For many people, jewelry is more than just an accessory. It can express personal style, hold sentimental value, or symbolize the love between you and another person. However, tarnishing can quickly erode the beauty and charm of these pieces. Tarnishing occurs when metals, typically silver, react with oxygen and moisture in the air, leading to a dull appearance over time. 

You can keep your jewelry looking shiny and new with a few simple tips. Keep reading for some of our recommendations to prevent tarnishing. If your jewelry has already tarnished, contact Bostonian Jewelers for our jewelry repair and restoration services. 

Tip #1: Store Jewelry Properly to Prevent Tarnishing 

How you store your jewelry when you're not wearing it can be crucial in preventing tarnish. Always store your pieces in a cool, dry place, preferably away from direct sunlight and high humidity. These elements can cause your jewelry to tarnish quicker than in other environments. Consider using anit-tarnish bags or cloths designed to absorb moisture and prevent oxidation. If you have a jewelry box, ensure it's lined with a soft material. 

Tip #2: Avoid Tarnishing By Putting Your Jewelry On Last 

Believe it or not, one of the easiest ways to protect your jewelry is to constantly remove it when sleeping, showering, working out, etc., and always put it on last when you're getting ready again. Sweat, water, lotions, perfumes, and cosmetics can all impact the quality of your jewelry. The moisture and chemicals can accelerate tarnishing, so it's best to wait a few minutes to let your skin dry and absorb any products before putting on your jewelry. Making this a part of your daily routine reduces your jewelry's exposure to harmful elements. 

Tips #3: Clean Jewelry Regularly to Eliminate Wear and Tear

In addition to not wearing your jewelry while showering or applying products, you should also clean your jewelry regularly to avoid wear and tear and tarnish over time. A simple wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth will remove oils and specks of dirt that accumulate. For silver jewelry, consider using a silver polishing cloth treated with specific chemicals to help prevent tarnishing. Additionally, several products are designed to prevent tarnishing. Anti-tarnish sprays, for example, can create a protective barrier on the surface of your jewelry. At Bostonian Jewelers, we have a great jewelry cleaner for you to use to keep your jewelry in top condition. 

Get Your Jewelry Restored with Bostonian Jewelers 

Following the tips above, you can keep your jewelry collection looking beautiful and tarnish-free for years. Proper storage, regular cleaning, and mindful wear can make all the difference in preserving the brilliance of your pieces. If you need help maintaining your jewelry's quality, Bostonian Jewelers provides restoration and cleaning services to get your jewelry looking brand new again. 

Summer is a time for sun, fun, and, unfortunately, sweaty, tarnished jewelry. There's nothing worse than your favorite silver necklace turning dull or your cherished gold ring losing its shine. But don't worry! You can keep your jewelry sparkling and new all season long with simple tips. Let's learn how to prevent tarnish and keep your bling in perfect condition.

Why Jewelry Tarnishes

Jewelry tarnishes because of a chemical reaction with sulfur and moisture in the air, forming a dark coating. Actors like sweat, sunscreen, and humidity speed up this process in summer. Imagine spending a sunny day at the beach, only to find your silver bracelet has gone from chic to shabby by sunset. Understanding these triggers helps us take proactive steps to protect our precious pieces.

Tips to Prevent Tarnishing

Here are some of our best tips to help you prevent tarnishing this summer;

Store Properly

How you store your jewelry can make a world of difference. Use airtight containers or zip-lock bags to minimize exposure to air. Please keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. I once forgot my silver earrings on a sunny windowsill; by the end of the week, they looked ancient! Anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets are great for added protection.

Clean Regularly

Regular cleaning is vital. Use a gentle jewelry cleaner or a DIY solution with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives. After a fun night out, quickly wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth to remove oils and residues. It's a slight touch that makes a big difference.

