Why Perfume On Jewellery Is Not Such A Good Idea?

Published by Team KuberBox on

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Has it ever happened to you before? Your jewellery doesn’t have the sheen it used to or you simply don’t receive as many compliments on your favourite danglers or that stunning necklace! Well, this could all be a sign of some maintenance flaws here and there. But, more than anything else, it might have something to do with your beauty regime and especially your perfume! The essential oils, ethyl alcohol, and colourants present in perfumes are often to be blamed. Shocking, isn’t it? But don’t you worry. All you need to do is understand, why this happens and what effect it can have. That being taken care of, we can look up a regime that helps you look and feel splendid while keeping your jewellery shining bright!

The Effect of Perfume on Gold Jewellery

the effect of perfume on gold jewellery

To begin with, it is important to understand that Gold is a highly ductile and malleable metal, and therefore doesn’t have the strength to hold the intricate shapes of jewellery design. Hence, almost all gold jewellery contains a small percentage of metal alloys such as Silver, Copper, Palladium, Zinc, etc, to ensure that the jewellery retains shape, and doesn’t bend, crack or break easily. 

While perfumes don’t have a direct reaction with pure gold, they can corrode the metal alloys that gold jewellery comprises of. As far as the gold is concerned, the perfume can often lead to the discolouration of this precious metal, or simply dull its sheen, both of which directly impact the look and appeal of the jewellery piece.

The Effect of Perfume on Silver Jewellery

the effect of perfume on silver jewellery

As you may already know, silver is a metal that oxidises quickly, which is essentially why most of the silver jewellery and utensils that you may possess often turn metallic black when used regularly, or when they come in direct contact with air. Unfortunately, silver also reacts similarly and rather quickly, when exposed to the chemicals present in perfumes.

You may be wondering, if sterling silver jewellery doesn’t get oxidised as easily, it probably doesn’t react with perfumes. Sorry to disappoint you, but sterling silver comprises of copper, and when this copper comes in contact with the chemicals and moisture contained in perfumes, it turns green.  As you may have guessed, your sterling silver jewellery might get a greenish hue if it is exposed to perfumes on a regular basis. The same will be the case if the jewellery comes in contact with fragrant oils.  

The Effect of Perfume on Diamond Jewellery

The Effect of Perfume on Diamond Jewellery

More often than not, diamonds are considered to be too strong to suffer any damage, especially from something as light and seemingly subtle as perfume. However, it is not the case. In fact, diamonds and all other natural gemstones are prone to damage due to the essential oils contained in perfumes. The build-up of these oils on the diamonds may result in a pale yellow hue that is difficult to get rid of. Not only do they take away the inherent shine of the diamonds, but may also result in loss of value of their value. 

If your diamond jewellery is showing signs of such damage, make a solution using six parts water and one part ammonia, and use it to clean the jewellery using a soft brush. Of course, you don’t need us to tell you, that precaution is better than cure in such cases. 

The Effect of Perfume on Pearl Jewellery

The Effect of Perfume on Pearl Jewellery

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that peals are the most susceptible to damage from perfumes and hairsprays, when compared to gold, silver and diamonds. Not only can pearls suffer discolouration as a result of exposure to perfume, but they can also lose their texture and shine. Hence, it is considered best if, pearls are worn only after a substantial time gap from the use of perfumes.  Moreover, it is best if pearls are stores in clean and dry zip-lock bags to avoid any physical damage. 

The Effect of Perfume on Artificial Jewellery 

The Effect of Perfume on Artificial Jewellery

As much as it is hard to believe, perfume can damage imitation jewellery as well. What’s more heart-breaking is that most of this damage is permanent, and cannot be repaired. This is because of the comparatively poor quality of metals and alloys used to design imitation jewellery.

And before you start thinking on another tangent, let us break the news to you. Even organic perfumes, fragrances and oils have the same effect on gold, diamond, silver, pearl and artificial jewellery. So, regardless of the brand or type of perfume or fragrance that you’re using, it is advisable to use it at least 10-20 minutes before wearing your jewellery! And as far as buying jewellery that is worth all this effort is concerned, look no further than KuberBox – India’s most trusted online jewellery shopping destination!

FAQs

  1. Does perfume affect gold?

Perfume cannot corrode pure gold, but it can lead to its discolouration, and in some cases dull its shine. The synthetic materials used in perfumes can, however, prove to be corrosive to the alloys used in gold jewellery. 

  1. Does perfume affect sterling silver?

Unfortunately yes. Perfumes can lead to the tarnishing of sterling silver jewellery by reacting with the copper alloy present in the same.

  1. Can you wear perfume with pearls?

Ideally, you must avoid wearing perfume with pearls. If you need to do so, then it is strongly recommended to wear the perfume first. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes, and then wear the pearls. This will help avoid any strong reaction that may harm the pearls.  

  1. What are some of the measures that can help avoid harm to gold, silver and diamond jewellery?

To keep your jewellery in the best possible condition, make sure to adhere to these easy to follow measures –  

  • Avoid wearing jewellery during swimming and strenuous activities which may lead to sweating
  • Do not wear jewellery before applying sunscreen 
  • Make sure to remove jewellery when in an environment with high levels of dirt, dust or humidity
  • Always wait for 10-20 minutes after applying perfume, makeup or any other cosmetics on skin, and only then put on your jewellery
Why Perfume On Jewellery Is Not Such A Good Idea? by Team KuberBox

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