Sterling silver, with its lustrous shine and timeless appeal, is a popular choice for jewelry, cutlery and various decorative items. However, owners often ask themselves the question: “Does sterling silver tarnish?”
Yes, sterling silver can tarnish over time, but the good news is that proper care and storage can significantly reduce and slow down this process.
In this comprehensive guide, we look at the reasons why sterling silver tarnishes.
We also give practical advice on how do you keep sterling silver from tarnishing…
What is Sterling Silver tarnish and Is Different from Rust?
Sterling silver tarnish and rust are distinct phenomena.
Silver tarnishing is a black or brown film that forms on the surface of silver jewelry when it comes into contact with sulfur in the air. This is a natural process that can be easily reversed by polishing and cleaning.
Rust is a reddish-brown oxide that forms on iron or steel when it is exposed to oxygen and moisture. It is a sign of corrosion and can weaken the metal over time.
While silver only tarnishes and does not rust.
Why Does real sterling silver tarnish?
The tarnishing of sterling silver is the result of a chemical reaction.
Sterling silver tarnishes when exposed to salty air, chlorine, sulfur, moisture, perspiration, cosmetics, household bleaches and other strong chemicals.
Sterling silver is an alloy, a mixture of metals. It contains 92.5 % pure silver and 7.5 % other metals, usually copper.
The copper in sterling silver reacts with oxygen and sulfur in the environment. This reaction leads to the formation of silver sulfide, the dark coating we know as tarnish.
It’s important to note that tarnishing doesn’t mean that your silver is of poor quality. It’s a natural process that occurs over time in even the highest quality sterling silver.
Understanding this process is the first step to preventing and controlling tarnishing in your sterling silver.
How do you keep sterling silver from tarnishing?
Silver tarnish is almost impossible to avoid, but there are a lot of factors that make it more or less obvious, and can occur more or less quickly.
The good news is that you have a big influence on how much tarnishing will occur, and you can clean your silver to make it shine again.
Read below to learn more.
Preventing tarnish on sterling silver involves a combination of proper storage and regular cleaning. By taking these steps, you can keep your sterling silver items looking their best for longer.
Proper Storage Solutions
Proper storage is crucial in preventing tarnish on sterling silver. When not in use, sterling silver items should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Here are some tips for proper storage:
- Keep Away from Moisture: Use airtight containers, These can help reduce exposure to air and moisture, which can cause tarnish.
- Use anti-tarnish strips: These strips absorb tarnish-causing elements in the air.
- Keep Harsh Chemicals at Bay: Avoid certain materials, Velvet and felt, for example, may contain sulfur and promote tarnishing.
Regular Cleaning and Care
Regular cleaning and care can also help prevent tarnish on sterling silver. It’s important to clean your sterling silver items regularly to remove any buildup of tarnish.
- Use a silver polishing cloth: This can help remove the tarnish without scratching the silver.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners: Toothpaste and baking soda, for example, can scratch the silver.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly: After cleaning, be sure to rinse and dry your sterling silver items to prevent water spots and further tarnishing.
Remember, regular inspections can help catch early signs of tarnish, making cleaning easier and more effective.
Wear Your Silver Regularly
The oils from your skin can help to form a protective layer on the silver, thereby preventing tarnishing and maintaining the metal’s natural shine.
Choose Nihaojewelry to wholesale high quality sterling silver jewelry.
Their collection of c rings, necklaces and earrings are made of sterling silver and plated with 18k gold or rhodium to give them a high quality gold and silver color.
The color will last up to 1-2 years.
How to Clean Tarnished Sterling Silver
Despite our best efforts, sterling silver can tarnish over time. But don’t worry, tarnished silver can be restored to its original shine with the right cleaning methods.
There is more than one way to clean silver jewelry. Which method you choose depends on how badly tarnished the piece is, what materials you have available and how careful you want to be.
If you have purchased your silver jewelry online, read the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Take a look at the jewelry care and cleaning guide for your Nihao Jewelry pieces.
DIY Cleaning Methods
There are several DIY methods you can use to clean tarnished sterling silver.
One popular method is to use a mixture of mild detergent solution and warm water. Simply soak your silver in this solution and then gently rub the tarnish with a soft cloth.
Another natural cleaning method is to use aluminum foil, baking soda and hot water. This method uses an electrochemical reaction to transfer the tarnish from the silver to the aluminum. This is a good option for heavily tarnished items.
Remember to always rinse and dry your sterling silver thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water stains and further tarnishing.
Professional Cleaning Options
If your sterling silver is heavily tarnished or has intricate designs, you might want to consider professional cleaning.
Jewelers have the tools and expertise to clean and polish sterling silver without causing damage.
Silver dips are another professional option. These are effective at removing tarnish but should be used sparingly to avoid potential damage. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using silver dips.
Lastly, if your sterling silver item is an antique or has sentimental value, it might be worth investing in professional restoration.
This can help preserve the item’s value and ensure it’s cleaned without causing damage.
Common Myths About Silver Tarnishing
There are many myths surrounding silver tarnishing.
One common myth is that tarnishing indicates poor-quality silver. This is not true.
Tarnishing is a natural process when sterling silver reacts with sulfur-containing substances in the air. It does not reflect the quality of the silver.
Another myth is that toothpaste is a good cleaner for sterling silver.
While toothpaste can remove tarnish, it’s often too abrasive and can scratch the silver. It’s better to use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for silver.
Finally, some people believe that wearing silver jewelry prevents tarnishing.
While regular wear can slow down tarnishing due to the friction and contact with skin oils, it does not completely prevent it.
Proper storage and regular cleaning are still necessary to keep your sterling silver looking its best.
FAQs
Sterling silver owners often have many questions about tarnishing. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
Yes, sterling silver does tarnish over time due to its copper content, which reacts with oxygen and sulfur in the air. This is a natural and expected process.
Tarnish itself does not damage sterling silver. However, if left untreated, it can lead to corrosion, which can cause damage.
There are several ways to prevent tarnishing, including storing your silver in airtight containers, using anti-tarnish strips, and cleaning it regularly with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner.
Yes, tarnished silver can be cleaned using a variety of methods, from DIY solutions to professional cleaning services.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, sterling silver does tarnish, but this is a natural process that can be managed with proper care and maintenance.
Understanding the causes of does sterling silver tarnish and how to prevent it is key to preserving the beauty and value of your sterling silver items.
With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the luster of your sterling silver pieces for many years to come.
Take a look at our most popular jewelry or our full range of silver jewelry to find your new favorite sterling silver jewelry today.
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