Sterling silver jewellery is known for its elegance and timeless beauty, but many people worry about tarnishing. Over time, silver may develop a dark or dull layer, leading to misconceptions about its quality. In this guide, we’ll uncover what causes silver tarnish, debunk common myths, and share expert tips to prevent it.

What Causes Silver Tarnish?

Tarnishing occurs when silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air, forming silver sulfide, which appears as a dark coating. Here are the main causes:

1. Exposure to Air & Humidity – Oxygen and moisture accelerate tarnishing.

2. Sweat & Skin Oils – Natural body oils can speed up discoloration.

3. Chemicals in Beauty Products – Perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays contain chemicals that affect silver.

4. Household Chemicals – Chlorine (in pools) and cleaning products can damage silver.

5. Sulfur-Rich Foods – Eggs, onions, and garlic release sulfur, which can cause tarnishing when silver is exposed to them.

Common Myths About Silver Tarnishing

❌ Myth 1: Tarnish Means Fake Silver

✅ Truth: Tarnishing is a natural reaction, even for genuine S925 sterling silver. Fake silver, on the other hand, may turn green or peel off.

❌ Myth 2: Pure Silver Doesn’t Tarnish

✅ Truth: Even S999 fine silver tarnishes over time! However, S925 sterling silver, which contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, is more prone to tarnishing due to its alloy composition.

❌ Myth 3: Silver Tarnish is Permanent

✅ Truth: Tarnish can be removed easily with proper cleaning techniques.

How to Prevent Silver Tarnishing?

Follow these expert tips to keep your silver jewellery shining for years:

1. Store Silver Properly

✔ Keep jewellery in an anti-tarnish pouch or box. ✔ Use silica gel packs to absorb moisture. ✔ Store pieces separately to avoid scratches.

2. Wear Your Silver Regularly

✔ The natural oils in your skin help keep silver polished. ✔ Avoid wearing silver while swimming or using chemicals.

3. Clean Your Silver Regularly

✔ Use a soft polishing cloth to wipe away tarnish. ✔ For deeper cleaning, use a baking soda and water paste. ✔ Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the silver.

4. Avoid Contact with Harsh Chemicals

✔ Put on silver jewellery after applying perfumes, lotions, and makeup. ✔ Remove silver rings before washing dishes or using cleaning products. ✔ Keep silver away from sulfur-rich foods like eggs and onions.

How to Remove Tarnish from Silver Jewellery?

If your silver has already tarnished, try these easy cleaning methods:

🔹 Baking Soda & Water – Make a paste, rub gently, rinse, and dry. 🔹 Lemon & Salt Bath – Soak silver in lemon juice with salt, then rinse. 🔹 Aluminum Foil & Baking Soda Method – Line a bowl with foil, add hot water and baking soda, and dip the jewellery to remove tarnish.

Final Thoughts

Tarnishing is a natural process, but proper care and storage can keep your silver jewellery looking as good as new. At SilverBird Jewellery, we provide high-quality S925 sterling silver jewellery designed to last.

✨ Shop our latest collection at silverbird.in and enjoy long-lasting shine!