Sterling Silver Secrets: Why Tarnish Happens and How to Prevent It
Sterling silver is effortlessly cool, endlessly timeless, and full of character—and as it ages, it develops a natural patina that tells a story. But if your jewelry is darkening in ways you weren’t expecting, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. Let’s break down why sterling silver changes over time, how to embrace its evolving look, and what to do if you prefer it bright and polished.
What Causes Sterling Silver Tarnish?
First things first: tarnish isn’t a sign of low-quality silver. It’s a natural reaction between sterling silver (which is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper) and the environment.
Here’s what speeds up the process:
- Air & Humidity: Oxygen and moisture trigger a chemical reaction that creates silver sulfide—the culprit behind that dull, darkened look.
- Sweat & Skin Oils: Your natural skin chemistry can accelerate tarnishing, especially if you have acidic skin.
- Lotions & Perfumes: Chemicals in beauty products can react with silver, leading to discoloration.
- Sulfur Exposure: Sulfur-rich environments—like hot springs or even some foods (hello, eggs and onions)—can fast-track tarnishing.
Basically, sterling silver is a little high-maintenance. But don’t worry, we’ve got the hacks to keep it looking flawless.
How to Prevent Sterling Silver Tarnish
1. Wear It (Seriously, Just Wear It)
Good news: your skin’s natural oils actually help slow down tarnish! So instead of hiding your silver away, let it shine on the daily.
2. Keep It Dry
Water won’t ruin sterling silver, but prolonged exposure (especially to salt or chlorine) will speed up tarnishing. Remove your rings before swimming, showering, or doing dishes.
3. Store It Right
When you’re not wearing your jewelry, keep it in a dry, air-tight space. Pro tip: anti-tarnish pouches or a simple ziplock bag can work wonders.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Take your rings off before applying lotion, perfume, or hair products. And if you’re a skincare fanatic, steer clear of products with sulfur.
5. Use Anti-Tarnish Strips
These magical little strips absorb moisture and sulfur from the air, slowing down the tarnishing process. Toss one in your jewelry box for extra protection.
How to Clean Tarnished Sterling Silver
If your silver has already lost its sparkle, don’t panic. Here’s how to bring it back:
Quick Fix: Polishing Cloth
A simple silver polishing cloth can remove light tarnish in seconds. Keep one handy for regular touch-ups.
DIY Deep Clean: Baking Soda & Aluminum Foil
For heavy tarnish, try this science experiment:
- Line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up.
- Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and hot water (enough to submerge your jewelry).
- Drop in your silver jewelry and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
The reaction lifts tarnish off your jewelry—like magic.
Gentle Soap & Water
For lightly tarnished pieces, mix mild dish soap with warm water, soak your jewelry for a few minutes, then gently rub with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry completely.
Preserve the Stories Your Jewelry Holds
At NYXA, we believe jewelry is more than just an accessory—it’s a keeper of memories, moments, and milestones. Tarnish is a sign of time passing, but that doesn’t mean your pieces can’t stay as stunning as the day you got them. With a little care, your sterling silver can shine just as bright as your boldest memories.
Ready to add more silver to your collection? Shop NYXA’s sterling silver rings and keep the legacy going—tarnish-free, of course.