oliveandpiper.com/blogs/olive-and-piper/how-to-keep-your-jewelry-from-tarnishing
7. "What is sterling silver?", USGS, https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-sterling-silver
8. "Everything you need to know about jewelry tarnish and how to prevent it", Anna Currell, Quick Jewelry Repairs, 03 Aug 23, https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/articles/jewelry-tarnish-how-prevent/
9. "5 reasons why gold jewelry turns black.", Adam Cronisher, Menash Jewelers, 11 Jul 23, https://www.menashejewelers.com/blogs/news/5-reasons-why-gold-jewelry-turns-black
10. "How to prepare and pack silver for long term storage", SROA, https://www.sroa.com/blog/packing-tips/how-to-prepare-pack-silver-long-term-storage
11. "Tackling tarnish: Common myths and misconceptions about silver care." Intercept Jewelry Care, 16 Nov 23, https://interceptjewelrycare.com/blogs/intercept-jewelry-care/tackling-tarnish-common-myths-and-misconceptions-about-silver-care
12. "How air pollution affects your jewelry and how to avoid tarnish.", Intercept Jewelry Care, https://interceptjewelrycare.com/blogs/intercept-jewelry-care/how-air-pollution-affects-your-jewelry-and-how-to-avoid-tarnish
13. "The ph of your skin can make all the difference", Bush Skin Care, https://bushskincare.com.au/the-ph-of-your-skin-can-make-all-the-difference/
14. "Are you acidic or alkaline?", Rose Wellness, 14 May 24, https://rosewellness.com/are-you-acidic-or-alkaline/
15. "Why does jewelry tarnish or oxidize?", Tammi Sloan, My Brown Wren, 19 Sep 21, https://mybrownwren.com/blog/why-does-jewelry-tarnish-or-oxidize
16. "Sulfur-rich Foods: Benefits and Best Sources.", Fullscript, 04 Nov 22, https://fullscript.com/blog/sulfur-rich-foods
17. "Magnetic finishers and their variables.", Linda Kaye-Moses, Alliance for Metal Clay Arts Worldwide, 13 Oct 22, https://amcaw.org/magnetic-finishers-and-their-variables/
Jeri K. Augustus
Meet Jeri K. Augustus, an experienced customer service professional from Great Falls, Montana, with a heart full of compassion for helping others. Jeri has spent more than four decades in the industry and has gained a wealth of personal experience with loss and grief. She has dedicated herself to assisting families in finding meaningful ways to honor their loved ones who have passed on and celebrate those who are still with us.
Jeri's contribution to the cremation jewelry industry is remarkable. She played a key role in developing new lines of modern pendants, cremation rings, and bracelets. She launched a line of photo-engraved jewelry that now includes several hundred styles for families to choose from. She is actively involved in leadership and customer care at Jewelry Keepsakes Inc., where she helps people every day with their inquiries and concerns regarding these products.
Despite her many years in the industry, Jeri remains passionately committed to helping those who are grieving and supporting families as they find personal ways to cherish their loved ones. She still resides in Montana and enjoys spending her free time with her dogs, children, and grandchildren. If you're looking for someone who can guide you with compassion and expertise in selecting a beautiful keepsake to remember your loved ones, Jeri is the perfect person to help.