Tarnished jewelry is a retailer’s worst nightmare, and many often ask, 'How do you clean tarnished jewelry effectively without causing damage?
A once-glimmering piece can quickly lose its appeal when oxidation takes over, making it harder to sell and less attractive in display cases.
Whether you're managing a luxury jewelry store, running an online boutique, or selling wholesale, maintaining your inventory's pristine condition is essential.
But how do you clean tarnished jewelry without damaging its delicate metals? This guide covers the best way to clean tarnished jewelry, expert-approved cleaning techniques for different metals, and professional care solutions to keep your inventory looking flawless.
Noble Gift Packaging provides high-quality jewelry cleaning supplies, and sophisticated packaging and display options, ensuring retailers can keep their inventory sparkling while presenting their pieces in the most attractive way possible.
How Do You Clean Tarnished Jewelry: Why Does Jewelry Tarnish?
The Science Behind Tarnishing
Tarnishing occurs when metals react with environmental elements, leading to oxidation and discoloration.
Silver, for example, reacts with sulfur in the air, forming silver sulfide, which appears as a black layer. Copper and brass oxidize when exposed to oxygen, developing a green patina. Even gold, particularly lower karats, can tarnish due to its alloy composition.
Understanding the science behind how do you clean tarnished jewelry ensures that retailers maintain the value and appeal of their inventory.
Which Metals Tarnish the Most?
Different metals tarnish at varying rates depending on their composition and environmental exposure.
Sterling silver is one of the most susceptible metals, as it reacts quickly with sulfur in the air to form a dark tarnish.
Brass and copper oxidize when exposed to air and moisture, often turning green due to the formation of verdigris.
Gold below 24K tarnishes over time because it contains alloys like silver and copper that react with environmental elements such as moisture and air pollution.
Nickel and pewter can also develop tarnish, particularly when exposed to humidity and beauty products.
Understanding these differences allows retailers to implement targeted care and maintenance solutions for their jewelry collections, explored in more detail below.
Noble Gift Packaging offers a range of high-quality jewelry cleaning solutions, making it easier for retailers to keep their pieces looking pristine and tarnish-free.
Factors That Accelerate Tarnishing
Several factors speed up tarnishing, including humidity and air exposure, which promote oxidation.
Body oils, sweat, and cosmetics interact with metals, leading to dullness.
Harsh chemicals, including household cleaners, chlorine, and sulfur-rich environments—such as areas with high pollution, volcanic regions, or places near industrial plants—also contribute to tarnishing.
Retailers should consider these factors by implementing proper storage solutions, such as anti-tarnish boxes and humidity-controlled display cases.
Regularly cleaning display pieces and educating staff on proper handling techniques can also help minimize exposure to tarnish-causing elements.
Additionally, using jewelry pouches along with anti-tarnish cloths or strips provides extra protection against oxidation, helping pieces maintain their brilliance and remain in top condition for customers.
How Do You Clean Tarnished Jewelry: How Often Should You Do It?
When considering how do you clean tarnished jewelry, it’s important to factor in metal type, cleaning frequency, and storage conditions.
Cleaning Frequency Based on Metal Type
When considering how to clean tarnished jewelry, it's important to note that different metals require varying cleaning frequencies.
Silver jewelry should be cleaned every two to three weeks to prevent deep tarnish buildup.
Gold jewelry benefits from occasional polishing every few months.
Brass and copper jewelry require frequent maintenance, as oxidation occurs quickly.
Plated jewelry should be cleaned gently and infrequently to avoid wearing away the coating.
In addition to scheduled cleanings, retailers should inspect jewelry regularly. If tarnish buildup is noticeable or display pieces appear dull despite regular maintenance, it's time for a deeper clean.
How Do You Clean Tarnished Jewelry: Essential Tools and Materials
Must-Have Cleaning Supplies for Retailers
For retailers, maintaining a pristine jewelry inventory requires the right tools and cleaning products to effectively understand how to clean jewelry that's tarnished.
Jewelry polishing cloths with anti-tarnish properties are essential for quick touch-ups and daily maintenance. Baking soda and aluminum foil provide an affordable yet powerful solution for deep-cleaning silver jewelry, while mild dish soap and warm water work well for general grime removal on gold and plated pieces.
For high-volume cleaning, ultrasonic cleaners use sound waves to gently remove dirt and oxidation from intricate designs, making them a must-have for professional settings.
Additionally, commercial jewelry polishes help restore the brilliance of heavily tarnished metals without excessive scrubbing.
To prevent tarnish from forming in the first place, retailers should invest in anti-tarnish storage solutions from Noble Gift Packaging, which include specially designed jewelry boxes, pouches, and display cases that help maintain a jewelry collection’s shine and appeal.
