How to ensure your jewelry lasts forever

Your jewelry is designed to withstand the normal rigors of modern life, but keep in mind that they are still made from precious metals and delicate stones, so a bit of TLC wouldn’t go astray. Your vermeil pieces should ideally not come in contact with excessive sweat or water. Take off your vermeil before you shower, wash hands, or exercise. Apply cleaning agents, beauty products, water and chemicals before you put on your pieces. Wait five minutes after applying lotions to put on your jewelry.

Your jewelry is designed to withstand the normal rigors of modern life, but keep in mind that they are still made from precious metals and delicate stones, so a bit of TLC wouldn’t go astray. Your vermeil pieces should ideally not come in contact with excessive sweat or water.

Take off your vermeil before you shower, wash hands, or exercise. Apply cleaning agents, beauty products, water and chemicals before you put on your pieces. Wait five minutes after applying lotions to put on your jewelry.

How to clean vermeil jewelry

To clean your vermeil, wipe it down thoroughly with a cotton cloth as needed, and for best results use the Aurate Jewelry First Aid Kit to regularly shine and remove any dirt or tarnish from your jewelry. Avoid using a brush or coarse fabrics to clean vermeil jewelry as this can potentially scratch the surface. Although rare, sometimes individual body chemistries can react with the metal and cause a reaction. Pregnancy, thyroid disorders, hormone levels, medications and more can affect body alkalinity versus acidity, and may cause a reaction with your piece. It’s definitely a wild-card and is based on the individual!

Understanding Tarnishing and its Causes

Tarnishing is a natural occurrence resulting from the chemical composition of certain metals, so rest assured, you're not at fault! When metals react to elements like oxygen and sulfur, they undergo oxidation. Silver, in particular, is highly reactive to sulfur, leading to tarnishing. This reaction manifests as a dullness or golden hue initially, progressing to a black coating over time.

Sulfur is naturally present in the air and can also transfer through direct contact, including from our bodies, which produce it to combat bacteria. The rate at which tarnishing occurs depends on the storage environment of your silver. For instance, exposure to chemicals or gases (e.g., in a salon or near natural springs) accelerates tarnishing. Surprisingly, even everyday items like eggs, hairspray, or perfume can contribute to tarnishing. Over time, these cumulative factors will tarnish your favorite silver pieces!