How to Keep Fashion Jewellery From Tarnishing: A Simple Care Guide

By the HAFSAY team · 25 September 2026

Fashion jewellery - including Korean jewellery - has a thin plated finish over a base metal. That finish is what gives it the gold or silver colour. In Pakistan's heat and humidity, sweat, perfume and water wear it down faster than in cooler countries. The good news is that a few simple habits make a big difference.

Why jewellery tarnishes

Moisture: water, sweat and humidity react with the base metal underneath the plating.
Chemicals: perfume, body spray, lotion, hand sanitiser and hair products slowly eat into the finish.
Friction: pieces rubbing against each other in a drawer scratch the surface.
Air: leaving jewellery out in the open for weeks lets it oxidise.

8 habits that keep jewellery shiny

Put jewellery on last. Apply perfume, lotion and makeup first, let them dry, then put on your jewellery.
Take it off before water. Remove rings and bracelets before washing hands, wudu, showering, swimming or washing dishes.
Wipe after wearing. A quick wipe with a soft dry cloth removes sweat and oils before they settle.
Store pieces separately. Keep each piece in its own small zip-lock bag or pouch so they do not scratch each other.
Squeeze the air out. In a sealed zip-lock bag with little air, jewellery oxidises much more slowly.
Keep away from the bathroom. Bathroom humidity is one of the fastest ways to dull a finish.
Avoid the gym and the kitchen. Heat, sweat and cooking fumes are all hard on plating.
Rotate your pieces. Wearing the same ring 24/7 wears it out faster than rotating two or three.

How to clean fashion jewellery safely

Use a soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, wipe gently, then dry immediately and completely. Do not use toothpaste, baking soda, lemon or silver dip - they are too harsh for plated jewellery and can strip the finish.

What about green marks on the skin?

A green mark is a harmless reaction between sweat and copper in some base metals. Drying the piece and your skin, and applying a thin coat of clear nail polish on the inside of a ring, usually stops it.

Pieces that are easiest to care for

Pieces you do not wear in water every day - necklaces, earrings and hijab pins - naturally last longest. For rings and bracelets, follow the habits above. Browse our full collection, and remember every HAFSAY order ships free with Cash on Delivery.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop my jewellery from turning black?

Keep it dry, put it on after perfume and lotion, wipe it after wearing and store each piece in a sealed zip-lock bag.

Can I wear fashion jewellery in the shower?

It is best not to. Water and soap wear down the plated finish much faster.

How do I clean artificial jewellery at home?

Wipe it with a soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, then dry it completely. Avoid toothpaste, lemon and baking soda.

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