Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver is one of the most popular choices for jewellery, loved for its luminous shine, durability, and timeless appeal. But if you've ever noticed your silver jewellery darkening or developing a dull surface, you've encountered a natural process called tarnishing. So why does this happen, and what can you do about it? Let's break it down. 

What if Fine Silver?

Fine silver, also known as pure silver, is 99.9% silver. While this might sound ideal, pure silver is incredibly soft and malleable, making it impractical for jewellery that needs to withstand everyday wear. That's where sterling silver comes in.

Why is Copper Added to Silver?

To enhance durability, jewellers mix fine silver with a small amount of another metal—typically copper. Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, which is why it’s sometimes stamped with 925. The addition of copper strengthens the silver, making it more resistant to scratches and bending while still maintaining its signature shine. However, this also introduces a downside: tarnishing.

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Unlike fine silver, which resists tarnishing, sterling silver is more reactive due to its copper content. Tarnish occurs when silver reacts with sulphur-containing substances in the air, forming a surface layer of silver sulphide. Several factors can accelerate this process:

• Environmental Exposure – Humidity, air pollution, and even the air in coastal areas can speed up tarnishing.
• Personal Chemistry – The natural oils and sweat on your skin, as well as variations in body pH, can contribute to silver darkening more quickly on some individuals.
• Beauty & Household Products – Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and even certain soaps contain chemicals that can react with silver.
• Medications & Health Conditions – Some medications, especially those affecting hormones or containing sulphur, can alter skin chemistry and cause jewellery to tarnish faster.

How to Prevent Tarnishing

 While tarnishing is natural, there are ways to slow it down:

• Wear It Often – The natural oils on your skin can help keep silver polished.
• Store It Properly – Keep jewellery in an airtight bag or anti-tarnish pouch when not in use.
• Avoid Exposure – Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, or applying lotions and perfumes.
• Keep It Dry – Moisture accelerates tarnishing, so always dry your jewellery before storing it.
  

How to Clean Tarnished Sterling Silver

If your silver jewellery has tarnished, don’t worry—it’s easy to restore its brilliance:

• Polishing Cloth – A simple silver polishing cloth can remove light tarnish.
• Mild Soap & Water – Use warm water and mild soap, then dry thoroughly.
• Baking Soda & Water Paste – Gently rub a paste of baking soda and water onto the jewellery with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry.
• Silver Dip Cleaner – These are available for deeper tarnish, but use sparingly to avoid overexposing your jewellery to chemicals.

Sterling silver is a beautiful and versatile metal, and with the right care, it will remain stunning for years to come. Whether you’re wearing it every day or saving it for special occasions, a little maintenance will ensure your pieces stay as radiant as the day you got them.