Silver tarnish is the discoloration of sterling silver items which can take on a yellow or black tint. Although the pure silver in sterling silver does not react and tarnish at room temperature, the copper added can easily react with the salt and sulfur in the air, making sterling silver rust.
Tarnishing can take place even faster if sterling silver come in contact with detergents or cosmetics. Even just the chemicals in our sweat is enough to cause corrosion in silver jewelry when worn.
The good news is that with sterling silver, regular care can really slow down the tarnishing, unlike silver-plated jewelry which will deteriorate no matter what. And even if your silver jewelry has already been spotted with tarnish, a good home clean-up, or better, a professional polishing will easily make it look like new.
This explains why sterling silver jewelry remains a popular and budget-friendly alternative to white gold or platinum. It is a go to metal for jewelry when you want a glamorous piece without breaking the bank.
Keep away from solution
Corrosion in sterling silver takes place when silver gets into contact with salty solution or chemicals. Therefore it is very important to keep jewelry away from salt water or any house products or toiletries solution.
Can you shower with sterling silver? It’s basically fine. But we do not encourage our customers to wear your sterling silver when showering. Water generally doesn’t harm sterling silver, but there is a good chance that it could lead to tarnishing.
In short, do not wear silver in the shower or when doing dishes.
Avoid wearing jewelry in activities that make you sweat, such as outdoor chores or sports.
Last to put on, first to take off
Another important rule to prevent silver from tarnishing is that your jewelry should be the last thing you put on, after applying make-up and perfume and the first to be taken off, before your shower or activities.
This is to preventing contact between any possible chemicals or salty sweat and your silver.
Consider your home and work environment
Examine your job or environment to see if you deal with chemicals or other solutions on a regular basis. If that’s the case, remove your silver before working with chemicals. For example, people working at cosmetics or perfume sales job might find themselves having to clean their silver jewelry more regularly.
