How to Stop Your Jewelry from Rusting
As passionate jewelry enthusiasts, we know how heartbreaking it can be to see your favourite accessories start to tarnish over time. Rust can quickly ruin the beauty of your cherished pieces, whether it’s a delicate gold chain or a sterling silver bracelet. With the tips and tricks in this blog post, you can keep your jewelry rust-free and sparkling for years to come!
Why Does Jewelry Rust?
All accessories will eventually show some signs of wear, and depending on the material as well as how much you care for them, some will undergo this process faster than others. Rust is often the result of a chemical reaction between the metal in your jewelry and moisture, oxygen, or other environmental factors. Some of this includes:
- Sweat and skin oils
- Water (e.g. showering, swimming, washing dishes)
- Harsh chemicals (e.g. perfumes, cleaning products, lotions)
Once you identify what is the main culprit behind all your accessories tarnishing, you can begin taking proactive steps to avoid this!
Proper Jewelry Storage
One of the most effective ways to protect your accessories is by storing them in a suitable place. You should always keep them in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight, moisture, and humidity. We recommend that you invest in a jewelry box or pouch with a soft, tarnish-resistant lining.
It’s advisable that the interior of the container be lined with a soft material, such as velvet, suede, or microfiber. This prevents the pieces from being scratched or damaged by rubbing against a harsh surface. Tarnish-resistant lining also helps minimize the contact between your accessories and substances that could cause tarnishing.
Finally, if you’re storing multiple pieces together, make sure to separate them to avoid any metal-on-metal contact, which may accelerate the rusting process.
Clean and Maintain Regularly
Consistent maintenance and cleaning is key to keeping your jewelry rust-free. Use a gentle jewelry cleaner and a soft, lint-free cloth to gentle wipe down each piece. Avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging your jewelry in water for a long period of time!
For sterling silver or other delicate metals, we recommend you use a polishing cloth or a specialized silver polish to restore the shine and prevent rusting. Remember to store your accessories properly after cleaning them!
Be Mindful
Be gentle when putting on and taking off your jewelry, and avoid twisting or bending the metal, as this can cause small cracks or openings that allow moisture and air in, leading to rust.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your jewelry looking its best and prevent the rust from ruining your favorite accessories. Enjoy the timeless beauty of your jewelry for years to come!