Why does fashion jewellery go dull, and how do you stop it? What damages gold-tone pieces, a 2-minute daily routine, and how to store jewellery in humid weather.
Here's something nobody tells you when you buy fashion jewellery: how long it stays beautiful depends less on the piece and more on your habits. Two people can buy the same necklace on the same day. Six months later, one still looks new and the other has gone dull and dark. The difference is usually a few small things done, or not done, every day.
The good news is that looking after gold-tone jewellery takes about two minutes a day and nothing you don't already have at home. Below you'll find what actually damages it, a simple routine to follow, and how to store your pieces, especially in our hot, humid weather.
Six things that dull your jewellery
Alcohol and oils in fragrance slowly eat into the gold layer. Spray first, let it dry, then put your jewellery on.
Bathing, wudu, washing dishes, a dip at Cox's Bazar. Water, soap and salt dull the finish faster than anything.
Our summers and monsoon are hard on jewellery. Sweat is salty, and damp air speeds up tarnish.
Rub it in and let your hands dry completely before your rings and cuffs go back on.
Turmeric stains, oil leaves a film and heat is no friend either. Rings and bracelets off before you cook.
Thrown together in one box, pieces scratch and tangle each other. Give each one its own space.
Don't do this. Do this instead.
Your 2-minute daily routine
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Last on10 sec
Get dressed, finish your makeup, perfume and hair. Jewellery goes on last, once everything has dried.
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First off10 sec
Home for the day? Take your jewellery off before you wash your face, change or step into the kitchen.
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Wipe30 sec
Use a soft, dry cloth, a glasses cloth is perfect, and gently wipe away sweat, oil and makeup.
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Dry completely40 sec
If a piece got wet, pat it dry and leave it out for a few minutes. Never put damp jewellery away.
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Store separately20 sec
Each piece in its own pouch or zip bag. Lay hand chains and necklaces flat so they don't tangle.
A day with your jewellery
Get ready first, jewellery last
Lotion, sunscreen, perfume, hair. Give it all a minute to dry, then put your pieces on. It's the single habit that makes the biggest difference.
Watch your hands
Before you use hand sanitiser or wash up, slip your rings off and keep them in a small pouch in your bag, not loose in a pocket.
Touch up carefully
Want more perfume? Spray it on your wrists or clothes, away from your necklace and cuff. Hot, crowded venues mean sweat, so wipe pieces once you're home.
Off, wipe, pouch
Take everything off before bed. A quick wipe and back into its pouch. It takes less time than brushing your teeth.
A little check-up
Look over clasps and links, wipe pieces you've worn a lot, and swap out old silica gel sachets during the monsoon.
Tick what you already do
How good are your jewellery habits?
Pieces you'll want to keep shining
What to do if a piece has already gone dull
Don't reach for toothpaste, lemon or vinegar. Start by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth, because a lot of dullness is just oil and dust. If that doesn't help, dip the cloth in a little lukewarm water with one drop of mild soap, wipe gently, and dry the piece completely straight away. Plating that has already worn through can't be fixed at home, which is exactly why the everyday habits matter so much.
Small habits, long shine
You don't need special kits or fancy products. Put it on last, take it off first, keep it dry and give it its own space. Your future self, getting ready for a wedding in a hurry, will thank you.
Questions we get asked
Why does gold-tone jewellery tarnish?
Gold-tone pieces have a thin gold-coloured layer over a base metal. Water, sweat, perfume and air slowly wear away and react with that layer, which makes it look dull or darker over time. Good daily habits slow this down a lot.
Can I shower or swim with gold-tone jewellery?
It's best not to. Water, soap, chlorine and sea salt all dull the finish quickly. Take your jewellery off first and put it back on once you're completely dry.
How do I clean jewellery that has gone dull?
Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth first. For more grime, use a cloth barely dampened with mild soapy water, then dry it completely right away. Avoid toothpaste, lemon, vinegar and polishing pastes.
How should I store jewellery in humid weather?
Keep each piece in a small zip pouch or airtight box with a silica gel sachet, in a dry drawer away from the bathroom. Replace the sachets every few weeks during the monsoon.
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