Kendra Scott does not replace tarnished jewelry as part of standard coverage, but they do offer cleaning and restoration services that may restore the piece
Kendra Scott's jewelry comes with a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects—things like broken clasps, cracked stones, or faulty settings that happened during production. Tarnishing is not a defect. It is a natural chemical reaction that happens when metal oxidizes over time, especially with pieces made from gold-plated or silver-toned materials. The warranty does not cover normal wear, which includes tarnish.
What Kendra Scott will do is clean and restore your piece through their repair and restoration service. If tarnish is the only problem, they can often remove it and return the jewelry looking new. This is different from replacement—you keep the same piece, but it gets professionally cleaned. Whether this service costs money depends on where you bought it and the extent of the damage.
Key Takeaways
- Kendra Scott's lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects like broken clasps and faulty settings, not tarnish or normal wear.
- Tarnish is a natural chemical reaction on metal surfaces and is not considered a product defect.
- Kendra Scott offers cleaning and restoration services that can remove tarnish, though you may be charged depending on the service location and damage level.
- Pieces purchased directly from Kendra Scott stores or their website have different service options than pieces bought through third-party retailers.
- Proper storage and occasional polishing at home can prevent or slow tarnishing between professional cleanings.
What the Lifetime Warranty Actually Covers
The Kendra Scott lifetime warranty protects against manufacturing defects—problems that existed when the piece left the factory. A broken stone setting, a clasp that will not stay closed, or a chain link that breaks under normal wear all may have access to. The warranty does not cover damage from accidents, misuse, or the natural aging of materials.
Tarnish falls into the natural aging category. When gold-plated or silver-toned jewelry sits in air and humidity, the metal surface oxidizes and darkens. This happens to almost all jewelry over time. It is not a sign the piece was made wrong; it is what happens to those materials. Because tarnish is not a defect, Kendra Scott does not replace the piece under warranty.
How to Get Your Tarnished Jewelry Cleaned
If your Kendra Scott piece is tarnished, contact the location where you bought it. If you purchased directly from a Kendra Scott store or their website, call customer service or visit a store in person. They can assess the piece and tell you whether cleaning is free or if there is a service fee.
Many Kendra Scott locations offer complimentary cleaning for pieces bought directly from them. If you bought the piece from a department store, boutique, or online retailer that carries Kendra Scott, you may need to contact that retailer first, as their return and service policies may differ. Some third-party sellers offer their own cleaning services; others direct you back to Kendra Scott.
For pieces with light tarnish, you can also clean them at home using a soft microfiber cloth and gentle circular motions. For heavier tarnish, professional cleaning is more effective and safer for delicate stones or finishes.
The Difference Between Cleaning and Replacement
Replacement means you receive a new piece in exchange for the damaged one. Cleaning means your original piece is restored and returned to you. Kendra Scott handles tarnish through cleaning, not replacement, because the piece itself is not broken or defective—it just needs restoration.
This matters because if your piece has sentimental value or you have worn it for years, cleaning preserves that history. You keep the same jewelry. If Kendra Scott replaced every tarnished piece, they would be replacing jewelry that is functioning perfectly and straightforward needs maintenance, which is not how warranties work for any brand.
What Happens If There Is Damage Beyond Tarnish
If your piece has tarnish and a defect—for example, a stone is loose and the metal is tarnished—Kendra Scott will address the defect under warranty and clean the piece at the same time. The warranty covers the stone setting; the cleaning is part of the restoration process.
If the piece has damage from an accident (a dent, a crack in the stone, a bent band) that is not a manufacturing defect, Kendra Scott may still be able to repair it, but it will likely be a paid service. Ask about repair costs when you contact them. Some damage can be fixed for less than the cost of a new piece.
How to Prevent Tarnish and Keep Your Jewelry Longer
Store your Kendra Scott jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. A jewelry box with a soft lining or a sealed pouch works well. Moisture and air exposure speed up tarnishing, especially on gold-plated and silver-toned pieces.
Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or exercising. Chlorine, salt water, and sweat all accelerate tarnish and can damage other parts of the piece. Wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing it to remove oils and moisture from your skin.
If you notice light tarnish forming, a gentle polish with a microfiber cloth can keep it at bay. For pieces you wear often, occasional light polishing is easier than waiting for heavy tarnish to build up. Kendra Scott sells jewelry care cloths designed for their pieces, or any soft, lint-free cloth works.
Where to Send Your Piece for Professional Service
If you bought your jewelry directly from Kendra Scott, you have two options: visit a Kendra Scott store in person, or contact their customer service by phone or through their website. Store visits are often faster if you need the piece cleaned right away. Phone or online contact works if you prefer to mail the piece or if there is no store near you.
If you bought the piece from a department store or third-party retailer, check that retailer's website or contact their customer service first. Some retailers handle repairs and cleaning in-house; others have partnerships with Kendra Scott or independent jewelers. Starting with the retailer you bought from avoids confusion about which warranty or service policy applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Kendra Scott replace my jewelry if it is too tarnished to clean?
No. Even heavily tarnished jewelry can be cleaned professionally. If the piece is structurally sound and the tarnish is the only issue, Kendra Scott will restore it rather than replace it. If there is also a manufacturing defect, they will repair that under warranty and clean the piece as part of the service.
Is there a cost to have Kendra Scott clean my tarnished jewelry?
Many Kendra Scott locations offer free cleaning for pieces bought directly from them. If you bought the piece elsewhere, or if the cleaning requires special treatment, there may be a fee. Contact the location where you bought it to ask about costs before sending your piece in.
Can I clean Kendra Scott jewelry myself at home?
Yes, for light tarnish. Use a soft microfiber cloth and gentle circular motions. For pieces with stones or delicate finishes, or for heavy tarnish, professional cleaning is safer and more effective. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cloths, as these can damage the finish or loosen stones.
Does the lifetime warranty cover tarnish on all Kendra Scott metals?
The warranty covers manufacturing defects on all metals, but tarnish itself is not covered on any of them. Gold-plated, silver-toned, and other finishes all tarnish naturally over time. The warranty protects the structure and function of the piece, not the appearance of the metal surface.
What if my jewelry tarnished right after I bought it?
Rapid tarnishing can happen if the piece was stored in humid conditions or exposed to moisture before you received it. Contact Kendra Scott or the retailer where you bought it and describe what happened. They may clean it for free or investigate whether there was a storage or handling issue on their end.