Whether you’re the proud owner of sterling silver jewelry, or are thinking about purchasing some soon, you might have questions about its longevity. The truth is that sterling silver pieces can tarnish, developing a dull appearance over time.
Why is this?
Luckily, our experts at Edwin Novel can tell you everything you need to know about sterling silver tarnish. We’ll explain why the tarnish occurs, as well as what you can do to care for your sterling silver jewelry and prevent tarnish.
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is not pure silver, being composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This is because pure silver is fragile and difficult to mold into jewelry. With the addition of copper, the silver becomes far more durable and easy to mold.
The downside of this process is the potential for tarnishing. While pure silver doesn’t tarnish, the copper inside the metal alloy can result in a dulled appearance over time.
Understanding Tarnish
Due to the copper present in sterling silver, the metal alloy is susceptible to tarnish over time. This tarnish is a type of oxidation that occurs when the silver jewelry comes into contact with sulfur-containing gases. These gases can be present in the air or produced by certain substances, resulting in a silver sulfide compound. The compound coats the metal’s surface with a thin, dark film.
Interactions with other substances can tarnish sterling silver as well, including oils, rubber bands, exhaust, leather, cellophane, cosmetics, and even water. They can all accelerate the process of discoloration when regularly coming into contact with your jewelry.
Here is a comprehensive list of why your sterling silver jewelry might tarnish:
- Exposure to Air: Sterling silver jewelry left exposed to air is more prone to tarnishing due to the presence of sulfur and other chemicals in the atmosphere.
- Chemical Exposure: Harsh chemicals found in everyday products such as skin care products, perfumes, and cleaning agents contribute to tarnish formation.
- Storage Conditions: Improper storage, such as leaving sterling silver in humid conditions or direct sunlight, can accelerate tarnishing.
What Does Tarnished Sterling Silver Look Like?
The first sign of sterling silver tarnish is a slight discoloration or a dull, matte appearance. More extensive tarnishing may appear black, yellow-brown, brown-red, or even blue. The color change is the result of a layer of film atop the silver. The layer will start thin, progressing to a yellow-brown color and eventually turning blue. At maximum thickness, badly tarnished jewelry will appear black.
How To Prevent and Remove Sterling Silver Tarnish
While sterling silver can tarnish, there are several steps you can take to prevent it. If you don't want your sterling silver to tarnish, keeping it looking as good as the day you bought it, here are our recommendations:
Proper Sterling Silver Storage
The elements can cause damage to sterling silver jewelry over time. This includes exposure to humidity, sunlight, and excessive heat. To safeguard your jewelry against these elements, always store it in a dry, airtight bag or jewelry box when not in use.
You can even add a few bits of chalk to your silver jewelry storage container. The chalk will absorb moisture, which helps prevent tarnishing. We also suggest storing all of your sterling silver pieces separately so they don’t scratch each other.
Avoid Contact With Moisture
While accidentally showering or jumping in the pool once or twice with your sterling silver jewelry isn’t the end of the world, you should still do what you can’t to keep it away from high-moisture environments. Avoiding moisture means:
- Don’t leave your silver jewelry sitting in high-moisture environments like bathrooms.
- Remember to remove jewelry when you bathe or swim.
- Wipe your sterling silver jewelry dry with a soft cloth after exposure to moisture.
- Use airtight bags or containers to store your silver jewelry when not in use.
- Take extra precautions when traveling to humid destinations by storing your silver jewelry properly.
Clean Your Jewelry Regularly
It’s important to clean your sterling silver pieces regularly, whether that means wiping them down after you wear them or addressing the first signs of tarnish. Start by using a dry soft cloth to wipe your jewelry down. This simple process can remove slight tarnish.
For more heavy tarnishes, removal is possible with a basic cleaning process or a silver cleaning kit. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Combine water and a few drops of dishwashing soap in a cup.
- Submerge your jewelry into the cup and lightly handwash. You can also use a cotton swab to reach tight corners and a toothbrush to scrub stubborn tarnish.
- Remove your sterling silver jewelry from the cup and gently wipe it down.
- Allow the piece to air dry before it’s placed back into storage.
Keep Harsh Chemicals Away
Products and substances high in sulfates should be kept away from sterling silver. Sterling silver tarnishes more easily when exposed to hairsprays, shampoos, lotions, and perfumes, whether the product is airborne or present on your skin.
If you’re going to use these products, we recommend ensuring that your jewelry is the last thing you put on and the first thing you remove when doing your daily routine. Also, do your best to avoid touching the silver with lotion on your hands or while you apply your makeup.
Try Silver Polish
Commercial silver polish can be bought online or at your local jewelry store. You can remove sterling silver tarnish with polish using these simple steps:
- Read the manufacturer's instructions for proper usage and safety precautions before applying the polish.
- Apply a small amount of silver polish to the tarnished area using a soft lint-free cloth or a polishing cloth.
- Rub the polish into the area using gentle, circular motions. Take care not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause scratches or damage to the metal.
- Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with warm water to remove any leftover polish residue. Use a dry, soft cloth to pat the jewelry dry, ensuring no water spots remain.
- Using a clean portion of the cloth, buff the sterling silver jewelry to a high shine.
- Store your sterling silver jewelry in a dry, airtight bag or jewelry box to prevent tarnish from reoccurring. Avoid storing silver jewelry with other metals to prevent scratching.
Wear Your Jewelry Often
Contrary to what you might think, tossing your sterling silver jewelry into the storage box for the rest of time isn’t the way to go. In actuality, that’s the last thing you should do.
The most effective way to enjoy your jewelry and prevent tarnishing is to wear it regularly, wipe it down when you’re finished, and deep clean it occasionally. That way, you can spot early signs of tarnish right away and keep your jewelry looking shiny and new over time.
Sterling Silver Tarnish FAQ
How quickly does sterling silver jewelry tarnish?
Sterling silver jewelry tarnishes at different rates depending on what it’s exposed to. Jewelry that’s properly stored and kept away from harsh chemicals can go years without tarnishing, while jewelry exposed to those things will tarnish much faster.
Is tarnish different from rust?
Yes, tarnish is different from rust. While both are naturally occurring, rust damages and erodes the metal itself, while tarnish is simply surface level. For that reason, tarnish is much easier to remove.
Can tarnished sterling silver be repaired?
Yes, most tarnished sterling silver can be repaired easily at home. If the tarnish is more severe, consider taking your jewelry to a professional jeweler to be cleaned.
Is it safe to wear tarnished sterling silver jewelry?
Yes, it is safe to wear tarnished sterling silver jewelry. However, we always recommend cleaning the piece first to avoid further tarnish.
Shop Stunning Sterling Silver Jewelry At Edwin Novel
Looking for a beautiful set of earrings or engagement rings made from high-quality sterling silver? At Edwin Novel, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality diamond jewelry pieces paired with exquisite sterling silver. All of our rings come in intricate designs and patterns at an affordable price, allowing you to find something that your partner will love.
So, if you want to invest in the sterling silver piece, contact us today!
