Tarnishing is a normal chemical process as silver reacts with things in the air such as hydrogen sulphide and other chemicals it is exposed to in lotions, perfumes, oils on the skin and even surfaces it rests on. This can result in discolouration of the surface called tarnishing.

 

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). I also use fine silver (99.9%, essentially pure silver) for some bezels and backings.

 

While you can't entirely prevent silver from ever tarnishing, you can help keep it at bay with the following tips:

 

• Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place (not in the bathroom, too much humidity).

• Use anti-tarnish bags or a jewellery box with a soft lining (not cardboard or papers unless "acid-free").

• Dry your jewellery with a cloth before storing.

• You can even pop in a silica pack (seen in shoe boxes etc.) to absorb moisture.

• Moisture speeds up the tarnishing process. Don't wear jewellery in the shower, ocean, pool or while sweating.

• Don't apply lotions, perfumes or oils onto jewellery areas. Wait until your moisturiser dries until you put on your jewellery.

• Dry your jewellery if it gets wet.

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To help deal with tarnishing:

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• Use a Polishing cloth to rub gently in circular motions.

• Clean jewellery with warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing soap then gently scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

• ​Clean with baking soda and water (mix to form a paste), rub gently, then rinse and dry thoroughly. {Silver only}

• Clean with vinegar and baking soda. The chemicals do most of the work here, but after a couple minutes, rinse and dry thoroughly.​

• Commercial jewellery cleaning devices and professional jewellers may be another option. Read instructions per device. A jeweller can professionally clean or re-polish the item to remove the top layer that has tarnished.

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Other tips:

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• As a safety precaution, I would avoid wearing jewellery to do any manual labour, to use any mechanical or commercial devices, or to workout. Jewellery can easily get caught on other surfaces and devices, damaging your skin and risking other injuries in the process. It also risks damaging the jewellery.

• If you don't remove jewellery when cleaning (highly recommended), then try gloves. This will protect you and the jewellery from cleaning chemicals.

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Despite all this, you can wear your jewellery everyday, and many people ignore special care tips and their jewellery is usually still fine, so just enjoy :)