Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver has long been a popular choice for jewelry and household items, known for its shiny appearance and affordability compared to other precious metals. However, if you own any sterling silver pieces or are considering purchasing them, you may be wondering: does sterling silver tarnish? 

After all, no one wants their treasured jewelry to lose its luster over time. In this blog post, we will find out if sterling silver tarnishes, if so what’s the reason behind and different ways to prevent the tarnish. 

So sit back, grab your favorite piece of sterling silver jewelry (yes, even the ones that have lost their shine), and let's discover everything there is to know about tarnishing this timeless metal.

What Is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver, a blend that captivates with its radiant sheen, is an alloy composed primarily of silver, accompanied by a small percentage of other metals, often copper. This mixture is made to enhance the metal's durability and hardness, since pure silver alone is too soft for most practical applications, especially in jewelry making. 

Sterling silver's standard consists of 92.5% silver, denoted by the hallmark '925', indicating its purity level. This precise combination preserves the precious metal's intrinsic value and beauty while making it more suitable for everyday use. 

Through its balance of elegance and practicality, sterling silver has become a staple in the jewelry industry and beyond.

Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Actually, this is one of the most common questions posed by many people when buying sterling silver for the first time.

To answer the question at hand, yes, sterling silver does tarnish. Tarnishing is a natural process that occurs when the metal reacts with certain elements in its surroundings, such as sulfur and oxygen. 

This chemical reaction creates a thin layer of dark discoloration on the surface of the silver, resulting in an unappealing appearance. The speed at which tarnishing occurs depends on various factors, including the amount of exposure to these elements and the alloy composition of the silver itself. 

Some people may also have a higher natural acidity level in their skin, which can accelerate tarnishing when wearing sterling silver jewelry.

How Sterling Silver Tarnishes?

So, how does the process of sterling silver tarnishing happen? Understanding how sterling silver tarnishes requires a closer look at the chemical processes at play. 

Sterling silver, composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, primarily copper, is susceptible to tarnish due to its reactivity to sulfur-containing substances in the environment. 

This tarnishing process is a form of corrosion that begins when silver comes into contact with sulfur particles present in the air, household chemicals, and even certain types of food. The sulfur causes the silver to undergo a chemical reaction that produces silver sulfide, the dark compound that accumulates on the surface, creating a tarnished look.

The presence of other metals in the alloy, especially copper, can accelerate this process since copper is more reactive to sulfur than silver. This means that the tarnishing can occur faster and with more intensity in environments that have high sulfur content or in conditions that foster more sweating, which introduces more acids and salts to the metal's surface. 

However, it’s this very addition of copper that provides the necessary durability to silver, making it viable for everyday items like jewelry and silverware.

Moisture, humidity, and the presence of other corrosive agents can also play a significant role in the tarnishing process. For example, exposure to salty air in coastal areas or chlorine in swimming pools can hasten the tarnishing of sterling silver. 

Understanding these factors is essential for preventing tarnish and ensuring that sterling silver items maintain their luster and appeal over time.

How To Prevent Tarnish On Sterling Silver?

While tarnishing is inevitable for sterling silver, there are ways you can take to slow down the process and keep your pieces looking shiny and new. 

• Store properly

Proper storage is critical in preventing sterling silver from tarnishing. When not in use, silver items should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extremes of temperature. 

Ideally, each piece should be placed in a separate, airtight bag made of Mylar or polyethylene to minimize exposure to air and moisture, which can accelerate tarnishing. Including anti-tarnish strips within the storage, bags can further absorb sulfur and other corrosive gases, significantly slowing down the tarnishing process. 

To provide additional safeguarding, you can keep silver items inside a jewelry box that has been lined with a fabric designed to resist tarnishing. This extra step helps prevent the silverware or jewelry from discoloring over time.

• Keep it away from moisture

Moisture is one of the main culprits behind the tarnishing of sterling silver. To protect your silver, avoid wearing jewelry while swimming in chlorinated water, bathing, or engaging in activities that cause excessive sweating. 

Always dry your silver items thoroughly if they come into contact with water. It's also beneficial to remove silver jewelry before applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray, as these products can contain chemicals that accelerate tarnishing. 

