Does Sterling Silver Tarnish? Causes, Prevention, and Care
For sterling silver, yes, it can tarnish. It's a normal and expected reaction, especially when exposed to air, moisture, and sulfur. Sterling silver, made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy metals, usually copper, reacts to these factors and forms a surface reaction, called tarnish. It does not penetrate the metallic surface or make it weaken.
Why does sterling silver tarnish?
The amount of time that sterling silver takes to tarnish is indeterminate and is, basically, influenced by wear and tear and surroundings.
Normally in dry climates, where the piece is worn daily, the tarnishing is relatively slow, while a piece that is worn in a humid climate, and therefore exposed to a lot of moisture, will have a more moderate tarnish rate. Pieces of jewelry that sit idle, or get very wet and chemically exposed will experience a fast rate of tarnishing. Some pieces may shine for years and others may display the signs of tarnish within months.
How fast does sterling silver tarnish?
Well-known patterns show that sterling silver in dry climates will tarnish very slowly, in more humid areas it will tarnish at a moderate rate and if the jewelry is unworn and stored, it can still develop tarnish. Rapid water or chemical exposure will cause a lot of tarnishing, and some pieces may stay shining for years, while others show signs of tarnish in just a few months.
Is tarnish permanent?
Tarnish is not in any way a permanent fixture, as it can be completely eradicated. It doesn't affect the durability of sterling silver nor damages it and can be eliminated using the proper cleaning techniques.
Does wearing sterling silver help prevent tarnish?
Regular wear of sterling silver will, however, help to stop tarnish in its tracks. This is because, through friction, it removes surface build-up, means the jewellery stays dry, and also makes the metal stay cleaner.
Can you shower with sterling silver?
With respect to silver, occasional exposure won't ruin it, but regular exposure to soap, water and heat will accelerate the process of tarnish. Coming across a bit of tarnish won't be the end of the world, and taking your jewelry off before a long shower is a good idea, especially for daily wear.
How to clean tarnished sterling silver?
Cleaning sterling silver is relatively straightforward, warm water, a mild dish soap, a soft cloth or toothbrush and a good rinse gets rid of light tarnish. If your silver is more heavily tarnished you can use a silver polishing cloth, be gentle and concentrate on the areas that have darkened, but avoid aggressive pressure and rough materials.
The baking soda and foil method for getting rid of heavy tarnish is something you shouldn't use regularly, but can be a good option for heavy tarnish. The process involves placing the sterling silver on the top of a sheet of aluminum foil, sprinkling baking soda over it and pouring boiling water to trigger a chemical reaction that lifts the tarnish. However, you shouldn't do this to jewelry that is oxidised or has stones set in it, see the cleaning section for full instructions.
How often should you clean sterling silver?
You only need to clean your sterling silver when it's necessary, wipe down after every wear, do a light clean every few months, and save polishing for when you notice tarnish. Excessive cleaning will remove tiny amounts of metal over time. When weighing up between sterling silver and stainless steel, remember that sterling can tarnish but is soft and easy to clean, has a traditional feel and is more expensive. It is softer than stainless steel which is harder, won’t tarnish and has a less polished finish.
Sterling silver vs. stainless steel: tarnish comparison
Sterling silver and stainless steel have different properties. Sterling silver can tarnish and softens with time, whereas stainless steel does not tarnish, has a harder surface and is more difficult to refine. Tarnish is pretty much guaranteed with sterling silver, and its appearance of aging, is not an indication of cheapness or inferiority, it simply means that the silver is genuine, but is now being lived in.
Is sterling silver good for everyday wear?
Sterling silver can be used for everyday jewelry. People go for it for its authentic value, lightweight feel, spotless appearance, repairability, and because earrings, rings, chains and pendants made out of 925 sterling are intended to be worn, not stored away in a box
What tarnish says about quality
Coming from people who know, tarnish isn't a sign of anything wrong with the jewelry, it's proof it's made from real sterling silver. Cheap or synthetic jewelry doesn't tarnish because it's basically plated or has lots of alloys and stainless steel, whereas real sterling changes a bit over time.
To sum-up
Well-known problems associated with silver are avoided if you follow a few basic principles.
Tarnish stays at bay, cleaning is simple, your jewelry will last for decades, and sterling silver remains a great option for daily jewelry.