By following these essential best practices for how do you clean tarnished jewelry, retailers can ensure that every piece looks flawless before reaching customers.
How to Clean Tarnished Silver Jewelry
How Do You Clean Tarnished Jewelry: Baking Soda, Aluminum Foil & Hot Water Method
One of the most effective techniques for how do you clean tarnished jewelry is the baking soda and aluminum foil method, which helps lift tarnish from silver.
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Line a bowl with aluminum foil (shiny side up).
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Place the tarnished silver jewelry inside, ensuring pieces do not overlap.
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Sprinkle baking soda generously over the jewelry.
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Pour boiling water over the jewelry until fully submerged.
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Let it sit for about five minutes to allow the electrochemical reaction to lift the tarnish.
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft polishing cloth.
This reaction transfers tarnish to the foil, restoring the silver's shine
How Do You Clean Tarnished Jewelry: Commercial Silver Polish for Deep Tarnish
For how to clean tarnished silver jewelry, commercial silver polishes provide a professional-grade solution for heavily tarnished pieces. Here’s how to use them effectively:
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Choose a high-quality silver polish designed for jewelry. Avoid polishes meant for silverware, as they may be too abrasive.
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Apply a small amount of polish to a soft, lint-free cloth.
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Gently rub the jewelry in circular motions, focusing on heavily tarnished areas.
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Avoid excessive pressure, as over-polishing can wear down silver plating or delicate engravings.
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Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any polish residue.
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Dry with a microfiber cloth to restore shine and prevent water spots.
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For intricate designs, use a soft-bristled brush to clean crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
How Do You Clean Tarnished Jewelry: Using Toothpaste as a Quick Fix
Toothpaste can serve as a quick, temporary fix for minor tarnish on sterling silver jewelry. Follow these steps:
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Use white, non-gel, non-whitening toothpaste (avoid formulas with harsh abrasives).
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Apply a pea-sized amount to the tarnished areas.
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Gently rub with a soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush in circular motions.
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Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all residue.
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Dry with a microfiber cloth to restore shine.
Note: This method is best for quick touch-ups but should not replace regular silver polishing. Avoid using it on plated or delicate jewelry, as it can wear down the finish.
Preventing Future Tarnish on Silver Jewelry
The best approach to how do you clean tarnished jewelry is to combine routine maintenance, proper storage, and safe cleaning solutions.
To keep silver jewelry looking pristine, retailers should invest in high-quality anti-tarnish storage solutions. Using anti-tarnish jewelry boxes, pouches, and lined display cases from Noble Gift Packaging helps minimize oxidation by reducing exposure to air and moisture.
To further protect jewelry, retailers can incorporate silica gel packets or anti-tarnish strips in storage areas to absorb excess humidity and prevent tarnish before it starts.
Wiping silver jewelry with a soft polishing cloth on a routine basis removes body oils and environmental pollutants that contribute to dullness.
It’s also beneficial to rotate displayed jewelry pieces regularly to minimize prolonged air exposure, which can accelerate tarnishing.
By implementing proper storage and maintenance techniques, retailers can extend the lifespan of their silver jewelry, keeping pieces display-ready.
How to Clean Tarnished Gold Jewelry
Why Lower-Karat Gold Tarnishes Over Time
Gold is naturally resistant to tarnish, but lower-karat gold (10K, 14K, 18K) contains alloy metals like copper and silver, which can react with air, moisture, and chemicals, causing discoloration.
Exposure to sweat, perfumes, chlorine, and harsh cleaning products accelerates the tarnishing process. Over time, gold jewelry may develop a dull or slightly darkened appearance, requiring regular maintenance to restore its shine.
To minimize tarnishing, store gold jewelry in a dry, lined jewelry box and avoid prolonged contact with harsh substances.
How Do You Clean Tarnished Jewelry: Dish Soap & Warm Water Soak
For how to clean tarnished gold jewelry, a mild dish soap and warm water soak is one of the safest methods:
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Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of gentle dish soap.
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Place the gold jewelry in the solution and let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
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Use a soft cloth to gently wipe away dirt and light tarnish.
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Avoid using hot water, as sudden temperature changes can weaken delicate settings.
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Rinse the jewelry under clean running water and pat dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
How Do You Clean Tarnished Jewelry: Using a Soft Brush for Stubborn Tarnish
For heavily tarnished or intricate gold jewelry, a soft-bristled brush helps remove tarnish from hard-to-reach areas:
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub intricate details.
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Work in small circular motions to lift grime and oxidation.
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Be extra cautious around gemstones or plated jewelry, as aggressive scrubbing can loosen stones or wear down the finish.
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For extra cleaning power, create a baking soda and water paste, apply it with the brush, and buff the jewelry.