Keeping silica gel packets in your storage area can help absorb excess moisture, providing an additional layer of protection against tarnish.

• Clean it at the first sign of tarnish

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the shine and prevent tarnish from setting in deeply. At the first sign of tarnishing, gently clean your sterling silver using a mild soap and warm water. 

Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. For light tarnish, a special silver cloth designed to remove tarnish can be used through simple rubbing actions. 

For items with more stubborn tarnish, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied gently with a soft, damp cloth. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. 

Professional silver cleaners can also be effective, but they should be used sparingly, as they can be abrasive and diminish the metal’s shine over time.

• Wipe it off after wearing it

After each wear, gently wiping your sterling silver jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth can remove any oils, salts, or acids that have come in contact with the surface during use. 

This simple action removes substances that could initiate or accelerate tarnishing. Make sure to wipe the entire piece, paying close attention to any engravings or intricacies where tarnish can easily accumulate.

• Wear it regularly

Interestingly, wearing your sterling silver jewelry regularly is one of the best ways to prevent tarnish. The natural oils in your skin will help to keep the silver clean and prevent the chemical reactions that cause tarnish. 

Of course, this doesn't apply to harsh environments that can expedite tarnishing, such as swimming pools or salty air exposure, but for everyday wear, your silver jewelry benefits from being used rather than stored away.

• Keep harsh chemicals away from it

Exposure to harsh chemicals can drastically accelerate the tarnishing process of sterling silver. Common household substances like bleach, chlorine, and ammonia are particularly damaging and can cause irreparable harm to fine jewelry. 

It is important to take off your silver jewelry before cleaning, swimming in chlorinated water, or participating in any activities where the jewelry could come into contact with strong chemicals. This helps preserve the condition and luster of the silver pieces.

 Additionally, beauty products such as hairspray, perfumes, and lotions should be applied before putting on your jewelry to minimize the risk of chemical exposure, which can lead to tarnish. 

This preventative measure can significantly extend the period between cleanings and keep your sterling silver looking brilliant for years to come.

By diligently following these practical care tips, you can significantly prolong the beauty and luster of your sterling silver, ensuring it remains a cherished item in your collection for years.

How To Clean Sterling Silver?

We have gone through the question: does sterling silver tarnish and know some ways and tips to prevent tarnish from happening on sterling silver, but what do we do when the inevitable happens? Cleaning tarnished sterling silver is a relatively simple process that can be performed at home with everyday household items.

• Use a mild soap and warm water

Gently scrubbing your sterling silver pieces with a soft cloth soaked in mild soap and warm water is one of the safest and most effective ways to clean them. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the metal's surface and remove any protective coatings.

• Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately

After cleaning your sterling silver, make sure to rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Then, dry it immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots and oxidation.

• Use a silver polishing cloth

For light tarnish, using a silver polishing cloth is a quick and easy solution. These specially treated cloths are designed to remove tarnish from metals without causing any damage or abrasion.

• Try home remedies

For sterling silver that has developed more persistent tarnish or has been put away for a long time, you can attempt to clean it using a simple homemade paste made by mixing water and baking soda. 

Apply the paste directly to your silver piece with a soft cloth, gently rubbing in circular motions. Then, rinse and dry thoroughly.

• Use professional cleaners sparingly

Professional silver cleaners can be effective at removing tarnish, but they should only be used as a last resort. These cleaners can be abrasive and may remove any protective coatings on your sterling silver, leaving it more susceptible to tarnish in the future. 

If using a professional cleaner, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use sparingly.

With these tips in mind, you can confidently care for your sterling silver jewelry and ensure its longevity for many years to come. Happy accessorizing! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, you now have the answer to the question "Does sterling silver tarnish?", and other aspects related to the tarnishing of sterling silver, such as the process of tarnishing sterling silver or how to prevent it. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy the beauty and shine of your sterling silver jewelry for a lifetime. 

Remember to keep harsh chemicals away from it, clean it regularly, wear it often, and store it properly. These simple steps will help to prevent tarnish and keep your sterling silver looking as good as new.