What is Tarnish, and Is It Normal?
Noticed your silver jewellery darkening over time? That’s tarnish—a completely natural reaction that happens to all sterling silver. It’s not a flaw, and it doesn’t mean your jewellery is poor quality. It’s simply chemistry at work!
The good news? Tarnish is easy to clean, and with proper care, you can slow down the process significantly.
What Is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically copper. This blend makes your jewellery stronger and more durable than pure silver, which is too soft for everyday wear.
However, copper is reactive to the environment, and that’s where tarnishing comes in—it’s simply the metal reacting to moisture, air, and everyday substances like lotions and perfumes.
What Causes Silver to Tarnish?
Tarnishing happens when sterling silver reacts with sulphur in the air, forming a dark layer on the surface.
Factors that Speed Up Tarnishing:
- Exposure to air & humidity – Moisture in the air accelerates oxidation.
- Skin contact – Everyone’s skin has a unique pH, which can cause silver to darken faster for some people.
- Lotions, perfumes & soaps – Skincare products, makeup, and cleaning chemicals can speed up the process.
- Sweat & chlorinated water – Pools, saunas, and even intense workouts can affect silver.
- Storage conditions – Leaving jewellery out in the open exposes it to air, increasing tarnish buildup.
💡 Did you know? Some people’s silver jewellery tarnishes faster than others due to their body chemistry! This isn’t an allergy—it’s just how certain skin types interact with silver.
How to Clean Tarnished Silver
1. Quick Fix: Polish It
If your jewellery is looking dull or darkened, a simple polish is usually all you need.
- Use a jewellery polishing cloth to gently rub away tarnish and restore shine.
- If you don’t have a cloth, a soft microfiber cloth will work in a pinch.
- Avoid using rough materials, as they can scratch the surface.
💡 Tip: Regular polishing helps prevent tarnish from building up in the first place!
2. Deep Clean: The Foil & Baking Soda Method
For heavier tarnish, try this gentle home remedy:
- Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up.
- Add hot (not boiling) water and a tablespoon of baking soda.
- Submerge your jewellery and let it soak for a few minutes.
- Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
This process reverses the oxidation naturally—no harsh chemicals needed!
🚫 Do NOT use this method on jewellery with stones or pearls, as it can damage their settings.
How to Prevent Tarnishing
1. Proper Storage
✔ Store jewellery in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag to limit air exposure.
✔ Keep it in a dry place, away from humidity (bathrooms are NOT ideal!).
✔ If possible, store silver with an anti-tarnish strip to slow oxidation.
2. Keep It Clean
✔ After wearing, wipe your jewellery with a soft cloth to remove oils and residues.
✔. Wash occasionally with mild dish soap and warm water, then dry thoroughly.
3. Wear It Often
✔ Believe it or not, wearing your silver jewellery actually helps prevent tarnish!
✔ Natural oils in your skin keep silver polished—just avoid exposing it to chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Sterling silver is designed to last a lifetime with the right care. Tarnishing is normal, but with a little maintenance, your pieces will stay looking their best for years to come.
Got questions? Reach out to us at hello@vesmir.com.au—we’re happy to help!