How Silver Tarnishes (and What You Can Do About It!)
Sterling silver is a stunning metal, but it does have one flaw - tarnishing. Tarnishing happens when silver is exposed to air and moisture, causing it to lose its beautiful shine and turn dark. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with copper, which helps make it durable for everyday wear.
But here’s the catch: that copper reacts with oxygen and other chemicals, causing the tarnish. And don’t we all know how frustrating it is when your favourite silver piece turns black!
Your Skin’s pH Levels and Silver – Are You a Perfect Match?
Here's something many people don’t realise: your skin’s pH level can affect how quickly silver tarnishes! Yep, that’s right—if your skin is more acidic, your silver jewellery might start tarnishing after just a few hours of wear. For some people, their silver pieces stay shiny for ages, but for others, it's a matter of hours before they darken. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to change your skin chemistry, but there is a solution: rhodium plating. Rhodium is a hypoallergenic precious metal that coats your silver and prevents tarnishing, keeping that gorgeous shine. The downside? Rhodium plating eventually wears off and needs to be reapplied, and it can be a bit pricey!
Perfume, Pools, and the Gym: Tarnish’s Best Friends
Silver is a bit picky about what it touches. Perfume? Bad idea! Perfume is packed with chemicals that react with silver and speed up tarnishing. The fix? Spray your perfume on, let it dry completely, then put on your jewellery. The same rule applies to hand creams, sanitizers, and lotions - they can cause tarnish too.
Let’s not forget swimming pools and hot tubs! Chlorine is seriously bad news for both silver and gold. It not only speeds up tarnishing but can physically damage your jewellery, making it brittle. Pro tip: always take your jewellery off before going for a swim! The same goes for the gym - not only does sweat contribute to tarnishing, but there’s also a risk of scratching or bending your precious pieces. So it’s best to leave your jewellery safely at home when working out.
Storing Your Silver: Keep It Sparkling
Silver tarnishes when exposed to air and moisture, so if you're not wearing it, proper storage is essential. The best option is to keep your silver in airtight bags or containers. Add a piece of chalk or a silica pack inside to absorb any moisture. Keeping your jewellery away from air prevents oxidation and tarnishing. Avoid using paper or cardboard boxes, as they may contain sulfur, which will speed up the tarnishing process!
Argentium Silver: Tarnish-Resistant Option
If you're tired of constantly cleaning your silver, you might want to try Argentium silver. It's a special type of sterling silver that contains a small amount of germanium, which makes it more resistant to tarnishing. Argentium silver still has the same beautiful shine as traditional sterling silver, but it requires far less maintenance. It’s perfect if you want the look of silver without the constant upkeep!
Looking for More Durability? Try White Gold or Platinum
If you love silver but want something more durable, consider switching to white gold. White gold is made by mixing yellow gold with metals like nickel or palladium to give it that bright, silvery finish. It’s often plated with rhodium (just like silver) to keep it extra shiny and tarnish-free. White gold is much tougher than silver, making it resistant to scratches and ideal for everyday wear. The only thing to keep in mind is that the rhodium plating will wear off over time, and you’ll need to re-plate it to maintain its sparkle.
If you're looking for a long-term investment, platinum might be the way to go. It’s more expensive, but for a reason - platinum is naturally tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic, and it holds its colour without needing rhodium plating. It’s also one of the most durable metals out there, so if you’re looking for jewellery that will stand the test of time, platinum is a top choice!
Everyday Care for Your Silver Jewellery
Taking care of your silver jewellery doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s important if you want to keep it sparkling! Use a soft polishing cloth to gently remove tarnish and restore the shine. For more stubborn tarnish, a soft brush with warm, soapy water can do wonders. Whatever you do, avoid harsh chemicals and definitely skip the toothpaste - it’s too abrasive and can scratch the surface of your silver. If you want your jewellery to look brand-new again, take it to a professional jeweller for a proper clean.
Final Thoughts: Look After Your Jewellery!
Silver is beautiful, but like all precious metals, it needs a little care to keep its shine. Whether you choose traditional sterling silver, opt for the more tarnish-resistant Argentium, or decide to upgrade to white gold or platinum, treating your jewellery with care will ensure it looks stunning for years to come.
So, keep your pieces away from perfume, avoid the pool with them on, and give them the proper storage they deserve. Follow these tips, and your jewellery will be sparkling and gorgeous for years. Of course, you can ignore my advice and do what you like, but don’t be surprised if your jewellery loses its shine faster!
Remember: Investing in quality care keeps your precious jewellery looking as beautiful as the day you bought it!
