Perfume + Jewelry = Trouble? What You Need to Know

1. Chemical Reactions Can Tarnish Metals

Many perfumes contain alcohol and other chemicals that can react with metals like silver, gold-plated, or brass jewelry. This can cause tarnishing — a dull, discolored layer that forms on the surface, making your jewelry look old and worn.

2. Damage to Gemstones and Pearls

Perfumes may contain oils and acids that harm delicate stones and pearls. For example, pearls are especially sensitive and can lose their luster or develop spots when exposed to perfume. Gemstones with porous surfaces can also be affected, becoming cloudy or discolored.

3. Residue Build-Up

Spraying perfume directly onto jewelry can leave sticky residue. Over time, this build-up attracts dirt and dust, dulling the shine and requiring more frequent cleaning.

4. Weakening of Adhesives

Many costume jewelry pieces rely on glue to hold stones or decorations in place. Perfume’s chemicals can weaken these adhesives, causing stones to loosen or fall out.

A spritz of your favorite perfume can make you feel like your best self

— but did you know it could be quietly fading the shine of your favorite earrings or rings? From gold and pearls to handmade clay pieces, perfume can leave more than just a scent. Let’s dive into how to keep your sparkle safe—without giving up your signature scent.

Perfume doesn’t just affect gold or pearls — even handmade polymer clay earrings, known for their durability, can suffer from a quick spritz too close. Repeated perfume exposure can sometimes cause varnishes to degrade or leave residues that affect the finish.

Tips to Protect Your Jewelry from Perfume Damage

By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your favorite scents while keeping your jewelry sparkling and beautiful for years to come.

• Apply perfume before putting on jewelry: Let your perfume dry completely before wearing your accessories.

• Avoid spraying perfume directly on jewelry: Always spray on your skin or clothes instead.

• Store jewelry properly: Keep pieces in dry, airtight containers to reduce exposure to air and moisture.

• Clean your jewelry regularly: Use gentle cleaning methods to remove any residue and maintain shine.