Artificial jewellery turns black for one reason: the base metal reacts with moisture, sweat, perfume and air. You cannot change the chemistry, but you can slow it down a lot. These are the seven habits that make a Rs 600 pair of earrings last a year instead of a month, and they cost nothing.
1. Jewellery goes on last
Perfume, body spray, lotion, sunscreen and hair spray all contain alcohol or oils that strip plating. Finish getting ready, wait a minute, then put on your jewellery.
2. Take it off before water
Wudu, washing hands, showering, swimming. Water carries chlorine and minerals that speed up tarnish, and soap leaves a film that traps moisture against the metal.
3. Wipe it before you store it
A quick rub with a dry, soft cloth removes the day's sweat and oil. Thirty seconds, every time.
4. Store it closed and dry
Open trays on a dressing table are the worst place. Use small zip bags or a closed box, one piece per pocket so they do not scratch each other. A silica gel sachet from a shoe box in the jewellery box absorbs humidity.
5. Give each piece a rest
Wearing the same ring daily for months guarantees wear-through. Rotate two or three pieces and each will last far longer.
6. Clean gently, never scrub
Lukewarm water, a drop of mild shampoo, a soft cloth. No toothpaste, no baking soda, no lemon. Those strip plating in one go.
7. Buy the right metal for daily wear
Habits help, but base metal matters most. Anti-tarnish stainless steel does not turn black at all. Gold-plated brass will, eventually, no matter how careful you are. Keep plated pieces for occasions and wear steel every day.
Already turned black?
Plated brass cannot be restored once the plating is gone. Stainless steel that looks dull just needs a wipe with a dry cloth and it is back.
Elora stocks anti-tarnish stainless steel earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces, most under Rs 1,500, delivered all over Pakistan with cash on delivery.