As someone who adores beautiful jewelry, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of slipping on a new, gleaming necklace or pair of earrings. The way the metal catches the light and the gemstones sparkle is simply mesmerizing. However, that initial brilliance can sometimes fade over time, leaving you with a tarnished, lackluster piece. This is a common concern, especially when it comes to fashion jewelry from popular brands like Kendra Scott.
Kendra Scott has become a household name in the world of affordable yet stylish jewelry, known for their vibrant gemstone pieces and on-trend designs. But as with any jewelry, the question of tarnishing inevitably arises. Will those stunning Kendra Scott necklaces you invested in maintain their radiance, or will they succumb to discoloration and dullness? Let’s dive into the factors that contribute to tarnishing and what you can do to keep your Kendra Scott collection looking as good as new.
What Metals are Used in Kendra Scott Jewelry?
Before we delve into the issue of tarnishing, it’s essential to understand the materials used in Kendra Scott jewelry. Unlike fine jewelry made from precious metals like gold or platinum, Kendra Scott pieces are crafted from a combination of base metals and plating.
The most common base metals used by the brand are:
- Brass: A copper-zinc alloy that’s affordable and versatile.
- Bronze: A copper-tin alloy with a warm, reddish-brown hue.
To give these base metals a more luxurious appearance and protection, Kendra Scott employs various platings, including:
- Rhodium: A precious metal from the platinum family that provides a bright, silvery finish.
- 14k gold plating: A thin layer of real 14k gold applied over the base metal for a rich, golden tone.
- Rose gold plating: A warm, pinkish hue achieved by combining copper with a small amount of gold.
It’s important to note that while these platings can help prevent tarnishing and discoloration, they are relatively thin coatings that can wear off over time, exposing the base metal underneath.
Popular Jewelry Pie Chart
Factors That Cause Tarnishing
Tarnishing is a natural process that occurs when metals react with elements in the environment, causing a dull, discolored appearance. Several factors can contribute to the tarnishing of Kendra Scott jewelry, including:
Body Chemistry
Our bodies produce oils, sweat, and other substances that can interact with metals and accelerate tarnishing. This is why you may notice that some pieces tarnish faster than others, even when stored and cared for in the same way. It all comes down to your individual body chemistry.
Let me share a personal anecdote to illustrate this point. I have two friends, Sarah and Emily, who both own the same Kendra Scott necklace. Sarah’s necklace has maintained its brilliant shine for over a year, while Emily’s started showing signs of tarnishing within a few months. The only difference? Their body chemistry.
Environmental Factors
The air we breathe and the environments we expose our jewelry to can also contribute to tarnishing. High humidity levels, air pollution, and even household chemicals can react with metals, causing discoloration and dulling over time.
I remember visiting my aunt in a coastal city and noticing that her Kendra Scott earrings had developed a noticeable tarnish. She explained that the salty, humid air near the ocean had accelerated the tarnishing process, despite her best efforts to care for them properly.
Proper Storage
How you store your Kendra Scott jewelry when not wearing it can also impact its longevity. Exposure to air, moisture, and sunlight can all contribute to tarnishing. Keeping your pieces in an airtight container or jewelry box can help minimize these factors.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I left a Kendra Scott bracelet sitting on my bathroom counter for a few weeks. The combination of humidity from the shower and exposure to air caused the metal to tarnish much faster than if I had stored it properly.
Frequency of Wear
The more often you wear your Kendra Scott jewelry, the more it will come into contact with the elements that can cause tarnishing. While this is unavoidable if you want to enjoy your pieces, it’s important to be diligent about proper care and cleaning to counteract these effects.
My mother, for instance, has a few Kendra Scott necklaces that she rotates and wears regularly. Over time, the pieces she wears most frequently have developed a slight tarnish, while the ones she wears less often still look brand new.
How to Prevent Tarnishing
While tarnishing is an inevitable part of owning fashion jewelry, there are several practical steps you can take to help extend the life and brilliance of your Kendra Scott pieces:
- Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, or engaging in physical activities: Exposure to water, sweat, and chemicals can accelerate tarnishing.
- Apply perfumes, lotions, and other products before putting on your jewelry: These substances can interact with metals and cause discoloration.
- Store pieces properly when not wearing them: Use an airtight jewelry box or pouch to minimize exposure to air and moisture.
- Gently clean with a soft cloth: Regularly wiping down your jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth can help remove buildup and prevent tarnishing.
Kendra Scott also offers a line of care products specifically designed to maintain the beauty of their jewelry. Their Jewelry Care Kit includes a polishing cloth, cleaning solution, and other tools to help keep your pieces looking their best.
Dealing with Tarnished Pieces
Despite your best efforts, tarnishing may still occur over time. But don’t despair! There are several methods you can try to restore the luster of your Kendra Scott jewelry.
Simple DIY Cleaning Methods
Before resorting to professional cleaning services, you can try some simple DIY techniques at home. Here are a few options:
| Method | Instructions | ||||
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| Baking soda and water |
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| Lemon juice or vinegar |
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| Commercial jewelry cleaner |
It’s important to note that while these DIY methods can help remove light tarnishing, they may not be effective for severe discoloration or pieces with intricate designs. In such cases, it’s best to seek professional cleaning services. Professional Cleaning ServicesIf your Kendra Scott jewelry has significant tarnishing or requires more thorough cleaning, consider taking it to a professional jeweler or the Kendra Scott brand itself for cleaning and restoration services. Many Kendra Scott retail locations offer complimentary cleaning services for their jewelry. They have access to specialized equipment and solutions that can safely and effectively remove tarnish and restore the original shine to your pieces. Alternatively, you can take your jewelry to a reputable local jeweler who specializes in cleaning and restoring fashion jewelry. They will have the expertise and tools to properly clean your Kendra Scott pieces without causing any damage. I recently had a Kendra Scott necklace that had developed significant tarnishing after years of regular wear. I took it to a local jeweler, and they were able to restore it to its original brilliance using their professional cleaning methods. The difference was remarkable, and it felt like I had a brand-new necklace again. ConclusionTarnishing is an inevitable part of owning fashion jewelry like Kendra Scott necklaces, but with proper care and maintenance, you can significantly extend the life and radiance of your beloved pieces. Remember to consider the factors that contribute to tarnishing, such as body chemistry, environmental conditions, and storage methods. By taking preventative measures like removing your jewelry before activities, storing it properly, and regularly cleaning it with a soft cloth, you can minimize the risk of premature tarnishing. And when tarnishing does occur, don’t hesitate to try simple DIY cleaning methods or seek professional assistance from Kendra Scott or a reputable jeweler. With a little effort and the right care, your Kendra Scott jewelry can maintain its stunning beauty for years to come. At the end of the day, investing in quality fashion jewelry like Kendra Scott pieces is all about enjoying their beauty and expressing your personal style. By understanding and addressing the issue of tarnishing, you can confidently wear and cherish your favorite necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, knowing that their brilliance will continue to shine.
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