The truth is, ALL jewelry necklaces, earrings, or bracelets are capable of tarnishing – and some faster than others. Why? It’s simple – over time, your jewelry comes in contact with moisture, oils, air, and your body’s pH balance. They react with the metal in the jewelry, causing it to eventually wear down and tarnish. Have you ever worn a ring on your finger and taken it off to reveal a magical green stain underneath? Most of us probably have! While a quick wash of the hands will usually cure a case of green fingers from jewelry, it can be annoying all the same. Sometimes you can pin it to a single piece (like a vintage cocktail ring) or a specific behavior (like wearing jewelry while swimming or exercising). But other reasons your jewelry tarnishes can be a little harder to nail down.
Following our jewelry care, best practices is a good place to start, for those hoping to keep their Van Andel And Peace gemstone jewelry looking shiny and new. Getting to know what your jewelry is made of is another great way to determine if it will tarnish, how to prevent it, and what to do if it does.
WHAT IS MY JEWELRY MADE OF
We have maintained the highest standards in design, materials, and craftsmanship, creating jewelry that has been passed down from generation to generation. Over time, fine jewelry can become a treasured family heirloom if it is cared for properly. Each piece of our VA&P jewelry is crafted by hand from start to finish with the highest quality gemstones and diamonds, set in 22ct and 18ct Gold, often also combined with hand hammered and oxidized silver for our distinctive signature antique effect. You can be sure that our jewelry is one of a kind, totally unique, 100% hypoallergenic and cruelty-free
WILL MY JEWELRY TARNISH
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of how jewelry is made let us explain why and how it can tarnish. Environmental factors like pollution and humidity, even air plays a part in tarnishing jewelry, and that’s a pretty tough one to avoid. Things like Cosmetics, Body Oils, and your PH balance can also cause your jewelry to become tarnished.
Behavior is the easy one to define, so let’s start there. If you do the dishes, clean the bathroom, take a swim, or exercise you’re introducing your jewelry to substances that may potentially cause the surface to react. Things like lotion, hair spray, cosmetics, perfume, and nail polish remover can cause discoloration (and in some cases corrosion). Your pH balance – may influence your body chemistry and what kind of compounds your jewelry might encounter. Unfortunately, it’s not an exact science, but hormonal and pH related differences can contribute to why some people’s jewelry tarnishes faster than others.
WHAT CAN I DO
1. Keep It Dry
The fastest way to tarnish your jewelry is by contact with moisture and liquids. This includes putting on lotions, washing your hands, a spritz of perfume, and sweating with your jewels on. Even the oils on your skin can wear down the plating and metals over time – and this will again vary from person to person. Get your jewels wet by accident? Be sure to wipe and dry them off right away!
2. Store It Properly
Listen up, ’cause this one’s important! Because exposure to the simplest things like the moisture in the air can wear down your jewels, it’s important to store them properly. All of the jewels you receive from us come in a pouch or beautiful box – use this to keep your jewels protected from the sun and safe from scratches and chips.
Take it up a level by storing your jewels in a Ziploc bag – but you’ll want to make sure you get rid of as much air as possible before sealing it. With the air removed, the metal won’t be able to oxidize from the air.
Super keen on keeping your favorite pieces in tip-top shape? Get some anti-tarnish strips. These super absorbent pieces of paper will basically suck all of the culprits in the surrounding air that will cause your jewelry to tarnish over time. Stick one in your jewelry drawer, jewelry box, or storage pouch.
3. Try a Professional Cleaning
Professional cleanings are recommended as often as once a year. We encourage you to bring your Van Andel and Peace jewelry back to us for professional servicing. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of jewelry care, including cleaning gemstones and repairing clasps and earring backs.
4. Give It a Break
Treat your jewelry with love and care, and they’ll keep sparkling for you for an eternity! Treat it like a family heirloom now, because one day it will be.
