There’s nothing worse than noticing your once-sparkly jewellery starting to dull or discolour—especially when you’ve taken good care of it. If you’ve found your pieces tarnishing faster than expected, you’re not alone. The good news? It’s usually fixable, and sometimes even preventable.
Let’s break down what might be going on behind the scenes.
Humidity & Moisture
Jewellery and moisture don’t get along. High humidity levels (especially in places like bathrooms or coastal areas) can speed up tarnishing—especially on sterling silver. Moisture reacts with the metal, leading to that dull or darkened look over time.
What to do:
Store your jewellery in a dry, cool spot—preferably in a sealed pouch or anti-tarnish box. Avoid leaving pieces in steamy bathrooms or near windows.
Your Skin’s Natural pH
Our skin has its own unique chemistry, and for some people, that means jewellery can tarnish or change colour faster. If you’ve noticed certain pieces reacting more on you than others, your skin’s pH might be a contributing factor.
What to do:
It helps to clean your jewellery more frequently and make sure you’re not wearing it during sweaty activities. You might also find that gold-fill reacts less than sterling silver, depending on your skin.
Beauty & Household Products
Lotions, perfumes, sunscreen, hairspray, cleaning sprays... these can all leave behind residue that reacts with your jewellery. Even something as simple as hand sanitiser can have an effect over time.
What to do:
As a general rule: jewellery should be the last thing on, and the first thing off. Give your products time to sink in before putting on your pieces, and take them off before using anything harsh.
Wearing It 24/7
We totally get the urge to never take your favourite necklace off—but constant wear can expose it to sweat, oils, and friction that all speed up tarnish and wear.
What to do:
Give your jewellery a break now and then. Gently clean it with a soft cloth and store it safely when not in use. Regular rest is part of keeping it beautiful long-term.
The Bottom Line
Tarnishing is natural, especially with sterling silver—but it’s also manageable. With a little extra care and awareness, you can keep your favourite pieces sparkling longer. And of course, if you ever have questions about how to care for your KBN jewellery, we’re always here to help 💛