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Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately to avoid moisture buildup.
How Do You Clean Tarnished Jewelry: Copper and Brass
The Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste Method
For how do you clean tarnished copper jewelry, one of the best and most effective methods involves using vinegar and baking soda. These natural ingredients work together to break down tarnish and oxidation without damaging the metal.
If you're also wondering, 'how do you clean tarnished costume jewelry?' this method can be adapted for some sturdy costume pieces, but avoid excessive scrubbing to prevent damage to coatings or adhesives.
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Mix equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl until a thick paste forms.
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Apply the paste to the tarnished jewelry, ensuring it covers all affected areas.
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Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the acidity of the vinegar and the abrasiveness of the baking soda to lift the tarnish.
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Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth to remove stubborn spots.
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry immediately with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Pro Tip: To prevent future tarnish, coat copper jewelry with a thin layer of clear nail polish or a jeweler’s protective spray to create a barrier against oxidation.
The Lemon and Salt Scrub Technique
For how do you clean tarnished brass jewelry, an easy and natural solution is a lemon and salt scrub. The citric acid in lemons dissolves tarnish, while salt acts as a gentle abrasive to scrub away built-up oxidation.
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Cut a fresh lemon in half and sprinkle a generous amount of table salt over the cut surface.
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Rub the lemon directly onto the brass jewelry, applying light pressure to scrub away tarnish.
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Let the acidic solution sit for 5–10 minutes to further break down oxidation.
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any acidic residue.
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Dry immediately with a soft, clean cloth and buff for extra shine.
The Ketchup Hack for Quick Shine
For how to clean tarnished metal jewelry, especially brass, ketchup is a surprisingly effective cleaning agent. The vinegar and natural acids in ketchup help dissolve tarnish, making it an excellent quick fix for restoring shine.
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Apply a small amount of ketchup to the tarnished brass jewelry, ensuring even coverage.
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Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the acid to break down the oxidation.
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Gently rub with a soft cloth or an old toothbrush to remove the loosened tarnish.
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth.
This method works best for light tarnish and maintenance cleaning rather than heavy oxidation. If your brass jewelry is heavily tarnished, try the lemon and salt method or vinegar and baking soda paste first.
How to Clean Tarnished Plated Jewelry Without Damaging the Finish
Understanding the Limitations of Gold and Silver Plating
Plated jewelry consists of a thin layer of gold or silver bonded to a base metal, making it more delicate than solid gold or sterling silver pieces.
Excessive cleaning or using harsh abrasives can wear down the plating, exposing the base metal underneath. Over time, even normal wear can cause the plating to fade, especially in high-contact areas like ring bands and bracelet edges.
Retailers should educate customers on proper care techniques to prolong the lifespan of plated jewelry, such as removing pieces before showering, swimming, or applying lotions and perfumes.
Additionally, providing guidance on how to clean tarnished silver plated jewelry using gentle methods can help customers maintain their pieces without damaging the delicate plating.
Gentle Cleaning Techniques for Plated Jewelry
For how to clean tarnished gold plated jewelry, the key is to use non-abrasive methods that clean without stripping the plating. Follow these steps for safe cleaning:
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Use a microfiber cloth or a jewelry-specific polishing cloth to gently remove dirt and oils.
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Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with lukewarm water in a bowl.
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Dampen a soft cloth in the soapy water and carefully wipe the jewelry. Avoid scrubbing or soaking the piece for long periods.
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Rinse quickly under lukewarm water and dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth.
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For stubborn tarnish, dip a cotton swab in the soapy solution and gently rub affected areas. Avoid using baking soda, vinegar, or toothpaste, as they are too abrasive for plated surfaces.
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Store plated jewelry in anti-tarnish pouches from Noble Gift Packaging to prevent oxidation and keep pieces looking new.
When to Consider Replating Jewelry
Even with proper care, plated jewelry will eventually wear down due to friction, moisture, and natural body oils. Retailers should recommend professional replating services when:
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The base metal becomes visible due to plating erosion.
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The piece loses its shine despite gentle cleaning.
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Uneven discoloration appears, making the jewelry look patchy.
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Customers want to refresh sentimental pieces rather than replace them.
For retailers, providing customers with access to trusted replating services can enhance customer satisfaction and extend the life of their favorite pieces.
How Do You Clean Tarnished Jewelry: Best Practices for Retailers and Wholesalers
For retailers managing large inventories, it’s crucial to know how do you clean tarnished jewelry efficiently to maintain product quality and customer satisfaction.
Proper Storage to Reduce Tarnishing in Retail Displays
To minimize tarnishing, it's crucial to store jewelry in environments that limit exposure to air, moisture, and contaminants. Noble Gift Packaging offers a range of anti-tarnish storage solutions designed to protect various types of jewelry:
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Anti-Tarnish Jewelry Boxes: These boxes are lined with materials that absorb pollutants and moisture, creating an optimal environment to prevent oxidation.
