Anti-tarnish jewellery: what it means and how to care for it

Imitation jewellery is a metal base with a thin plated surface on top. Air, moisture and the oils on our skin slowly react with that surface, and in Indian heat and humidity the change can show within weeks. That dull, darker look is tarnish.

An anti-tarnish piece has an extra clear protective layer over the plating. It slows the reaction down, so the piece keeps its shine far longer than ordinary imitation jewellery. It is why our daily-wear range can be worn often without turning dark.

It slows tarnish; nothing stops it forever. Plating is a surface, and everyday life wears it, faster with perfume, water, sweat and cleaning products.

Earrings are the pieces most of us wear every single day, so they gain the most from an anti-tarnish finish. Small studs and short drops are the easiest: light enough for long days, calls and headphones, and simple enough for any outfit.

They touch skin, hair products and perfume all day, so take them off before you shower or sleep and wipe them now and then. Browse anti-tarnish earrings, or see all daily wear earrings for more styles.

Bracelets have the hardest life of all: hand wash, hand cream and sanitiser reach them many times a day. A chain or charm bracelet with an anti-tarnish finish copes with this far better, but slip it off when you wash up or cook, and put hand cream on before the bracelet, not after.

Slim chain bracelets sit well next to a watch, and a single charm makes an easy gift. Many of them are on our anti-tarnish jewellery under ₹500 shelf, along with rings, chains and studs.

1. Put your jewellery on last and take it off first, after perfume, hairspray and lotion have dried.

2. Take it off before a shower, a swim or a workout.

3. Wipe each piece with a soft, dry cloth after wearing it, to lift sweat and oils.

4. Store pieces separately in their pouch, away from damp. Loose pieces scratch each other.

5. Never use silver dip, toothpaste or harsh cleaners; they strip plating.

Look for "Anti-Tarnish" in the product name or the finish on the product page. Our anti-tarnish chains, rings, bracelets and studs are made for everyday wear; antique and AD stone pieces are best kept for occasions and stored with care.