How to clean
tarnished jewelry
A material-by-material guide to restoring dull or tarnished jewelry, from brass and copper to sterling silver, 925 silver, gold plated pieces, pearls, and cubic zirconia.
Read jewelry care guideTo clean tarnished jewelry, identify the material first, then use a method made for it. Polish brass, copper, and sterling or 925 silver with a material-safe polishing cloth; wipe gold plated jewelry and pearls with a soft cloth only; and clean cubic zirconia with mild soap and water. Dry every piece fully and store it separately so tarnish does not return.
Why jewelry tarnishes
Tarnishing happens when jewelry reacts with air, moisture, sweat, skin oils, perfume, lotion, and everyday environmental exposure. The right cleaning method depends on the material, because brass, copper, silver, gold plated jewelry, pearls, and cubic zirconia all react differently.
Before cleaning tarnished jewelry, always identify the material first. A cleaning method that works for sterling silver may damage gold plating or delicate pearl surfaces.
How to restore tarnished jewelry by material
| Material | Why it tarnishes | How to restore shine | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass Jewelry | Oxidation from air, moisture, sweat, and skin oils. | Use a brass polishing cloth or brass-safe cleaner, then dry completely. | Soaking, rough scrubbing, harsh cleaners. |
| Copper Jewelry | Natural oxidation and moisture exposure that creates patina. | Polish gently with a copper-safe cloth or cleaner and store in a dry place. | Acidic products unless clearly safe for copper. |
| Sterling Silver | Reaction with sulfur, air, and moisture. | Use a silver polishing cloth or silver-safe jewelry cleaner. | Toothpaste, bleach, and abrasive cleaners. |
| 925 Silver | Air exposure and moisture over time. | Polish gently with a silver cloth and store in an airtight pouch. | Water soaking and rough polishing. |
| Gold Plated Jewelry | Plating wears down from friction, water, sweat, and chemicals. | Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth. If plating is worn, replating may be needed. | Silver cleaner, soaking, abrasive cloths. |
| Pearl Jewelry | Surface dulls from perfume, oils, sweat, and chemicals. | Wipe with a soft damp cloth only, then dry gently. | Ultrasonic cleaners, alcohol, perfume, harsh chemicals. |
| Cubic Zirconia | Oil, dust, and product build-up reduce sparkle. | Clean gently with mild soap and water, then dry fully with a soft cloth. | Rough brushes and harsh chemical cleaners. |
How to restore tarnished brass jewelry
Brass jewelry naturally reacts with air, moisture, and skin oils. This can create a darker surface over time, especially if the piece is exposed to water, sweat, perfume, or lotion.
- Clean withA brass polishing cloth or brass-safe jewelry cleaner.
- How to do itBuff gently until the shine returns, then dry the piece completely before storing.
- AvoidSoaking, harsh scrubbing, and wearing brass jewelry in water.
How to restore tarnished copper jewelry
Copper develops a darker patina naturally. Some people like this vintage look, while others prefer to polish copper back to a brighter shine.
- Clean withA copper-safe polishing cloth or cleaner designed for copper jewelry.
- How to do itPolish gently, remove residue, and dry the jewelry fully before putting it away.
- AvoidLeaving copper jewelry in humid areas or exposing it to acidic products.
How to restore sterling silver and 925 silver jewelry
Sterling silver and 925 silver can tarnish when exposed to sulfur, air, and moisture. This is normal and can often be improved with proper polishing.
- Clean withA silver polishing cloth or silver-safe cleaner.
- How to do itPolish gently in one direction, then store in an airtight pouch to reduce future air exposure.
- AvoidToothpaste, bleach, rough brushes, and abrasive household cleaners.
How to clean gold plated jewelry safely
Gold plated jewelry needs extra gentle care because the gold layer sits on the surface. If the plating has already worn away, cleaning cannot fully restore it — replating may be needed. Explore our gold jewelry collection for everyday pieces.
- Clean withA soft dry microfiber cloth.
- How to do itWipe gently after wearing to remove oil, sweat, and product residue.
- AvoidSilver cleaner, soaking, polishing paste, abrasive cloths, perfume, and lotion.
How to clean pearls and cubic zirconia
Pearls and cubic zirconia do not tarnish in the same way metals do, but they can lose shine from oils, perfume, dust, and product build-up.
- PearlsWipe gently with a soft damp cloth, then dry carefully. Avoid perfume and harsh cleaners.
- Cubic zirconiaClean gently with mild soap and water if needed, then dry fully with a soft cloth.
- AvoidUltrasonic cleaners, alcohol, rough brushes, and chemical cleaning products.
The safest cleaning rule is material first
How to prevent jewelry from tarnishing again
After restoring shine, the most important step is prevention. Most tarnish comes from moisture, air exposure, sweat, perfume, lotion, and improper storage.
- Keep dryRemove jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, or washing your hands.
- Avoid perfumeApply perfume, lotion, and hair products before putting on jewelry.
- Wipe after wearUse a soft cloth to remove oils, sweat, and residue after wearing.
- Store separatelyKeep each piece in a soft pouch, jewelry case, or sealed bag.
Quick summary
- Material firstIdentify brass, copper, silver, gold plated, pearl, or cubic zirconia before choosing a method.
- MetalsBrass, copper, sterling and 925 silver polish back to shine with a material-safe cloth.
- DelicateGold plated, pearls, and cubic zirconia need soft-cloth care only — never silver cleaner or soaking.
- PreventKeep jewelry dry, apply perfume before wearing, wipe after wear, store pieces separately.
How to clean tarnished jewelry FAQ
Can tarnished jewelry become shiny again?
Why do my earrings turn black?
Can I clean gold plated jewelry with silver cleaner?
Can perfume cause jewelry to tarnish?
Keep your jewelry shining.
Start with better care.