Over time, any sterling silver jewelry findings exposed to air will tarnish. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. It is the other metals, primarily copper, that makes sterling silver tarnish. The copper reacts to the moisture and sulfur in the air, causing sterling silver to tarnish. Silver tarnishes faster in areas with high humidity and air pollution. Chemicals (hairspray, perfume, deodorant, body lotion, bleach, etc) as well as acidic foods can speed up the tarnishing process.
Properly storing silver will help prevent it from tarnishing.
- The best way to prevent tarnishing is to store clean, dry sterling silver in a dry airtight container, like a ziplock bag.
- An anti-tarnish strip with the silver jewelry in a ziplock bag will help fight against tarnish.
- Don’t leave silver jewelry in the bathroom, and do not wear it the shower, swimming pool or hot tub. Humidity can speed up the oxidation process that produces tarnish.
- Minimize sterling silver’s contact to chemicals (hairspray, perfume, body lotion, bleach, etc.).
- After taking off silver jewelry, clean it with a dry soft cloth before putting it back into an airtight container.
- Do not use rubber bands to bundle jewelry because when rubber bands age, they release sulfur that causes tarnishing.
- A general rule of thumb for silver jewelry: it should be the last thing put on before leaving the house, and the first thing removed when returning home.
To read our recommendations for cleaning silver, click the link below.
