How to Clean Tarnished Jewellery and Prevent Future Tarnish: A Complete Guide
Jewellery is more than just an accessory — it holds memories, sentiment, and personal style. But over time, even the most precious metals like sterling silver, gold, and platinum can lose their shine due to tarnish. Whether you're looking to restore your favourite piece or protect your new engraved jewellery, this guide will show you exactly how to clean tarnished jewellery and prevent future build-up.
🧼 What Is Tarnish and Why Does It Happen?
Tarnish is a natural chemical reaction that occurs when certain metals, especially sterling silver, come into contact with sulfur, moisture, sweat, and air pollutants. It forms a dark layer on the surface, dulling the brilliance of your jewelry.
Common causes include:
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Air exposure (oxidation)
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Sweat and skin oils
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Lotions, perfumes, and cleaning products
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Humidity and storage conditions
At JewelleryEngravers.com, we take pride in creating engraved jewellery that lasts a lifetime — and a little care goes a long way in preserving its brilliance.
🧽 How to Clean Tarnished Jewellery at Home
You don’t need fancy tools to get your sparkle back — just the right technique.
💎 For Sterling Silver (Most Common):
Option 1: Mild Soap + Water
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Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water.
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Use a soft toothbrush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub.
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Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a soft cloth.
Option 2: Baking Soda + Water Paste
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Mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water.
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Apply gently using a soft cloth.
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Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Option 3: Silver Polishing Cloth
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Available at most jewellery stores or online.
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Use it to gently rub the surface and remove tarnish.
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Avoid polishing engraved areas too aggressively to preserve detail.
🔒 Important: Avoid toothpaste, vinegar, or harsh abrasives — these can damage fine engraving or finishes.
🥇 Cleaning Gold Jewellery
Gold doesn’t tarnish the same way silver does, but it can still appear dull from buildup.
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Soak in warm water + mild dish soap for 15 minutes.
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Use a soft brush to clean.
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Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.
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Avoid chlorine, bleach, and household cleaners — they can discolor gold.
💖 How to Clean Engraved Photo Jewellery
Our engraved photo jewellery at JewelleryEngravers.com is designed for durability, but a gentle touch is key.
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Clean with a damp microfiber cloth only.
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Avoid polishing compounds directly on the engraved surface.
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For deeply detailed photo engravings, use compressed air to remove dust from grooves.
🧊 Bonus: DIY Anti-Tarnish Storage Tricks
Prevent tarnish before it starts by storing your jewellery properly.
✅ Tips:
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Store in airtight containers or ziplock bags.
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Use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets in your jewellery box.
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Keep pieces separated to avoid scratching.
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Avoid bathroom storage — humidity is the enemy.
Pro tip: Wrap your sterling silver in acid-free tissue paper before storing for longer periods.
🛡️ Preventing Tarnish Long-Term
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Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, or exercising.
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Apply lotions and perfumes before putting on jewellery.
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Clean regularly — a quick wipe after each wear helps.
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Get your jewellery professionally cleaned once or twice a year, especially engraved or delicate pieces.
🧿 Final Thoughts
Tarnish may be inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With a few simple steps and the right care routine, your engraved jewellery from JewelleryEngravers.com will continue to shine for years to come. Whether it’s a personalized necklace, a photo-engraved pendant, or a custom memorial gift, proper care ensures your jewellery remains as meaningful as the day you received it.