What is tarnish on jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on the surface of metal jewellery when it reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, with skin oils, perfumes or household chemicals. It shows up as a dullness, yellowing or darkening of the metal, most noticeably on sterling silver, copper and lower-purity gold alloys. Unlike rust, tarnish only affects the surface and is easily removed with a gentle polish or a mild cleaning solution. Storing jewellery away from air and moisture, and keeping it away from perfume and chlorine, slows it down considerably.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does silver jewellery tarnish so quickly?
- Sterling silver tarnishes faster than most metals because it reacts readily with the tiny amounts of hydrogen sulphide in the air, as well as with sulphur compounds in skin, sweat and cosmetics. The copper in the sterling alloy also contributes to the reaction, and humidity speeds everything up.
- What jewellery metals do not tarnish?
- Platinum and pure gold are essentially tarnish-free. Higher-purity golds like 18ct and 22ct tarnish far less than 9ct because there is less reactive alloy in the mix. Stainless steel and titanium are also very resistant. Gold-plated or gold-filled pieces will eventually tarnish at the base metal if the plating wears through.
- How do you remove tarnish from silver jewellery at home?
- A common home method is to lay the piece on aluminium foil in a bowl, add boiling water and a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda, and let it sit for a few minutes. The electrochemical reaction transfers the tarnish to the foil. For lighter tarnish, a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water or a soft jewellery polishing cloth works well.
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