The Truth About Tarnishing: Why Metal Jewelry Changes Color and How to Care for It

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of jewelry shaming—especially when it comes to pieces that tarnish—and I realized something major is missing from the conversation: facts. Let’s clear the air and talk about why metal jewelry tarnishes and what you can do about it.

What Actually Causes Jewelry to Tarnish?

It all comes down to chemistry. When metal interacts with non-metal compounds like oxygen, sulfur dioxide, or hydrogen sulfide, a process called oxidation occurs. This forms a dark film on the surface—aka tarnish.

Your jewelry is constantly exposed to things like oxygen (can’t avoid it), skin oils, moisture, body products (lotions, butters, perfumes, soaps), hair products, and even household cleaners. Some metals react faster than others, but no metal is totally immune without proper care.

Gold Jewelry

Pure 24k gold doesn’t tarnish, but it’s super soft—too soft for everyday wear. That’s why most jewelers use gold alloys like 18k (75% gold) or 14k (58% gold), mixed with metals like copper or silver to increase strength and adjust color.

If you want long-lasting gold-tone jewelry, 18k is your best bet. Just remember, the other metals in the alloy can tarnish over time.

Silver Jewelry

Most silver jewelry is made from sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper). The copper content helps shape and strengthen the piece—but also speeds up tarnishing. Regular cleaning can delay this and keep your silver bright.

Copper Jewelry

Often dismissed as a “practice metal” in the industry, copper actually holds deep cultural and spiritual value. It tarnishes quickly and can turn skin green if not cleaned regularly. Still, many people love raw copper specifically because it reflects energy changes in the environment.

Brass Jewelry

Brass (a mix of copper and zinc) is great for gold-tone lovers. It tarnishes more slowly than pure copper, but still needs care to maintain its luster.

Bronze Jewelry

Made primarily of copper and tin, bronze has a unique antique finish but behaves like brass when it comes to tarnish. Keep it clean to keep it glowing.

Stainless Steel Jewelry

If you prefer silver-tones and low-maintenance wear, stainless steel is a top pick. It resists corrosion thanks to its chromium content, which forms a protective layer. While it’s durable and long-lasting, stainless steel is harder to work with and requires its own tools, so it’s less common in artisan-made jewelry.

How to Keep Your Jewelry Looking New

Your storage and care habits make a big difference in how your jewelry ages.

Tips to reduce tarnish:

• Clean your jewelry regularly. This can't be stressed enough. Use cool to room-temperature water and non-erosive cleaning products.
• Store jewelry in a cool, dry, dark place.
• Keep different metals separate to avoid reactions.
• Avoid wearing metal jewelry in water or while using lotions, oils, or cleaners.

Bottom line: tarnishing is natural—but it doesn’t mean your jewelry is low quality. It just means you need to show it a little love.

Want to know how to clean your pieces properly? Check out these articles that walks you through it.

Relevant Reads:
Simple and Safe Ways to Clean Your Jewelry at Home
How to Care for Your Jewelry So It Lasts for Years
How to Clean Your Jewelry with Baking Soda