Understanding Jewelry Tarnish
If you have ever reached for a favorite silver necklace or pair of earrings only to find them darkened, dull, or discolored, you have experienced tarnish, the bane of jewelry lovers everywhere. Tarnish is a natural chemical process that occurs when metals react with sulfur compounds, oxygen, or other substances in the environment. While tarnish is most commonly associated with silver, it can affect gold alloys, copper, brass, and various other metals used in jewelry making. Understanding what causes tarnish and how to effectively remove it can help you keep your jewelry collection looking beautiful for years to come.
Tarnish on silver is caused by a chemical reaction between silver and hydrogen sulfide, a compound found in the air, in certain foods (eggs, onions, and mustard are particularly high in sulfur compounds), and in many common household products. When silver comes into contact with hydrogen sulfide, it forms silver sulfide, a dark compound that creates the characteristic black or yellowish-brown discoloration we call tarnish. Gold, particularly lower-karat gold alloys that contain copper or silver, can also tarnish, though typically more slowly than pure silver. Copper and brass develop a greenish patina called verdigris when exposed to oxygen and moisture.
The Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda Method
This method is one of the most effective and satisfying ways to clean tarnished silver jewelry, as it uses an electrochemical reaction to actually reverse the tarnishing process rather than simply scrubbing tarnish away. Line a glass or ceramic bowl (not metal) with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Place your tarnished silver jewelry on the foil, making sure each piece is touching the aluminum. Sprinkle one to two tablespoons of baking soda over the jewelry, then pour enough boiling water over the pieces to fully submerge them.
You will notice a reaction almost immediately: the liquid may bubble, and you may detect a slight sulfur smell (like rotten eggs). This is the tarnish being chemically transferred from the silver to the aluminum foil through an electrochemical process. The aluminum has a stronger affinity for sulfur than silver does, so the silver sulfide (tarnish) breaks down, releasing the sulfur to bond with the aluminum instead, leaving clean silver behind.
Let the jewelry soak for two to ten minutes depending on the severity of the tarnish. Remove each piece with tongs or a spoon (the water will be hot), rinse thoroughly with cool water, and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. For heavily tarnished pieces, you may need to repeat the process. This method is safe for most solid silver jewelry but should not be used on jewelry with porous gemstones like pearls, opals, turquoise, or coral, as the hot water and chemical reaction can damage these stones.
Cleaning Silver Jewelry with Toothpaste
White, non-gel toothpaste (not whitening or baking soda formulas, which can be too abrasive) can be used as a gentle polishing agent for lightly tarnished silver jewelry. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush or your fingertip and gently rub the tarnished areas using a back-and-forth motion rather than circular motions, which can create visible scratches. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
This method works because toothpaste contains mild abrasives that physically remove the thin layer of tarnish from the silver surface. It is best suited for lightly tarnished pieces and for getting into detailed or textured areas where other cleaning methods may not reach effectively. However, because it is an abrasive method, use it sparingly and gently to avoid creating fine scratches on the silver surface, especially on high-polish pieces.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry, particularly higher-karat gold (14K and above), is less prone to tarnish than silver but can still become dull and dirty from oils, lotions, soap residue, and everyday grime. The safest and most effective method for cleaning gold jewelry at home is a simple warm water and dish soap bath. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap (like Dawn) into a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Soak your gold jewelry for 15 to 30 minutes, then gently brush each piece with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any buildup, paying special attention to the areas around gemstone settings and any textured or detailed areas.
Rinse each piece thoroughly under running warm water (place a strainer or mesh screen over the drain to prevent accidental loss), and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. For gold jewelry set with hard gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, this method is perfectly safe. However, avoid using this method on gold jewelry set with soft or porous gemstones like pearls, opals, emeralds, or turquoise, which can be damaged by water immersion.
Cleaning Costume and Fashion Jewelry
Costume jewelry, also known as fashion jewelry, requires special care because it is typically made from base metals with thin plating of gold, silver, or rhodium, and may be set with glass, crystal, or synthetic stones rather than genuine gemstones. Aggressive cleaning methods that are safe for solid gold or silver can strip the plating from costume jewelry, ruining its appearance.
For costume jewelry, the safest cleaning method is a quick wipe with a soft, damp cloth. If more thorough cleaning is needed, dip a soft cloth in a mixture of warm water with a tiny amount of mild soap, wring it out well, and gently wipe each piece. Never soak costume jewelry, as water can get under the plating and cause it to lift or bubble, and can damage glued-in stones. Dry each piece immediately and thoroughly with a dry cloth after cleaning.
Commercial Jewelry Cleaning Products
A wide range of commercial jewelry cleaning products is available, from liquid dips and sprays to polishing cloths and ultrasonic cleaning machines. Liquid jewelry cleaners, such as those made by Connoisseurs, Hagerty, and Simple Shine, are formulated for specific metals and are generally effective for removing tarnish and grime. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and check that the product is appropriate for your specific type of jewelry before using.
Jewelry polishing cloths are treated with a special compound that removes tarnish as you rub. They are excellent for quick touch-ups and for maintaining jewelry between more thorough cleanings. Many jewelers provide complimentary polishing cloths with purchases, and they are widely available at jewelry stores and online. Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles that gently agitate and remove dirt and grime from jewelry. They are effective for hard gemstones and solid metals but should never be used for pearls, opals, emeralds, or any porous or fragile gemstones.
Preventing Tarnish
Prevention is always easier than cure when it comes to jewelry tarnish. Store jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Use anti-tarnish strips or pouches in your jewelry box to absorb sulfur compounds in the air. Store each piece of jewelry separately to prevent scratching, ideally in individual soft cloth pouches or lined compartments. Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray, and before cleaning with household chemicals.
Wear your jewelry regularly, as the oils from your skin can actually help prevent tarnish on silver by creating a natural protective barrier. When you remove jewelry at the end of the day, give each piece a quick wipe with a soft cloth to remove oils and residue before storing. For silver jewelry you do not wear frequently, consider storing it in airtight zip-top bags with as much air removed as possible, along with an anti-tarnish strip, to minimize exposure to tarnish-causing compounds in the air.
