We run NuNu from Varkala, on the Kerala coast. Here, a cheap chain left on the dressing table can go dark within weeks. If you live in Kerala, or anywhere humid and close to the sea, you have probably seen this happen. Here is why, and what helps.
Why Kerala is hard on jewellery
Humidity, most of the year
Tarnish is a reaction between metal and things in the air. Moisture speeds that reaction up. Kerala's air stays humid for much of the year, and it is at its wettest during the monsoon.
Two monsoons
The southwest monsoon and then the northeast monsoon mean months of damp clothes, damp cupboards and drizzle on your neck and wrists. Damp jewellery tarnishes faster than dry jewellery.
Sea air
Along the coast, the breeze carries salt. Salt settles on metal and speeds up the dark layer. You don't need to go into the sea for it to reach your jewellery.
Sweat
Hot, sticky days mean more sweat, and sweat carries salt too. A chain worn all day sits in it.
A care routine for coastal weather
- Perfume and lotion first, jewellery last. Hair oil counts too. Let it settle before you put on a chain.
- Wipe after wearing. A soft, dry cloth takes off sweat and salt before they settle.
- Take it off before a bath, a swim or the beach. Sea water and pool water are hard on any finish.
- Never put it away damp. After rain or a sweaty day, let it air-dry on a towel first.
- Store it sealed. A small zip pouch or a closed box, with a silica gel sachet, works well in the monsoon. Keep it out of the bathroom.
- Keep pieces apart. Chains rubbing together wear each other down.
For the full cleaning steps, read our cleaning guide.
Why an anti-tarnish finish helps
An anti-tarnish finish adds a protective layer that slows this reaction. It doesn't fully protect jewellery from humidity or sea water. What it gives you is time, so the routine above has something to work with.
That is why all our jewellery has an anti-tarnish finish in gold tone. It is made so it won't turn black with normal wear. More on this in what anti-tarnish means.
Where we deliver
We deliver free across India, Kerala included, in 3–7 days. Every order is packed by hand in NuNu packaging. Have a look at our necklaces and jewellery sets.
Questions
Why does my jewellery turn black faster in the monsoon?
There is more moisture in the air, so metal reacts faster. Dry your jewellery before you store it, and keep it in a closed box.
Can I wear anti-tarnish jewellery to the beach?
Wear it on the sand if you like, but take it off before you go into the sea. Salt water wears down the finish.
Does silica gel help?
It soaks up moisture inside a closed box, which slows tarnish. Change the sachet when it stops working.