Here’s What Happens to Your Fashion Jewellery Over Time.

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: all fashion jewellery has a shelf life. It boggles our minds here at Stylika as to why more brands are not transparent about it. Every day, we have over a dozen customers across our retail stores asking the same question: "Will my piece tarnish?" We have the same polite answer: "Provided it gets the care it requires, your fashion jewellery (we emphasize the word 'fashion') will face no problems."

We are in an industry that loves to use terms like "tarnish-proof," "waterproof," and "plating that would last a nuclear disaster." Honestly, we are not quite so sure about that. There’s simply no proof that much of the fashion jewellery you see around is actually "waterproof," unless you are buying real gold, silver, or platinum.

Jewellery reacts to the world around it. It isn’t a defect; it’s chemistry. Tarnish happens because of a simple chemical reaction called oxidation. When your fashion jewellery comes in contact with oxygen, moisture, or specific pH levels of your skin, a small tango dance begins. Sometimes with friction, the top layer wears down or the base metal reacts to air. That’s okay; it’s part of nature's plan. Stylika has solid plans for you to make it last, however.

Why does it happen faster for some? Why did it happen to me? 

Again, nothing is wrong with either jewellery or you. 

• Everyone’s skin is different, as is their skin acidity. High acidity levels can accelerate the breakdown of plating.

• Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, or your skincare regimen (like Benzoyl Peroxide) can eat away the protective coatings.

• If you live in a damp place or if your jewellery is stored in a damp area, it may die a slow death. 

Why buy fashion jewellery then? 

We aren’t here to tell you to keep your jewellery in a vacuum-sealed room. That would be absurd. Jewellery is meant to be seen and enjoyed. But if you want to extend its life, there’s just one habit: the wipe-down.

YOUR JEWELLERY SHOULD BE THE LAST THING YOU PUT ON IN THE MORNING AND THE FIRST THING YOU TAKE OFF AT NIGHT. 

Before you store them back in your box, please take a few extra seconds to wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. This will remove the oils and sweat accumulated during the day.

We make sure to curate only the best quality pieces for our customers. We go above and beyond to ensure nothing misses our eye. By being honest about the lifespan of fashion jewellery, we empower you to care for it properly. We want you to know the truth. We want you to see through the marketing gimmicks and myopic visions that some brands seem to have. Stylika is not one of them.

We’re here to build a meaningful relationship with our customers—with you. We’re here to stay.

Fashion jewellery is about style, expression, and accessibility. Style is not for the few. Style is about the looks you want to flaunt without breaking your pockets. 

Wear it well. Own your style. 

Stylika.