• Tweet
• 

First, let’s start with defining what tarnish is and how it is formed.

Tarnish is caused by sulfides in the air and also by chemical exposure.  So, how do you prevent it from forming?

The 3 most effective ways I have found to prevent tarnish are:

1. Last On, First Off:
   • There is a common saying that your jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. This is very true.
   • Be sure to put your jewelry on AFTER you apply any perfumes or lotions to your skin or products to your hair, and try to avoid direct contact of your jewelry with these products. In addition to causing tarnish, they can damage the stones or natural materials in your jewelry. Soft materials such as pearls, amber and turquoise are especially susceptible to damage.
• Remove your jewelry before doing dishes, going swimming, or using any household cleaners. Chlorine and certain cleaning products can cause tarnish almost instantly and can also cause irreversible damage to certain stones.
2. Wear Your Jewelry Often:
   • This one surprised me, but the more you wear your jewelry, the brighter it will be. Although it is exposed to the air, the constant movement against your skin acts like a polishing cloth and will usually keep it looking shiny and new.
3. Keep It Air Tight:
• When you are not wearing your jewelry, store it in a sealable air-tight plastic bag, such as a ziploc bag. This will limit exposure to the air and keep your jewelry shiny and bright for longer.
• It is also good practice to quickly wipe down your jewelry with a polishing cloth before storing in the plastic bag. It takes less than 30 seconds and will go a long way in protecting your jewelry from tarnish.