After a few weeks of wearing your new silver necklace, you notice that it's not as shiny anymore. What do you think is happening?
Here is your answer:
Sterling silver is an alloyed metal, normally made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, mostly copper to add strength since silver is a fairly soft metal. It’s primarily the other metals mixed with pure silver, such as copper, that cause it to tarnish. However, the tarnishing of sterling silver is an inevitable result when it comes in contact with particles from the air.
You can prolong the life of your silver jewelry by taking care of it properly and we have created a guide to help you!
6 ways to Prevent Silver from Tarnishing
👑 1. Wear it often: Your skin’s natural oils will help keep silver jewelry shiny. One of the easiest ways to prevent tarnish is to simply wear your silver often as opposed to letting it sit in a jewelry box unworn. Occasionally some skin’s acidity level is so high that this can tarnish silver quicker.
👗 2. Put silver jewelry on last when you’re getting dressed. The chemicals such as hairspray, perfume, body lotion and makeup can cause tarnish.
🫧 3. Remove during household chores: Substances with additional sulfur-like household cleaners, chlorinated water, perspiration, and rubber will accelerate corrosion and tarnish. It’s a good idea to remove sterling silver completely before cleaning.
🌞3. Keep out of direct sunlight: Before you hit the beach or pool, be sure to remove your silver jewelry. Sunlight can cause silver to tarnish as well.
🌬 4. Keep silver always dry: It’s important to not take shower or get in the pool with your silver jewelry. The humidity of the shower will speed up oxidation, and the chlorine in a pool will cause more damage to it than only tarnishing.
🎁 5. Store it properly, in a dry, cool place. Plastic bags (always included in your Sabiria purchase) that zip closed are the most popular. Place just one piece in each bag, and squeeze all the air out before locking it tight. If you place multiple pieces in the same bag, you might prevent tarnish, but this will cause stretches.
💌 6. Save your silica packs which come with your Sabiria box and toss them in your silver storage container.
‼️Remember that it’s easier to prevent tarnish than it is to remove it after it occurs. If you see tarnish beginning to form, be sure to clean it immediately.
What to do if they are already tarnished?
3 solutions to clean your Sterling Silver Jewelry
🧼 1. Dish detergent and water: Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and then add a few drops of detergent to the bowl. Place the silver in the solution and let it soak for one minute. Finally, rinse it well, and dry with a soft lint-free cloth or place on a cloth to air-dry.
🧤 2. Use a silver polishing cloth: You can use a polishing cloth that’s specifically for sterling silver. Rub your jewelry until the tarnish is removed. Please avoid using the polishing cloth over the stones.
🧪3. Use Silver Dip: You can also use a silver dip to quickly and easily remove tarnish from sterling silver. It particularly works well with silver chains which can be difficult to clean with a polishing cloth alone. You should be able to find a silver dip or similar at your local supermarket, larger pharmacy or hardware shop. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and always rinse well and dry when you're done
If your silver jewelry has blackened areas as part of the design or soft gemstones like lapis lazuli, turquoise or pearls then avoid silver dip to be on the safe side as it may damage some finishes and gemstones, in these cases consult a local jewellery shop.
