Van Cleef & Arpels's pieces are characterized by using high-quality materials such as gold, platinum, and various precious stones, including carnelian, tiger's eye, onyx, and agate, each with unique properties on the Mohs hardness scale. Despite their premium quality, Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is not entirely impervious to tarnishing.
Short answer: Yes, Van Cleef & Arpels can tarnish without proper care
Tarnishing in luxury jewelry like Van Cleef & Arpels can occur due to several factors. Metals, particularly silver and gold alloys, react with air pollution, high humidity, and products like makeup, perfumes, lotions, and disinfectants.
Even body oils and sweat can contribute to the tarnishing process. Environmental conditions such as living in highly humid areas or frequent exposure to ocean water can accelerate tarnish formation. This can result in noticeable discoloration, particularly for yellow gold alloys, which may contain additional metals like copper.
Why does Van Cleef cost so much?
Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is crafted with exceptional precision and dedication in France and Switzerland, utilizing both internal workshops and expert artisans. The Maison employs around 300 specialists as of 2023, who are expert diamond setters and master craftsmen. Each piece begins with the meticulous selection of high-quality materials such as 18-carat gold alloys, platinum, mother-of-pearl, pearls, and wood.
Ways to Prevent Van Cleef & Arpels Tarnishing
Van Cleef & Arpels is synonymous with luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Given their high value, it’s essential to maintain their pristine condition. Here are ten ways to prevent tarnishing and ensure your jewelry remains as beautiful as the day you acquired it.
1. Avoid Exposure to Water Keep your Van Cleef & Arpels pieces dry. Avoid wearing them while swimming, showering, or in humid environments like spas and saunas.
2. Store Properly Store your jewelry in a dry, cool place. Use a jewelry box or soft pouch to prevent exposure to humidity and dust.
3. Keep Away from Chemicals Perfumes, lotions, hand sanitizers, and makeup can accelerate tarnishing. Apply these products first and let them dry before putting on your jewelry.
4. Clean Regularly but Gently Use a soft, clean cloth to gently wipe your jewelry after wearing it. This helps remove oils and residues that could lead to tarnishing.
5. Avoid Physical Damage Van Cleef & Arpels' delicate pieces can suffer from physical shocks. Avoid wearing them while cleaning, exercising, or doing household chores.
6. Use Anti-Tarnish Strips Placing anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box can help absorb atmospheric pollutants that cause tarnishing.
7. Keep Gold Polished Yellow gold may tarnish due to the copper alloys it contains. Regular professional polishing ensures it maintains its luster.
8. Regular Inspections Periodic inspections by a jeweler can identify early signs of tarnishing or other wear and tear, allowing for timely maintenance.
9. Avoid Air Exposure When not in use, place jewelry in airtight bags or containers to reduce exposure to air, which can cause tarnishing.
10. Educate on Proper Care Follow the care instructions provided by Van Cleef & Arpels. They provide detailed guidelines specific to each type of material and design.
In conclusion, while Van Cleef & Arpel's pieces are of high quality and craftsmanship, they are still susceptible to tarnishing under certain conditions. Proper care and maintenance are vital to preserving their exquisite appearance.
