There’s nothing more frustrating than buying fashion accessories and they start tarnishing even before the 2nd or 4th time of rocking them! 🤦♂️. Truth is, unlike fine jewelry, your fashion/costume jewelry won’t last forever, but you can minimize signs of wear and extend their longevity by properly maintaining them using these great jewelry care hacks!
1. The fastest way to tarnish your jewelry is by contact with moisture and liquids. This includes putting on lotions, washing your hands, a spritz of perfume, and sweating with your jewels on. Even the oils on your skin can wear down the plating and metals over time. Be sure to religiously wipe your jewelry with a piece of (clean) soft cloth after each wear!
2. When you’re not wearing your jewelry, it is best to keep it in a safe, air-tight box or jewelry pouch. Gbenga Artsmith Jewelry pieces come in one of such boxes/pouches- lovely ones too, I must add 😁. Storing your jewelry in either of the aforementioned packaging keeps it protected from the sun and safe from scratches and chips.
Gbenga Artsmith Jewelry boxes .
To prevent moisture from tarnishing your jewelry during storage, put a piece of chalk in the jewelry box/pouch. Chalk is a great moisture absorber! It is an alternative to 3M anti-tarnish strips (for those who may not have access to it).
Chalks.
3. Anti-tarnish strips are super absorbent pieces of paper which basically sucks up all of the culprits in the surrounding air that can cause your jewelry to tarnish over time.
4. Using a Ziploc bag is another awesome way of storing your jewels- but ensure you get rid of as much air as possible before sealing it. With the air removed, the metal won’t oxidize. “Oxidization” is what you’re referring to when you say “the jewelry is changing color,” you’re welcome 🤗😄.
Ziploc bag.
5. Give your jewelry a protective shield to fight the elements that contribute to tarnishing them by applying a thin coat of clear nail polish on it. Not only can it prevent discoloration and chipping on your favorite pieces, it can also protect you from allergies like irritation, rashes and hives, especially if you have a sensitive skin.
Clear nail polish
Picture credit: Google Images and Gbenga Artsmith Jewelry.
