How We Make Sure Your Jewelry Doesn't Tarnish

Many of our customers tend to ask if our jewelry will tarnish, especially if placed in water, and which steps we take to make sure that they don't.

We answer all your questions and more below!

Our Jewelry Items are Wrapped to Prevent Tarnish

All Amoy jewelry products are all made of 925 sterling silver or gold vermeil (sterling silver coated with a thick layer of gold).

First off, our items are thick enough to ensure sturdiness, quality, and longevity. In the past, we did have some very thin, minimalist pieces that were as thin as a needle, but we have since discontinued those items as they weren't likely to last longer than a year. 

As for how we protect our jewelry - what we do is seal each item in multiple layers of plastic to make sure that they're not exposed to air and moisture during the storage and shipping process. This ensures that you get the maximum longevity out of your items. 

For example, a pair of silver earrings will have the earrings stuffed in a plastic baggie with the hooks sticking out; but we will also place this in a larger plastic baggie to make sure that they are sealed airtight. 

The jewelry is then placed in a red velvet cloth pocket, which is then enclosed in a red Amoy box. The box itself is wrapped by flexible, durable webbed paper, and placed in a cardboard box for delivery. 

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What can you do to make sure that the jewelry doesn't tarnish AFTER you receive them?

Here’s a comprehensive guide.

Understanding Tarnish

We understand that you're concerned about tarnishing jewelry. We get it - we've been there before as well.

Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This alloying process makes it more durable but also susceptible to tarnish, which occurs due to a chemical reaction with sulfur and oxygen in the air.

Regular exposure to moisture, chemicals, and pollutants can accelerate this process.

Here's what you can do to take care of your jewelry.

Daily Care Tips

1. Wear Your Jewelry Often: Surprisingly, wearing your silver jewelry can help keep it shiny. The natural oils from your skin act as a protective barrier against tarnish.
2. Remove During Household Chores: Always take off your jewelry when cleaning or doing chores. Household cleaners often contain sulfur and other chemicals that can cause tarnishing.
3. Avoid Water: Keep your silver jewelry away from water. Short-term exposure to water while washing your hands or taking a shower is ok, but try to avoid chlorinated water in pools or hot tubs, as these have chemicals that can cause tarnishing.
4. Limit Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight can also contribute to tarnishing, so it's best to remove jewelry before sunbathing or spending time outdoors.
5. Put on Jewelry Last: Apply lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays before putting on your jewelry. These products can contain chemicals that lead to tarnishing.

Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

• Mild Soap and Water: Use warm water mixed with mild dish soap for gentle cleaning. Soak the jewelry for a few minutes, and then scrub lightly with a soft cloth or toothbrush.
• Baking Soda Paste: For tougher tarnish, create a paste by using baking soda and water. Apply it with a soft cloth or toothbrush, gently scrubbing the affected areas.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: For heavy tarnish, soak your jewelry in a mixture of half a cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda for 2-3 hours, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Polishing Cloths: Use a specialized silver polishing cloth to buff your jewelry after cleaning. This helps restore shine without scratching the surface.

Proper Storage Techniques

1. Cool, Dry Place: Store your pieces in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Humidity can accelerate tarnishing.
2. Use Airtight Containers: Keeping your silver in airtight bags or containers minimizes exposure to air and moisture. Anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets can also help absorb humidity in storage areas.
3. Separate Pieces: To prevent scratching and tangling, store each piece separately in soft pouches or compartments within a jewelry box.
4. Avoid Rubber Products: Keep silver away from rubber bands or any products containing sulfur as they can cause tarnishing.

Conclusion