How To Prevent Silver Tarnishing
August 7,2023
Silver Moissanite Engagement Rings
Sterling silver, even true 925 sterling silver, will always tarnish. While silver that is 99.9% pure will not tarnish, any sterling silver will tarnish over time due to mixed metals. Fortunately, however, there are many ways to prevent sterling silver from tarnishing, and VANCARO Jewelry has compiled several useful tips that are sure to help you maintain the shine of your silver jewelry!
DOES STERLING SILVER TARNISH?
Does silver tarnish? This is a tricky question because technically, sterling silver does not tarnish. However, sterling silver is too soft to be used in jewelry making. Therefore, jewelers usually add a small amount of copper to strengthen the silver. The resulting product is 925 sterling silver, which contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. It is the main material used in silver jewelry.
Unfortunately, due to added metals, sterling silver, even true 925 sterling silver, will always tarnish. Therefore, tarnishing does not mean that the silver is less pure. In addition, because of its higher silver content, sterling silver tarnishes much more slowly than silver of lower purity. Therefore, sterling silver is still the best choice for precious metals.
WHY WILL SILVER JEWELRY TARNISH?
Silver tarnish is the discoloration of sterling silver jewelry, which can appear yellow or black. While pure silver in sterling silver does not react to tarnish at room temperature, the added copper can easily react with salts and sulfur in the air, causing sterling silver to tarnish.
If sterling silver comes into contact with detergents or cosmetics, it will tarnish faster. Even just the chemicals in our sweat are enough to cause corrosion on silver jewelry worn.
The good news is that for sterling silver jewelry, regular maintenance does slow down the rate of tarnishing, unlike silver-plated jewelry which will tarnish no matter what. Even if your silver jewelry has tarnished, it can easily be made to look new with a good cleaning at home or professional polishing.
This explains why sterling silver jewelry is a popular and affordable alternative to white gold or platinum jewelry. When you want a gorgeous piece of jewelry, sterling silver jewelry is the way to go.
VANCARO SILVER RING RECOMMENDATION
If you're looking for a silver-plated ring that is less likely to tarnish, I would recommend choosing one that has been treated with an anti-tarnish coating. Here are some popular options.
925 Sterling Silver Plating 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Crafted with high-quality silver and plated with a layer of radiant yellow gold, this ring has been treated with an anti-tarnish coating to keep it looking its best. Unlike other rings that may tarnish over time, this ring will maintain its luster and shine for years to come.
925 Sterling Silver Plating 18K White Gold Ring
Not only is this ring resistant to tarnishing, but it also boasts a beautiful design that will add a touch of elegance to any outfit. With its timeless style and durable construction, it's the perfect choice for a special occasion or everyday wear.
925 Sterling Silver Plating 18K Rose Gold Ring
In addition to its durability, this ring boasts a romantic and feminine design that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your everyday look or want to make a statement on a special night out, this ring is sure to turn heads.
925 Sterling Silver Plating Black Moissanite Ring
Treated with an anti-tarnish coating, this black ring will not only show off your exceptional taste but will also maintain its beauty and shine for years to come.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR STERLING SILVER TO TARNISH?
It is difficult to put a precise time frame on how quickly silver will tarnish. Many factors affect the rate at which silver jewelry tarnishes. If you are exposed to chemicals regularly, such as frequent trips to the swimming pool or the use of beauty products, then your silver jewelry is bound to tarnish faster. Be sure to take good care of your precious jewelry and keepsakes so that they will last for years to come.
HOW TO KEEP STERLING SILVER FROM TARNISHING?
Keep away from a solution
Corrosion in sterling silver takes place when silver gets into contact with a 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 fine. But we do not encourage our customers to wear 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 jewelry from tarnishing is that you should wear your jewelry last after applying makeup and perfume, and remove it first before showering or being active. This is to prevent any possible chemicals or salt-laden sweat from coming into contact with your silver jewelry.
Consider your home and work environment
Check your work or environment to see if you work with chemicals or other solutions regularly. If this is the case, remove your silver jewelry before dealing with chemicals. For example, people who work in cosmetics or perfume sales may find themselves needing to clean their silver jewelry more often.
If you live in a highly polluted environment, your jewelry may fade faster due to the high sulfur content in the air. Therefore, your jewelry also needs to be polished regularly.
HOW TO CARE FOR SILVER
It might just be your body's chemicals
In some rare cases, certain people's sweat reacts more with silver, which leads to faster discoloration. This can be more pronounced if certain foods or medications are consumed.
Wear it regularly
After reading all of these tips, you may be tempted to store your sterling silver and never wear it. But this is the last thing you should do. One of the best ways to keep your sterling silver looking great is to wear it. As long as you keep it clean and cared for, it will look new and last for a long time.
In short, only wear your jewelry when you need it to prevent your silver from tarnishing. Remove your jewelry at night and wrap it in a zipper-lock bag with a soft cloth to minimize reaction with the air. Otherwise, be prepared to polish and clean it regularly to maintain its perfect shine. In my next post, I will show you how to polish your silver jewelry.
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