Does your favourite jewellery look a little dull and lifeless? Unfortunately it’s inevitable that over time - as your pieces come in contact with the environment around them – the metals within the jewellery can become tarnished and discoloured. This can be caused by a whole variety of factors including the air, water, creams, perfume, the way the jewellery is stored and even your own skin composition. But fear not, with a little TLC you can put the sparkle back into your gems and we’re going to show you how!

While you may not be able to control the air around you or the skin you’re in, there are key elements that you can control that will help you take good care of the jewellery that’s precious to you. Here are our top tips...

 

1. Keep It Dry

This one is so important as contact with moisture and liquids is one of the fastest ways to tarnish metal. So be mindful of this and always take off your rings, bracelets etc. before applying lotions, perfume or tackling those dirty dishes. Hitting the gym? Leave the jewels behind because even your sweat can wear down the plating and metals over time. If you do get some items wet just be sure to wipe them down and dry them as fast as you can.

 

2. Store It Properly

While it may be nice to have all of your favourite pieces out on display on your dresser, you’re doing them more harm than good. Exposure to the simplest things like moisture in the air can wear them down, so it’s important to store them properly, preferably in places with adequate ventilations systems. More often than not when you purchase any item of jewellery it comes in a little velvet bag. This is so much more than just gift wrapping! By storing your items in these, you can protect them from the sun and keep them safe from scratches or chips. You could even go a step further by storing your items in Ziploc bags. This way you can minimise the chance of the metals oxidizing from the air.

But if you want to be certain that your jewellery is well protected, get some 3M anti-tarnish strips. These are simply little pieces of paper that are super absorbent and basically suck up all of the elements that have the potential to tarnish your jewels. It's like getting car insurance to protect your vehicle!

 

3. Try a Jewellery Protectant Spray

Be sure your jewels stay newer for longer by introducing a jewellery protectant spray. This acts as a protective shield to block the elements that cause tarnishing. With the help of these sprays not only can you keep your jewellery looking good, but some sprays can even protect you from allergic reactions such as irritation or rashes.

 

4. Give It a Break

While we all have our favourite pieces we like to wear every day; think about all the pollutants they come in contact with. Give them a break from time to time and always clean and store them properly. Treat your jewellery with love and care, and they'll keep bringing you joy.

 

If you are looking for some jewellery as a gift to remember, then take a look at our jewellery department. If you have any questions, please contact us.