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Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

By Bailey Cooper

Sterling silver jewellery is a timeless favourite admired for its elegance, shine and versatility. But if you've noticed your silver looking a little dull or discoloured, you might be wondering, does silver tarnish? Sadly, the answer is yes, but don't worry it's completely natural and easy to reverse! Let's break it down and explore what causes tarnishing, how to prevent it, and how to restore your jewellery to its original brilliance.

Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Yes, sterling silver does tarnish over time. Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% consisting of other metals (usually copper) to make it more durable. This combination gives sterling silver it's strength but also makes it prone to tarnishing - a chemical reaction that occurs when silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air.

The good news is that tarnishing isn't permanent! With a little care, your jewellery can look as good as new. Factors like humidity, pollution, and everyday use (think sweat, perfumes, and beauty products) can speed up the tarnishing process, so knowing how to care for your silver is the key to maintaining its beautiful shine.

What Causes Tarnishing?

Tarnish occurs when sterling silver reacts with certain environmental and chemical factors. Here are the main culprits:

  • Humidity and Pollution: High humidity and exposure to polluted air can cause silver to tarnish faster, especially if you live in a coastal or urban area.
  • Beauty Products and Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, and even hairsprays contain chemicals that can accelerate tarnish. Chlorine in pools is especially harsh on silver.
  • Skin Oils and Sweat: Natural oils and sweat from your skin also contribute to tarnishing, particularly if your jewellery is worn daily.

Understanding these factors can help you take steps to minimise tarnishing and keep your silver looking bright.

How to Prevent Tarnishing?

While tarnish is inevitable, there are simple ways to slow it down and protect your jewellery:

  1. Store Jewellery Properly: Use an airtight container or a jewellery box.
    Place anti tarnish strips in your jewellery container, these work by absorbing airborne contaminants which cause tarnish to form on silver and other precious metals.
    Keep your silver seperate from other metals to avoid scratches and chemical reactions.
  2. Remove Jewellery When Necessary: Take off silver pieces before swimming, exercising, or applying beauty products like lotions and perfumes.
  3. Clean Regularly: Wipe your jewellery with a soft cloth after wearing to remove oils and prevent build up.
    Invest in anti-tarnish polishing cloths for regular maintenance.

How To Remove Tarnish?

If you're silver has already tarnished, don't panic - there are easy ways to bring back its shine:

  1. Silver Cleaner: Use a dedicated silver cleaning solution to gently remove tarnish. Follow the product instructions carefully to avoid over-cleaning.
  2. DIY Cleaning at Home: A gentle homemade solution of baking soda and water can work wonders. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
  3. Professional Cleaning Services: For intricate or heavily tarnished pieces, consider taking your jewellery to a professional cleaner to ensure it's restored safely.

For more information on cleaning jewellery, why not look at our "How to Clean Jewellery" article?

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FAQ

Does tarnish mean my sterling silver is fake?

Not at all! Tarnish is a natural process that happens to all real silver, including sterling silver. In fact, it’s often a sign your silver is genuine.
Is tarnish permanent on sterling silver?

Tarnish isn’t permanent and can be easily removed with proper care. Regular polishing keeps your sterling silver looking radiant for years to come.
Can I wear sterling silver everyday?

Yes, but daily wear exposes your jewellery to sweat, perfumes, and the environment, which can speed up tarnishing. Clean it regularly and store it properly to keep it shining bright.

Tarnishing is a natural part of owning sterling silver jewellery, but with the right care, it doesn't have to dull your sparkle. By understanding what causes tarnish, taking preventative measures, and knowing how to clean your jewellery, you can keep your silver pieces looking stunning for years to come. At Bloom Boutique, we believe every piece of jewellery tells a story - so keep yours shining bright!