Anti-tarnish jewellery is built for everyday wear, but a few simple habits will keep it looking new for much longer. None of these take more than a minute.
1. Put it on last
Apply perfume, body lotion, sunscreen and hair spray first, let them dry, and then put on your jewellery. Chemicals in these products are the biggest enemy of any finish.
2. Take it off first
At the end of the day, remove your jewellery before you take off makeup or step into the shower. It is an easy routine to build and it protects the coating.
3. Wipe it after a sweaty day
After the gym, a long commute or a humid afternoon, wipe your pieces with a soft, dry cloth. This removes sweat and oils before they settle.
4. Skip the pool and the sea
Chlorine and salt water are tough on every kind of jewellery. Leave your pieces at home when you go swimming.
5. Store pieces separately
Keep each item in its own pouch or a lined box compartment. Chains tangle and stones can scratch other pieces when everything is thrown into one bag.
6. Keep them dry
Bathrooms are humid. Store your jewellery in a dry drawer or cupboard instead. Adding a small silica gel packet to your jewellery box helps absorb moisture, especially in the monsoon.
7. Clean gently
If a piece looks dull, rinse it quickly in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, then pat it completely dry with a soft cloth. Avoid toothpaste, baking soda, silver dips and polishing cloths with chemicals, as they can strip the finish.
A quick checklist
- Last on, first off
- Wipe after sweat
- No pools, no sea
- Separate, dry storage
- Mild soap only
Looking after your pieces is simple, and it means your favourite bracelet or chain stays part of your everyday look for a long time.
