Artificial jewellery has become a staple in every woman’s collection. Stylish, affordable, and available in endless designs to suit every occasion. But one of the most common issues faced by jewellery lovers is tarnishing. Whether it’s your favourite gold-plated choker or that sparkling American diamond set you wore to a wedding, artificial jewellery tends to lose its shine over time if not taken care of properly.
Thankfully, there are simple and effective ways to preserve the look and longevity of your artificial pieces. With the right care and a few preventative habits, you can keep your jewellery looking new for years—even with regular use. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best ways to prevent artificial jewellery from tarnishing, so your favourite accessories stay bright, beautiful, and ready to wear anytime.
Why Does Artificial Jewellery Tarnish?
Tarnishing in artificial jewellery is mostly caused by oxidation, a chemical reaction between the metal and moisture, air, or skin oils. Most artificial jewellery is made from alloys or inexpensive metals that are coated with a thin layer of gold, silver, or other decorative finishes. When this coating wears off or reacts with elements like sweat, humidity, or perfumes, the underlying metal is exposed and begins to corrode or discolour.
Additionally, substances like perfumes, lotions, and water speed up the tarnishing process. Everyday habits like storing jewellery carelessly, wearing it while cooking, cleaning, or even sleeping, all contribute to premature dullness. Even the climate matters—humid environments can significantly reduce the lifespan of your favourite earrings, bangles, or necklaces.
Signs Your Jewellery is Starting to Tarnish
Noticing early signs of tarnish can help you take preventive measures before your artificial jewellery loses its charm entirely. One of the most obvious signs is discolouration. You may start to see the metal turning dull, dark, or even greenish, especially on the inner side of rings or the back of necklaces where they touch the skin most.
Another tell-tale sign is skin staining. If wearing a necklace or ring leaves behind green, black, or bluish marks, it’s a sign that the plating is wearing off and the base metal is reacting with your sweat or skincare products. You may also feel a change in texture, the jewellery could become rough or flaky in areas, or start to feel sticky from accumulated oils and moisture.
Paying attention to these minor cues can help you take quick action. In the next section, we’ll walk you through simple, everyday tips to prevent your artificial jewellery from tarnishing and extend its life — whether it’s a daily wear chain or your go-to party set.
6 Tips to Prevent Artificial Jewellery From Tarnishing
Artificial jewellery is more prone to tarnishing than precious metals, but a few mindful daily habits can go a long way in maintaining its shine and longevity. Here are six easy-to-follow tips that will keep your pieces looking new for longer:
- Put Jewellery on Last
Always wear your jewellery after applying skincare, perfumes, makeup, or hair products. Chemicals in these products can damage the plating and dull the shine over time. - Avoid Moisture and Sweat
Remove your jewellery before activities like cooking, cleaning, exercising, or stepping into humid areas. Water, steam, and sweat are the top culprits behind early tarnishing. - Wipe After Every Use
Gently clean your jewellery with a soft microfiber or cotton cloth after each use. This removes traces of sweat, oil, or dust that could otherwise cause buildup and wear. - Store Smartly
Never toss your jewellery into open trays or drawers. Use zip-lock pouches or airtight boxes lined with velvet or fabric to prevent exposure to air, moisture, and friction. - Rotate Your Jewellery
Don’t wear the same pieces daily. Give your jewellery a break and alternate between sets to reduce the wear and tear from frequent use. - Refresh When Needed
Over time, even the most carefully stored jewellery can start to lose its shine. When that happens, don’t worry, you can bring back the sparkle with simple at-home methods. Our guide on how to clean artificial jewellery at home walks you through safe ways to refresh your pieces using common kitchen ingredients like baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar.
By adopting these simple habits, you can significantly delay the tarnishing process and enjoy your artificial jewellery for years, without having to replace your favourite pieces too often.
Smart Storage Tips for Longevity
Proper storage is one of the easiest and most overlooked ways to prevent your artificial jewellery from tarnishing. Leaving your pieces exposed to air and humidity can speed up oxidation, especially in items with metallic plating.
To avoid this, always store your jewellery in airtight containers or zip-lock pouches. These limit exposure to moisture and airborne particles, helping to maintain shine and prevent dullness over time.
Another effective tip is to store each jewellery piece separately to avoid scratching, tangling, or friction. Necklaces, especially those with stones or delicate designs, should be hung on hooks or placed flat in individual pouches.
For jewellery sets, opt for small fabric-lined boxes with compartments. Adding silica gel packets (those small packets you find in shoe boxes) to your storage containers is also an excellent trick—they absorb moisture and help keep your jewellery dry and tarnish-free.
Avoid storing artificial jewellery in humid places like bathrooms or near windows. Instead, choose a cool, dry drawer or closet space. You can also line the inside of your jewellery box with soft felt or velvet fabric to add an extra layer of protection.
These thoughtful little steps can significantly extend the lifespan of your artificial jewellery—keeping it vibrant, safe, and ready to wear for every occasion.
Travel Care – Keeping Jewellery Safe on the Go
Travelling with artificial jewellery requires a little planning to ensure your pieces remain untangled, scratch-free, and untarnished. First, avoid tossing all your jewellery into a single pouch or box, no matter how convenient it may seem.
Instead, use a dedicated travel jewellery organizer that has separate slots or compartments for each item. This helps protect delicate pieces like earrings, chains, and bangles from rubbing against each other and causing damage.
If you’re packing for a wedding or festival and carrying multiple sets, wrap each set in a soft cloth or tissue paper before placing it in your travel box.
For necklaces, especially those with intricate pendants or stones, consider threading them through a straw or wrapping them around cotton pads to prevent tangling. Keep small zip-lock bags on hand for earrings and rings to avoid losing pieces while you’re on the move.
Humidity during travel, especially in tropical regions can be tough on artificial jewellery. To counter this, include a few silica gel packets in your jewellery case.
These will help absorb any excess moisture and keep your pieces tarnish-free. Also, be mindful of how you carry your cosmetics and sprays, keeping them separate from your jewellery to prevent accidental exposure.
By taking a few extra precautions while travelling, you ensure that your jewellery stays just as stunning on your trip as it looked when you first packed it.
FAQs
What are the easiest ways to keep artificial jewellery from tarnishing?
The most effective guard is keeping your jewellery dry. Avoid spraying perfume or applying lotions directly on pieces—these introduce moisture and chemicals that accelerate tarnishing . Wiping your jewellery with a soft, dry cloth after wearing it also removes sweat and oils, significantly slowing down the tarnishing process.
Can I use clear nail polish to protect my costume jewellery?
Yes, a thin layer of clear nail polish is a simple yet proven way to coat costume jewellery and protect it from moisture and skin acids. Just remember to reapply every few weeks, as the polish wears off over time. This DIY trick helps preserve the finish and prevents that dreaded greenish tint on your skin.
Is storing jewellery in zip-lock bags effective in preventing tarnish?
Absolutely! Keeping jewellery in airtight containers like zip-lock bags or anti-tarnish pouches reduces exposure to air and humidity, which are major contributors to oxidation. Adding silica gel packets or anti-tarnish strips inside the bag can enhance protection, especially in humid climates.
Are jewellery protectant sprays worth using?
Yes, jewellery protectant sprays create a protective barrier that shields the surface from moisture, air, and skin oils. Many sprays (like “Tarnish Me Not”) are hypoallergenic, making them ideal for sensitive skin. They enhance durability and greatly reduce the frequency of maintenance.
