We’ve all been there...you buy a gorgeous sterling silver necklace, wear it a few times, and suddenly it looks a little… dull. Maybe even darkened or discolored. You are completely frustrated and almost feel duped.
If you’re wondering why jewelry tarnishes or how to keep jewelry from tarnishing, you’re not alone. The good news? There are ways to prevent it and even better, Featherly jewelry is designed to help solve this exact problem. Let’s dive into why sterling silver tarnishes, how to clean it, and how to pick quality jewelry that doesn’t tarnish (or at least not as quickly).
Why Does Jewelry Tarnish?
Sterling silver is loved for its beauty, durability, and timeless elegance, but if you’ve ever noticed your silver jewelry pieces darkening or losing their shine, that’s called tarnishing—a totally natural reaction.
What Causes Jewelry Tarnishing?
Ever noticed your silver jewelry looking a little dull or darker over time? That’s tarnish, and while it’s totally normal, it can be frustrating, especially when you just want your favorite pieces to stay shiny and beautiful. Tarnish happens when sterling silver reacts with elements in the air (mainly sulfur and oxygen), as well as moisture and chemicals surrounding our daily life. Some common culprits that speed up the process include:
- Exposure to air & humidity – Silver reacts with oxygen over time.
- Sweat & skin oils – our body chemistry is unique, and for some, it can speed up tarnishing
- Lotions, perfumes & hair products – I know you love a good beauty routine, but chemicals in our products can leave a residue that dulls your jewelry’s shine.
- Water & chlorine – Swimming pools, showers, and even hard water can affect silver jewelry.
- Storage conditions – Leaving jewelry out in the open exposes it to tarnish faster.
Want to hear the good news? Tarnishing jewelry isn’t permanent, and it can be prevented. Here’s the real game-changer: not all sterling silver jewelry tarnishes the same way. That’s why Featherly jewelry is crafted with premium 925 sterling silver and plated in rhodium, a protective coating that resists tarnish, adds durability, and keeps your jewelry looking flawless longer. So instead of worrying about constant cleaning and polishing, you can just wear and enjoy your pieces.
What Jewelry Doesn’t Tarnish?
While all sterling silver naturally reacts to air, not all silver jewelry is created equal. Some jewelry tarnishes faster depending on its purity, protective coatings, and how it’s made.
Why Featherly Jewelry is a Non-Tarnish Solution
At Featherly, we take premium 925 sterling silver (which is 92.5% pure silver) and plate it in rhodium—a high-end, tarnish-resistant metal that acts as a protective shield. It keeps your jewelry durable and shining longer. Think luxry-level protection without the luxury price tag.
Why Rhodium Plating Matters:
- Prevents tarnishing – Unlike regular sterling silver, rhodium-plated silver resists oxidation longer.
- Extra durability – Makes your jewelry more resistant to scratches and daily wear.
- Hypoallergenic & safe for sensitive skin – No worries about irritation plus it's nickel-free.
- Long-lasting shine – Keeps jewelry in better shape for a longer time
So, if you’re looking for jewelry that is tarnish-resistant, Featherly’s rhodium-plated sterling silver is the ultimate solution—giving you the beauty of silver without the disappointment. Explore our necklaces, earrings, charms and chains.
How to Keep Jewelry from Tarnishing
As with anything, proper jewelry care helps keep your pieces looking flawless. Here are some tips and tricks to prevent jewelry tarnishing and extend the life of your favorite pieces. If there is one jewelry rule to remember, follow the last on, first off. Say it with me: Jewelry should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
1. Store Your Jewelry Properly
- Keep jewelry in a jewelry box or sealed airtight bag.
- Avoid leaving it out on bathroom counters where humidity speeds up tarnish.
- Store pieces separately to prevent scratches and tangling
2. Avoid Water & Chemicals
- Take jewelry off before showering, swimming, or washing hands.
- Apply lotions, perfumes, and hair products before putting on jewelry to avoid buildup.
- Always follow the rule: last on, first off
3. Clean Your Jewelry Regularly
- Featherly jewelry requires very little upkeep, thanks to its rhodium plating.
- For non-plated silver, gently polish with a soft jewelry cloth to remove tarnish.
- Avoid harsh cleaners; instead, use a mix of mild soap and water, then gently pat dry.
4. Wear It Often
- Believe it or not, wearing your jewelry actually helps prevent tarnish because the natural oils in your skin slow down oxidation.
- Just be mindful of sweaty workouts because moisture can speed up tarnishing.
Jewelry That Lasts: Invest in Quality
If you love sterling silver but hate the upkeep, Featherly jewelry is designed for you. With our rhodium-plated sterling silver, you get the beauty of silver without the constant polishing so your pieces stay bright, durable, and effortlessly stylish.
Looking for non-tarnish jewelry that lasts? Explore our collections and find beautiful, low-maintenance pieces that shine for years and celebrates your story.
