Jewellery Care & Tarnish Prevention
About Vamahi Finishes
Vamahi jewellery is crafted from base metals (brass and copper alloy) with surface finishes including gold-tone electroplating and anti-tarnish protective coatings. These finishes give each piece its warm, polished appearance. Like all fashion jewellery, they benefit from mindful care.
How Tarnish Happens
Tarnish is a natural chemical reaction between metal and its environment. Moisture, sweat, skin oils, perfumes, humidity, and prolonged air exposure all accelerate the process. Our anti-tarnish coating is designed to slow this reaction — but no coating eliminates it entirely. The coating works best when you actively store and clean your pieces correctly.
Storage
- Store each piece in its own zip-lock pouch or small airtight box to limit air and humidity exposure.
- Keep jewellery in a cool, dry place — away from bathrooms and windowsills where moisture and heat fluctuate.
- Lay flat or hang earrings to avoid tangling and scratching of the coating.
- Do not store multiple pieces loose together — metal-on-metal contact wears the finish faster.
Cleaning
- After each wear, gently wipe your jewellery with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to remove sweat and oils.
- For light dirt, use a barely damp cloth, then dry immediately and thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- Do not soak pieces in water, use ultrasonic cleaners, or scrub with abrasive materials.
- Avoid jewellery-cleaning solutions unless they are specifically stated as safe for plated fashion jewellery.
What to Avoid
- Water & moisture: Remove jewellery before bathing, swimming, washing hands, or exercising. Sweat and chlorinated or salt water are particularly harsh on coatings.
- Fragrance & cosmetics: Apply perfume, hairspray, sunscreen, and lotions before putting on your jewellery, never after. These products contain chemicals that degrade plating quickly.
- Heat: Avoid leaving jewellery in direct sunlight or in hot, enclosed spaces (such as a car dashboard).
- Rough handling: Avoid knocking pieces against hard surfaces, which can chip the coating and expose the base metal underneath.
When to Remove Your Jewellery
As a simple rule: jewellery goes on last when dressing and comes off first when undressing. Always remove pieces before:
- Bathing or swimming
- Exercise or any activity that causes sweating
- Household cleaning or contact with chemical products
- Sleeping (especially for earrings and bracelets)
Realistic Expectations
Anti-tarnish coatings significantly extend the life and brightness of fashion jewellery compared to uncoated pieces. With consistent care — wiping after wear, proper storage, and avoiding moisture and chemicals — you can keep your Vamahi pieces looking their best for a long time. However, all fashion jewellery with surface finishes will show some change over time; this is a natural characteristic of the material, not a defect.
Questions?
If you have questions about a specific piece or its finish, feel free to reach out to us at vamahiventures@gmail.com. We're happy to help.