Make Your Favourite Pieces Last Longer
You've found the perfect necklace, the earrings that complete every outfit, the bracelet you never want to take off. But over time, fashion jewellery can lose its shine, tarnish, or even cause skin irritation — if you don't care for it properly.
The good news? With a few simple habits, you can keep your jewellery looking brand new for years. Here's everything you need to know about caring for your fashion jewellery.
Why Does Fashion Jewellery Tarnish?
Fashion jewellery (also called costume or imitation jewellery) is typically made from base metals like brass, copper, or zinc, often coated with gold or silver plating. Tarnishing happens when these metals react with moisture, oxygen, sweat, and chemicals in perfumes or lotions. The result is a dull, discoloured surface — but it's entirely preventable.
Top Anti-Tarnish Tips for Fashion Jewellery
1. Keep It Dry
Water is the number one enemy of fashion jewellery. Always remove your pieces before:
- Bathing or showering
- Swimming (chlorine is especially damaging)
- Washing dishes or hands
- Working out (sweat accelerates tarnishing)
2. Apply Perfume & Lotions First
Chemicals in perfumes, hairsprays, and body lotions can strip the plating off your jewellery. Always apply these products first and let them dry completely before putting on your jewellery. Think of it as: get ready first, jewellery last.
3. Store Properly
How you store your jewellery matters as much as how you wear it. Follow these storage tips:
- Store each piece separately to prevent scratching
- Use small zip-lock bags or anti-tarnish pouches to limit air exposure
- Keep jewellery in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
- Avoid storing in bathrooms where humidity is high
4. Clean Gently & Regularly
After each wear, gently wipe your jewellery with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and moisture. For a deeper clean:
- Use a soft toothbrush with mild soap and lukewarm water
- Rinse quickly and dry immediately and thoroughly
- Never soak fashion jewellery in water
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners
5. Apply a Clear Nail Polish Coat
A thin coat of clear nail polish on the inner surface of rings and bracelets creates a barrier between the metal and your skin. This prevents both tarnishing and the dreaded green skin discolouration. Reapply every few weeks as needed.
6. Use Anti-Tarnish Strips
Place anti-tarnish strips in your jewellery box or storage pouches. These small strips absorb the gases that cause tarnishing and can significantly extend the life of your pieces.
How to Restore Tarnished Jewellery
If your jewellery has already tarnished, don't panic. Try these gentle restoration methods:
- Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a little water, apply gently with a soft cloth, rinse, and dry.
- Lemon juice & salt: For stubborn tarnish on non-plated pieces, a brief soak in diluted lemon juice can help.
- Jewellery polishing cloth: A microfibre polishing cloth can buff away light tarnish and restore shine.
Note: Be extra gentle with gold or silver plated pieces — aggressive cleaning can remove the plating entirely.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Jewellery
Even with the best care, fashion jewellery has a lifespan. It may be time for a refresh if:
- The plating has worn off significantly
- The piece consistently causes skin irritation
- Clasps or closures no longer work properly
- The piece has deep scratches or structural damage
When it's time to update your collection, explore our new arrivals for fresh styles, or treat yourself to a complete look from our jewellery sets collection.
Shop Long-Lasting Fashion Jewellery at PranaviLuxe
At PranaviLuxe, we craft our jewellery with quality finishes designed to last. Browse our collections and find pieces worth caring for.
