How to Keep Jewelry from Tarnishing: 7 Easy Tips to Protect Your Shine
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Jewelry is meant to shine — but if you’re not careful, tarnish can steal its sparkle.
If you’ve been wondering how to keep jewelry from tarnishing, you’re not alone. The good news? It’s easier than you think to protect your favorite pieces and keep them looking brand new for years to come. ✨
Here are 7 easy tips to prevent jewelry tarnish and to keep your jewelry collection glowing.
1. Keep Your Jewelry Dry
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies when it comes to jewelry care.
Water speeds up the oxidation process, leading to discoloration and tarnish. Always remove your jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising — especially if it’s a traditionally plated piece.
Pro Tip:
Lauren Riley Jewelry offers a variety of pieces, including water and tarnish resistant stainless steel jewelry perfect for everyday wear and handcrafted crystal jewelry that deserves a little extra care.
🔗 Shop our worry-free jewelry pieces
2. Store Jewelry Properly
When you’re not wearing your jewelry, store it in a dry, airtight container. Satin pouches, anti-tarnish strips, or jewelry boxes with separate compartments work best.
Every order from Lauren Riley Jewelry comes with a luxurious satin pouch, perfect for keeping your jewelry safe from air, dust, and moisture.
3. Avoid Chemicals Like Perfume and Lotion
Chemicals from perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and cleaning agents can accelerate tarnishing — especially on traditionally plated jewelry like silver or antique finishes.
Always apply your beauty products before putting on your jewelry — and let them fully dry before wearing.
Quick Tip: Gently wipe your jewelry after wearing to remove any residue and keep it sparkling.
4. Clean Your Jewelry Gently and Regularly
Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe your jewelry after each wear.
For deeper cleaning:
💧 For stainless steel and gold PVD jewelry: mild soap and lukewarm water are safe.
✨ For traditionally plated or crystal jewelry: only use a dry, soft cloth — avoid water to protect the plating and crystals.
Proper cleaning helps prevent build-up that can cause tarnish.
Check out our guide to cleaning gold plated jewelry
Check out our guide to cleaning gold pvd jewelry
5. Choose Materials That Fit Your Lifestyle
Choosing the right jewelry for your lifestyle can help minimize tarnishing:
🔒 Gold PVD and water-resistant stainless steel jewelry = low maintenance, perfect for busy lifestyles
💎 Handcrafted crystal and plated jewelry = gorgeous sparkle, but needs a little extra love and careful handling
At Lauren Riley Jewelry, we offer both options — so you can always find pieces that match your style and your needs.
🔗 Shop all our gorgeous pieces
6. Remove Jewelry During Physical Activities
Sweat, chemicals, and impact can cause tarnishing and damage.
Before hitting the gym, cleaning the house, or sleeping, take a moment to remove your jewelry.
You'll protect both the finish and the intricate crystal work of your pieces.
7. Rotate Your Jewelry Collection
Wearing the same piece daily exposes it to constant wear. Rotating your jewelry gives each piece time to "rest," reducing exposure to skin oils, moisture, and environmental factors that cause tarnish.
Plus, rotating your collection lets you show off more of your beautiful Lauren Riley Jewelry wardrobe!
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Jewelry and Keep It Radiant
Learning how to keep jewelry from tarnishing is simple — and it starts with mindful, everyday habits.
Whether you're wearing water-resistant stainless steel jewelry or handcrafted crystal jewelry from Lauren Riley Jewelry, a little extra care keeps every piece looking stunning.
Ready to discover timeless pieces you’ll treasure?
✨ Shop Lauren Riley Jewelry Here ✨