Why Does Jewellery Tarnish? ( And How to Keep Yours Looking Gorgeous)
Let's be honest- there's nothing more disappointing than seeing your once-sparkly jewellery turn dull or discoloured. Whether it's a favourite necklace or a go-to pair of hoops, tarnishing can be frustrating. But here's the good news: it's totally normal, and in many cases, preventable.
At Kataleya Jewellery, we want you to feel confident and radiant in your pieces for as long as possible. So let's break it down- why does jewelry tarnish, and what can you do about it?
First, what is tarnish?
Tarnish is a natural chemical reaction that happens when certain metals come into contact with moisture, air, sweat, lotions, perfumes, or even your skin's natural oils. It usually shows up as a dark or dull layer on the surface of your jewelry.
Now let's look at how different materials react and how you can expect them to last.
Common Jewellery Materials & How They Behave
Gold Plated Stainless Steel
This is one of our signature materials at Kataleya Jewellery- and for good reason! Gold plated stainless steel is waterproof, tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic. It's designed to last longer than regular gold-plated jewelry, making it perfect for everyday wear ( even on beach days or during workouts). While no jewelry is 100% forever-proof, if you take care of your gold plated stainless steel pieces, they'll stay looking beautiful for years.
Sterling Silver (925 Silver)
Sterling silver is a high-quality metal, but yes- it tarnishes over time. That's because it contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, which reacts with air and moisture. The good news? Tarnish on sterling silver is easy to clean and doesn't damage the piece permanently.
Brass
Brass has a beautiful good look at amore affordable price point. But it's more prone to tarnishing, especially when exposed to moisture or sweat. It can also leave a green tint on your skin- but don't worry, that's harmless and can be avoided with proper care.
Gold Plated ( Non-Stainless Steel )
Gold-plated jewelry made with base metals like copper or nickel is more likely to tarnish over time. The thin layer of gold wears off faster, especially if you wear it everyday or get it wet.
Solid Gold
Solid gold ( like 14k or 18k ) doesn't tarnish- but it can lose it's shine over time. It's the most durable option but also the most expensive. At Kataleya Jewellery, we focus on offering beautiful, long-lasting alternatives like gold plated stainless steel that are both affordable and high quality.
Why Tarnishing Happens Faster for Some People
Ever notice some people can wear the same ring every day and it stays perfect, while others see changes within weeks? That's because everyone's skin chemistry is different. Factors like pH levels, sweat, skincare products, and even your diet can affect how your jewelry reacts.
How to Prevent Tarnishing
Here are a few simple tips to help keep your jewellery shining bright :
- Keep it dry. Avoid wearing your jewelry in the shower, pool, or during intense workouts- unless it's gold plated stainless steel!
- Store it smart. Keep your pieces in a dry, cool place, ideally in a jewellery box or pouch.
- Avoid chemicals. Perfume, hairspray and lotions can speed up tarnishing.
- Clean it gently. Wipe your jewellery with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils or residue.
Final Thoughts
Tarnishing is a natural part of a jewellery's life, but with the right materials and care, your pieces can stay stunning for a long time. At Kataleya Jewellery, we thoughtfully select materials like gold plated stainless steel to give you beauty, durability and comfort- without the luxury price tag.
Explore our collection and find your next favourite piece that's as strong and radiant as you are.