Why Perfume, Pool Water, Sea Water & Damp; Moisture Can Affect Your Jewellery (and How to Protect It)
We often think of solid gold and sterling silver jewellery as strong and everlasting—and while they are durable, they’re not immune to the elements. Everyday things like perfume, water, and even your own skin's oils can affect the appearance and longevity of your jewellery over time.
Here’s what you need to know about why it happens—and simple ways to keep your jewellery looking beautiful for years to come.
1. 🌸 Perfume & Lotions: Beauty Products Can Tarnish & Dull
Your favourite fragrance might smell amazing—but it’s not so sweet to your jewellery.
What happens:
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Alcohols, oils, and chemicals in perfumes and lotions can build up on jewellery
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They can cause discolouration, especially on sterling silver
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Over time, residue dulls the surface and affects the metal’s shine
What to do:
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Apply perfume, lotion, and hair products before putting on jewellery
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Let products dry fully before wearing your pieces
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Give your jewellery a gentle wipe with a soft cloth after wearing
2. 🏖️ Sea Water: Salty and Surprisingly Corrosive
Salt water may be healing for you—but it's harsh on your jewellery.
What happens:
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Salt accelerates corrosion, especially on silver and lower-karat gold
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It can also creep into clasps and chains, causing long-term wear
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The sand and grit in the sea can also scratch polished surfaces
What to do:
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Take your jewellery off before swimming in the sea
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If it does get exposed, rinse it thoroughly in clean, fresh water and dry completely
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Store it separately to avoid surface damage from leftover salt or sand
3. 🏊♀️ Pool Water: Chlorine Is a Big No
Pools are loaded with chlorine, which is especially damaging to precious metals.
What happens:
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Chlorine can cause stress corrosion cracking—weakening chains, settings, and clasps
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It’s particularly aggressive on white gold and sterling silver
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Repeated exposure can lead to permanent discolouration or even breakage
What to do:
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Always remove jewellery before entering a swimming pool or hot tub
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If your jewellery has been exposed, rinse it right away and pat dry with a soft cloth
4. 💧 Moisture: Sweat, Steam & Humidity All Play a Part
Moisture is one of the biggest culprits for tarnishing silver—and can even affect gold over time.
What happens:
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Sweat contains salt and acids that interact with metals
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Humidity speeds up tarnishing, especially when jewellery is stored in damp areas
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Over time, moisture exposure can make your jewellery look dull or dirty
What to do:
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Remove jewellery before workouts, showers, and saunas
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Store pieces in a dry, airtight container or a soft pouch with anti-tarnish strips
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Clean regularly using a polishing cloth or mild jewellery cleaner
🛡️ How to Keep Your Jewellery Safe & Shining
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Last on, first off: Put your jewellery on after getting ready, and take it off first when you get home
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Store smart: Use individual pouches or boxes to keep pieces dry and separate
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Clean regularly: A gentle clean can make a huge difference—especially for silver
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Get it checked: Have your jeweller inspect and professionally clean pieces once a year
Final Thoughts
Even solid gold and sterling silver jewellery needs a little care to keep its beauty and strength. By being mindful of perfume, water, and moisture, you can extend the life of your favourite pieces and keep them looking as stunning as the day you got them.
Have questions about caring for your jewellery? Or want advice on a cleaning routine that suits your pieces?
Visit www.sianelizabethhughes.co.uk or get in touch—Sian is always happy to help you keep your treasures shining bright.