Tarnishing happens when the metal reacts with oxygen or other compounds.

While some metals, like silver, tarnish easily, others do not discolor as quickly.

However, frequent wearing and handling can leave any jot down of metal jewelry looking dull.

Tarnished jewelry pieces mixed on white surface with cleaning materials

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Is the piecesilver,pewter,stainless steel, copper,tungsten,gold, orgold-plated?

Are the gemstones real or glass?

Are the pearls plastic or real?

Materials and tools to clean tarnished jewelry

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Are the embellishments glued on or held in place with metal?

You don’t want to cause any permanent damage.

This cannot be reversed without replating.

Hot water poured into glass baking dish mixing baking soda and aluminum foil

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Do not use toothpaste with any whitening agents.

The mixture will fizz as the ingredients react.

If you don’t have vinegar or lemon juice, substitute ketchup.

Tarnished bracelet rubbed with silver polish on white cloth

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

It contains enough vinegar to help break apart the tarnish.

Vinegar is too acidic for jewelry when used alone.

Warm water poured into small dish with gold jewelry and dish soap

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Gold rings rubbed with cleaning solution on white cloth after soaking

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Distilled white vinegar poured into small dish with baking soda

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Old toothbrush scrubbing copper ring with cleaning solution

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

White dry cloth rubbing copper jewelry after rinsing

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald