How to Polish Your Tarnished Jewelry

One common question we hear is: Does silver tarnish? The short answer is yes — but that doesn’t mean your jewelry is ruined. With mindful care, you can prevent tarnishing or easily restore your pieces to their original shine.

Why Does Silver Tarnish?
Silver and copper react slowly with sulfur-containing gases in the air, causing the surface to darken — what we call tarnish. This is a natural chemical process, not damage. For example, placing a silver piece in a closed container with a boiled egg can quickly turn it black due to sulfur compounds in the egg.

Preventing Tarnish
The best approach is to minimize tarnishing in the first place:

  • Avoid exposure to water, especially seawater and chlorinated water. If your jewelry gets wet, rinse it with fresh water and dry thoroughly (using a gentle warm blow dryer, if possible).
  • Don’t leave your jewelry in humid places like bathrooms.
  • Keep it away from perfumes, lotions, and household chemicals.
  • Store your pieces in sealed boxes or airtight bags to limit air contact.

How to Clean Tarnished Silver Jewelry

Note: These methods work best for unplated, solid silver pieces. For plated or delicate items, contact us for advice.

Materials Needed:

  • Warm water (around 70°C)
  • Mild dish soap with lemon
  • A soft toothbrush
  • A soft cloth (avoid abrasive fabrics)
  • Silver polish (like Goddard’s or other trusted brands)
  • A bowl large enough to soak your jewelry
  • Hairdryer (for gentle drying)
  • Optional: rubber gloves to keep hands clean

Step 1: Soak and Brush
Fill the bowl with warm water and add a couple of sprays of lemon-scented dish soap. Soak your jewelry for 10–15 minutes. Using the soft toothbrush, gently scrub areas with tarnish, especially intricate parts that cloths can’t reach. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

Step 2: Drying
Use a soft cloth to pat dry, then gently use a hairdryer on a low warm setting to completely dry the piece. Avoid using high heat.

Step 3: Polishing
For shiny, unplated silver only: apply a small amount of silver polish on a soft cloth and gently rub your jewelry. Follow the polish instructions carefully. After polishing, buff the piece with a clean part of the cloth to remove any residue. 

What About Plated or Matte Silver?

Silver polish can damage plated surfaces and alter matte finishes. For these, stick to gentle cleaning methods like soapy water and brushing. If tarnishing is severe or plating is fading, reach out to us — we offer advice and professional care services.

A Final Note on Care
Silver tarnishing depends on many factors, including your skin’s acidity and how often you wear your jewelry. Regular cleaning and proper storage will keep your favorite pieces looking new for years.


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