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Individual Compartments and Dividers: Utilizing trays with dividers or individual slots ensures that pieces do not touch each other, reducing the risk of scratches and tangling.
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Protective Lacquers: Applying high-grade lacquers, such as the Pro-Craft lacquer available at Noble Gift Packaging, can provide a tough, smooth surface that shields jewelry from tarnish and environmental damage.
Educating Customers on Jewelry Maintenance
If customers frequently ask, "How do you clean tarnished jewelry at home?" providing them with expert guidance and high-quality storage solutions can enhance their shopping experience. Consider the following strategies:
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Care Instruction Cards: Include printed cards with each purchase that outline specific cleaning and storage recommendations. These cards can detail methods such as using mild soap and water for cleaning and storing pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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In-Store Demonstrations: Offer brief tutorials or workshops demonstrating proper cleaning techniques and the use of protective storage solutions.
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Digital Resources: Provide online guides or videos accessible through your website or social media platforms, allowing customers to reference care instructions at their convenience.
Using Anti-Tarnish Packaging to Protect Inventory
Investing in high-quality anti-tarnish jewelry boxes is a proactive measure to safeguard jewelry inventory from oxidation and discoloration. Noble Gift Packaging offers a variety of solutions tailored to meet these needs:
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Anti-Tarnish Bags and Pouches: These are crafted with materials that neutralize tarnish-causing agents, providing an extra layer of protection during storage and transit.
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Custom Packaging Options: Noble Gift Packaging provides customizable jewelry boxes and retail packaging, allowing businesses to elevate their brand identity while ensuring product protection.
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Regular Inventory Rotation: Implementing a stock rotation system ensures that all pieces receive equal exposure, minimizing prolonged environmental impact on any single item. Using methods such as rotating organizers or scheduled display changes can help maintain jewelry quality and prevent uneven tarnishing.
FAQ’s: How Do You Clean Tarnished Jewelry
What Is the Best Way to Clean Tarnished Jewelry?
The best method for how to clean tarnish off jewelry depends on the metal type.
Silver benefits from the baking soda and aluminum foil method, gold should be soaked in warm water with mild soap, and brass or copper can be cleaned with vinegar or lemon juice. Plated jewelry requires a gentle wipe with a soft cloth and mild soap.
Does Clear Nail Polish Keep Jewelry From Tarnishing
Yes, clear nail polish can help slow tarnishing by creating a protective barrier against moisture and air, especially for costume jewelry, brass, and copper. However, it wears off over time and may require reapplication.
How Can I Clean Jewelry Without Damaging It?
Use non-abrasive cleaning solutions, avoid harsh chemicals, and always dry jewelry immediately to prevent water spots. For delicate or plated pieces, opt for a microfiber cloth and mild soap solution instead of scrubbing.
How Do I Prevent Tarnish on Jewelry?
Store jewelry in anti-tarnish boxes or pouches, use silica gel packets or anti-tarnish strips to reduce moisture, and wipe jewelry regularly with a polishing cloth to remove oils and pollutants.
How Do Retailers Keep Their Jewelry Looking Pristine in Displays?
Retailers use anti-tarnish storage solutions, humidity-controlled display cases, and regular cleaning routines to maintain jewelry’s brilliance. Displaying jewelry in lined trays or under anti-UV glass cases also helps prevent tarnish.
Does Noble Gift Packaging Offer Anti-Tarnish Jewelry Boxes and Displays?
Yes! Noble Gift Packaging provides anti-tarnish jewelry boxes, display cases, and storage solutions to help retailers protect and showcase their collections.
What Types of Jewelry Cleaning Tools Does Noble Gift Packaging Supply?
Noble Gift Packaging offers jewelry polishing cloths, anti-tarnish strips, protective pouches, and luxury storage options to keep jewelry looking flawless.
Can I Buy Wholesale Jewelry Cleaning Supplies from Noble Gift Packaging?
Yes, Noble Gift Packaging supplies wholesale jewelry cleaning solutions, anti-tarnish packaging, and professional display options, perfect for retailers and wholesalers.
Shop Luxury Jewelry Packaging and Displays at Noble Gift Packaging
For retailers looking to protect and maintain their jewelry, Noble Gift Packaging offers high-quality anti-tarnish jewelry boxes, storage solutions, and cleaning supplies. If you're wondering, ‘how do you clean tarnished jewelry?’ we have the solutions you need.
Contact us today to get started, and shop now to keep your jewelry in pristine condition!
Related:
How to Store Jewelry to Prevent Tarnish: Simple Solutions for Every Metal