There's nothing worse than reaching for your favourite gold necklace and finding it's turned dull or discoloured. Tarnishing is one of the most common jewellery frustrations — but it's also largely preventable. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Does Gold Jewellery Tarnish?
Most gold jewellery is gold-plated, meaning a thin layer of gold sits over a base metal (usually brass or copper). Over time, moisture, sweat, perfume, and oils from your skin react with the base metal beneath, causing that familiar dullness or greenish tinge. The thinner the plating, the faster it happens.
What Makes Tarnish-Resistant Jewellery Different?
At Queen & Collection, our pieces use a thicker gold plating process combined with a protective coating that creates a barrier between the metal and your skin. The result: jewellery that holds its colour through daily wear, sweat, swimming, and showers.
5 Tips to Make Your Jewellery Last Longer
- Put it on last — Apply perfume, moisturiser, and sunscreen before putting on your jewellery. Chemicals in these products accelerate tarnishing.
- Store it properly — Keep pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Individual pouches or a lined jewellery box prevent scratching and oxidation.
- Clean it regularly — Wipe down with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. For a deeper clean, use a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry thoroughly.
- Avoid harsh chemicals — Take jewellery off before swimming in chlorinated pools, using cleaning products, or applying hair treatments.
- Don't store pieces tangled — Chains that rub against each other wear down the plating faster.
The honest truth: Even the best-quality plated jewellery will eventually show wear if you wear it every single day for years. But with proper care — and quality plating to start with — you can expect your pieces to look great for years, not months.