Over time, silver, like any other metal, can reduce, corrode, and tarnish. Check out our article to find out more.

Why Does Silver Tarnish?

Nothing is more frustrating than delving into your jewelry box in quest of a favorite, but rarely used, silver earring, necklace, or bangle, only to discover it tarnished and in need of a thorough clean, despite having been safely stored away.

Silver tarnishes because of air and moisture, primarily. The natural oxidation of silver occurs when air and moisture come into contact with the metal. It is so common that it is often referred to as corrosion. Silver tarnishes because of contact with sulfur which is found in the environment and naturally occurring in our skin.

Some main factors that cause tarnishing includes:

1. Beauty products

Beauty products that include everything from hair products, make-up, and even perfumes contain reactive chemicals that help in elevating the tarnish process in silver. Also, make-up is known to have some kind of abrasive material that tears off tiny particles of metal which then appears like black dust.

So, make sure to wear your silver jewelry at the very last moment after completing your makeup. 

2. High heat or moisture

High heat and moisture are open enemies of silver and play a vital role in its tarnishing. Never put your silver materials in water and avoid storing them in hot places. If you often wash your silver pieces or soak them in water for the cleaning process, stop doing that right away. Keep them as dry as possible as moisture is a big no-no.

3. A list of materials

Some materials are known as tarnishing accelerators. These materials include paper, rubber, latex, and cardboard. The reason behind this fact is these metals contain a high amount of sulfur. So, when you keep your silver items in containers made up of these materials, they start to tarnish.

4. Oxidants

Oxidants are also known as efficient tarnishing agents. Especially the ones that are usually used in household cleaning activities. An example of such an oxidant is bleach. So, whenever you come in contact with bleach, make sure to take off your rings or bracelets made up of silver.

5. Food particles

Yes, food items can also work as tarnishing agents. Eatables like garlic, onion, eggs, black salt, and spinach can elevate the tarnishing process. So if you’re wearing silver metal or have spoons and bowls made up of silver, avoid them being contacted to these food items. 

How Can You Prevent Silver from Tarnishing?

Since silver reacts with so many things in ordinary life, there is no way to keep your silver jewelry from going black.

Contact with tap water (which contains chlorine), your perfume and hairspray, and even wool garments can accelerate tarnishing.

While tarnishing is an unavoidable natural process, it can be slowed or prevented for a certain period 

Below are a few techniques that might help. 

1. Keep Each piece of silver separately

This technique is vital to avoid not only tarnishing but also scratches that occur due to storing multiple silver pieces together. The best method to avoid this is to keep each piece of silver jewelry in a separate bag.

Remember to keep your silver jewelry away from sources of sunlight and somewhere cool and dry once you’ve wrapped it in the bag.

2. Use Anti-tarnish Strips

You can also protect your silver jewelry with manufactured anti-tarnish strips. These strips release a gas that prevents tarnish from forming on silver metal surfaces. These anti-tarnish strips can be found in most hardware stores or online; simply place them in the jewelry box or storage container with your silver jewelry and replace them every few months.

3. Use the flashing method

Many silver objects on the market now are plated to prevent tarnishing. Pure silver and rhodium are commonly utilized for the coating and the method is known as flashing. “Flashing” refers to the technique of plating silver with a layer of white metal. The disadvantage of plated silver is that the coating will wear off over time. The more you polish and wear your silver, the faster it will tarnish. However, you can easily have your jewelry replated after the plating wears off.

4. Keep the silver pieces dry

Remember you get those little ‘do not consume’ sachets and capsules in everything from shoes to vitamins? Rather than throwing them away, put them with your silver to absorb moisture. now and then replace them with new ones. Placing a stick or two of chalk in with your silver can absorb moisture as well.

5. Anti-tarnish clothes

The use of anti-tarnish cloth is the most frequent and arguably efficient method of preventing the silver from tarnishing. The oxygen and sulfur in the air are absorbed by these clothes. They are usually used to prevent tarnishing. You must use them regularly to wipe your jewelry after wearing and before storing it.

Daily Preservation of Silver Jewelry Notes

We all love keeping silver jewelry pieces. Therefore, to keep it in the right form, follow the notes mentioned below.

1. Remove jewelry while doing household chores, such as dishes, and laundry, and when using cleaning supplies.
2. Take off silver jewelry When exercising, at the gym, or playing contact sports because even sweat can tarnish your jewelry.
3. Avoid wearing silver pieces When showering or bathing.
4. Swimming, hot tubs, or saunas
5. Very hot places (such as when lying out at the beach or pool) are not suitable for a silver medal.
6. Don’t wear silver jewelry pieces When getting ready (i.e: putting on lotion, makeup, hair products)
7. Preparing, cooking, or eating foods that contain sulfur (this includes eggs and mayonnaise) is not an ideal situation for silver products.

Endnote:

Don’t know why silver jewelry tarnishes? Here’s a proper guide for it. Tarnishing in silver metal is very common and it has to occur at some point in the lifetime. Although you cannot stop it entirely, knowing the reasons and things to avoid can prevent it from being tarnished for a long time. 

We hope it helps you.