Wear with Care

Be mindful of when you wear your jewelry. Please put it on after applying lotions, perfumes, and hairspray. Remove it before swimming, exercising, or anything that makes you sweat. I once wore my favorite necklace to a sauna – big mistake! Also, avoid high-humidity environments or prolonged sun exposure, which can speed up tarnishing.

Use Protective Coatings

Consider applying a thin layer of clear nail polish to create a barrier against tarnish. This tip has saved my costume jewelry collection! For valuable pieces, professional anti-tarnish treatments are available at most jewelry stores. Make sure to ask your jeweler at your next visit.

Special Considerations for Different Metals

Silver Jewelry: Silver needs frequent cleaning and proper storage. It's more prone to tarnish, so keep a close eye on it.

Gold Jewelry: Gold is less prone to tarnish but can still dull over time. Regular care will keep it shining.

Costume Jewelry: Costume jewelry often tarnishes faster. Take extra precautions with these pieces, as they are typically more vulnerable.

Contact Us

With these tips, you can keep your jewelry looking fabulous all summer. Remember, a little care goes a long way in maintaining the sparkle of your favorite pieces. So, get started today and enjoy a tarnish-free summer!

At Bostonian Jewelers, we offer a range of products and services designed to keep your jewelry in top condition. We've covered you, from professional cleaning solutions to jewelry restoration services. Visit our website or drop by our store for expert advice and premium care products. Let us help you keep your treasures shining bright!

With summer approaching, it's time to start putting away the cold-weather clothing and pulling out all you need: swimsuits, beach cover-ups, short-sleeve shirts, shorts, and open-toed shoes! But one thing we often forget when we head to the beach or lay out in the sun is the impact that it has on our jewelry (and our skin).

Not only does continuing to wear your jewelry in specific environments create the risk of damage, but it can also harm your skin. That's why we have put together some tips to help keep your precious valuables—your jewelry—safe while you enjoy all that fun the sun offers.

Protect Your Jewelry this Summer with These 3 Tips

Summer brings trips to the pool, lazy afternoons at the beach, and hours spent frolicking and playing outside. Unfortunately, all this fun isn't so fun for our jewelry. Our rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, and everything in between need some added care and thought to protect their value and keep them looking safe all year long.

1. Lock Up Jewelry in the Safe While Traveling

If you plan to hop on a plane or travel long distances away from home this summer, consider leaving fine jewelry at home. Traveling puts you and your wearables at greater risk of theft. Changes in daily habits can make us more forgetful, increasing the risk that we might take off a piece and then forget to put it back on. Let's also not forget the concern of losing rings and other jewelry in the pool—or worse—the ocean. When possible, leave those items at home. 

2. If Jewelry is Coming with You, Wear It 

If you're destined to bring your jewelry, especially when traveling on a plane, the safest thing to do is wear it. You should not check a piece of fine or precious jewelry in your luggage. And even keeping jewelry pieces in your carry-on should be avoided. Accidents—and thefts—do happen.

3. Take Jewelry Off When Applying Sunscreen 

Before applying the sunscreen, remove your jewelry and put it in a safe place that you will remember. For rings in particular, make sure your fingers are dry before putting the rings back on again. Hands can get and stay quite slippery after applying sunscreen. That said, aside from the risk of losing your jewelry, keeping it from coming into too much contact with the sunscreen in the first place is essential. Oils and lotions love to make their way into the crooks and crannies of our beautiful jewelry. This will make your jewelry look dirty but can also inadvertently cause sand and other abrasive substances to harm rings and jewelry.

What To Do For Your Sunscreen-Dirtied Jewelry

Remember how we mentioned that jewelry and sunscreen combined can be dangerous for the skin? It's true. If you accidentally leave sunscreen on jewelry, necklaces, and watches and wear them out in the sun, it can cause a painful rash underneath. 

So, if your jewelry was overexposed to sunscreen and sand this summer, bring it to Bostonian Jewelers. We'll restore your piece to remove harmful elements that can cause further damage.