Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
You might have pondered… does sterling silver tarnish? The brief reply – Yes. However, with proper care, it can absolutely be avoided. Here’s how to maintain your jewelry’s gleam.
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Sterling silver has seen a surge in popularity among frequent jewelry wearers. If you want stunning pieces suitable for nearly any event, sterling silver should be at the top of your list.
High-quality sterling silver jewelry can endure for decades and often serves as the cornerstone of many jewelry collections. With the right care, no other option offers you more value than sterling silver.
One common query from first-time buyers of sterling silver jewelry is: “Does sterling silver tarnish?”
The answer is – Yes, it can. Sterling silver is composed of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals, mainly copper. These additional metals can cause it to tarnish over time due to reactions with moisture in the air.
Luckily, there are various methods to minimize tarnishing when wearing sterling silver jewelry. Explore some tips below.
Store Your Sterling Silver Jewelry Properly
The first step to prevent tarnishing is to store your sterling silver jewelry properly whenever you’re not wearing it.
Many people often place their jewelry on a nightstand or dresser when not in use, which is not ideal.
Instead, store sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dark place away from sunlight, moisture, and heat.
Consider placing each piece in a plastic bag and removing the air to prevent contact with contaminants. You might also invest in anti-tarnish paper strips to store alongside your jewelry to ensure it remains untarnished.
Keep It Away From Moisture
Accidentally wearing your sterling silver jewelry in the shower or pool isn’t catastrophic, but moisture is a significant cause of tarnishing.
Never leave sterling silver jewelry in the bathroom where it can be exposed to humidity. Limit its exposure to pools, hot tubs, or any body of water.
Avoid unnecessary water contact to prevent accelerated tarnishing. Water is one of sterling silver’s worst enemies, and it will quickly show signs of tarnish when frequently exposed to moisture.
Wipe It Off After Wearing It
After each use, return your jewelry to its storage place, but first, wipe it down using a dry, soft cloth.
There’s no need for exhaustive cleaning unless you see tarnish. Wiping it down removes potential tarnish-causing substances and keeps it pristine.
Clean It at the First Sign of Tarnish
Eventually, you might spot some tarnish on your sterling silver jewelry. Don’t worry!
If wiping it down doesn’t work, follow these steps to restore its sparkle:
- Fill a cup with warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing soap.
- Gently handwash your sterling silver jewelry using this solution.
- Clean tight corners with a cotton swab.
- Use a baby toothbrush for stubborn tarnish.
- Wipe down the jewelry and let it air dry before storing it.
Following these steps ensures you can safely remove tarnish and maintain the jewelry’s shine without moisture buildup.
Keep Harsh Chemicals Away From It
While some people recommend unconventional cleaning methods like toothpaste or baking soda, these can scratch the jewelry.
Harsh chemicals such as bleach or acetone can dull the jewelry’s surface. Avoid using them to maintain your jewelry’s luster.
Wear It Regularly
Reading all these tips might make you want to store your jewelry indefinitely. However, wearing it regularly is the best way to keep it looking new.
By wiping it down after every use, your jewelry will always look fresh and will last a long time.
Look for Rhodium Finished Sterling Silver
Rhodium, a metal from the platinum family, is popular for plating sterling silver due to its tarnish-resistant properties, giving the appearance of white gold.
High-quality sterling silver jewelry from Italy often features a thick layer of rhodium, preventing tarnish and enhancing its aesthetic.
So, while the answer to “Does sterling silver tarnish?” may not be ideal, it shouldn’t deter you from investing in it. There are countless sterling silver accessories to choose from.
Explore our blog for more tips on caring for your sterling silver jewelry when not showcasing it.
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