Beautiful jewellery deserves to stay beautiful for as long as possible. While sterling silver and gold plated jewellery are designed to last, all jewellery can naturally tarnish over time without proper care.
At Plated Chaos, our pieces are crafted from recycled sterling silver and finished with high quality sterling silver, 24ct gold plating or 18ct rose gold plating using durable e-plating techniques. With the right care routine, you can help keep your jewellery shining for years to come.
Here are our top tips to help prevent jewellery tarnishing and protect your favourite pieces.
Why Does Jewellery Tarnish?
Tarnishing is a natural reaction that happens when metals come into contact with air, moisture, oils and certain chemicals. Sterling silver is particularly prone to tarnishing over time, while plated jewellery can gradually lose its finish through everyday wear.
Common causes of tarnishing include:
- Water and humidity
- Perfume and beauty products
- Sweat and natural skin oils
- Cleaning products and chemicals
- Improper storage
- Exposure to air for long periods
The good news is that tarnishing is completely normal and can often be prevented or minimised with a few simple habits.
1. Keep Jewellery Away From Water
One of the easiest ways to protect your jewellery is to remove it before showering, swimming or washing your hands.
Water, especially chlorinated or salty water, can speed up tarnishing and wear down gold or rose gold plating more quickly.
We recommend removing your jewellery before:
- Showering
- Swimming
- Exercising
- Washing up
- Visiting saunas or steam rooms
2. Avoid Perfume, Lotions & Chemicals
Beauty and skincare products can react with metals and affect the finish of your jewellery over time.
To keep your pieces looking their best:
- Apply perfume, hairspray, fake tan and lotions before putting jewellery on
- Allow skincare products to fully absorb first
- Avoid direct contact with cleaning products or harsh chemicals
A simple rule to remember: jewellery should always be the last thing you put on when getting ready.
3. Store Jewellery Properly
How you store your jewellery makes a huge difference in preventing tarnish.
We recommend:
- Keeping jewellery in a dry, cool place
- Using a soft pouch or jewellery box
- Storing pieces separately to avoid scratching
- Avoiding humid environments like bathrooms
Keeping jewellery away from direct sunlight and excess air exposure can also help slow down tarnishing.
4. Clean Your Jewellery Regularly
Regular gentle cleaning helps remove oils, residue and early signs of tarnish.
For sterling silver jewellery:
- Use a soft polishing cloth
- Clean gently with lukewarm water and mild soap if needed
- Dry thoroughly before storing
For gold plated and rose gold plated jewellery:
- Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth after wearing
- Avoid abrasive polishing cloths or harsh cleaners
Because our jewellery is e-plated, it has a more durable finish than standard plating but gentle care is still essential to preserve the plating for longer.
5. Wear Your Jewellery With Care
Believe it or not, sterling silver jewellery often benefits from regular wear because natural movement can help reduce oxidation build-up.
However, it’s important to avoid wearing jewellery during activities that may expose it to excessive moisture, sweat or impact.
Removing rings before lifting weights, gardening or cleaning can help protect both the metal and plating.
How Long Does Gold-Plated Jewellery Last?
Gold plating naturally wears over time depending on how often a piece is worn and how it’s cared for.
Our 24ct gold plated and 18ct rose gold plated jewellery is finished using high-quality e-plating techniques for improved durability and a longer lasting finish.
With proper care, plated jewellery can stay beautiful for a long time.
Hypoallergenic Jewellery Designed for Everyday Wear
All of our jewellery is hypoallergenic and crafted from recycled sterling silver, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
We believe jewellery should feel as good as it looks - combining comfort, quality and sustainability in every piece.
Final Thoughts
Tarnishing is a natural part of owning precious metal jewellery but a few simple care habits can make a huge difference in keeping your pieces looking radiant.
By protecting your jewellery from moisture, chemicals and improper storage, you can enjoy your sterling silver and gold plated pieces for years to come.
Looking after your jewellery means preserving the memories and meaning behind every piece - and that’s always worth the extra care.
