How Often Should You Clean Anti-Tarnish Jewellery?

Anti-tarnish jewellery needs less cleaning than ordinary plated jewellery, but not none. The goal is gentle: remove sweat and oils before they build up, without scrubbing off the finish.

After every wear

Wipe the piece with a soft, dry cloth. This takes ten seconds and does more than any other step.

Once a week or two, if you wear it daily

1. Mix a little mild soap in lukewarm water.

1. Dip a soft cloth, wring it out well and wipe the piece.

1. Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water.

1. Dry it fully before storing.

What not to do

• Don’t soak plated pieces for long.

• Don’t use toothpaste, baking soda, polish or harsh chemicals, which can wear the plating.

• Don’t scrub with a hard brush.

• Don’t use hot water.

Storage matters as much as cleaning

Keep each piece in its own dry pouch, away from the bathroom. Dropping a silica gel packet in the box helps in humid cities like Mumbai.

How to tell it’s time to clean

If the shine looks slightly flat or the surface feels a little sticky, it needs a wipe. If the colour has changed or the plating is wearing off, cleaning won’t bring it back, because that is wear, not dirt.

Explore everyday pieces in Antifikar Jewels.