If you're considering purchasing 925 sterling silver jewelry, one question you may have is whether it will tarnish over time. Tarnishing occurs when the metal reacts with sulfur in the air, which causes a darkening of the surface. The good news is that while 925 sterling silver can tarnish, there are steps you can take to prevent and remove tarnish.
In this blog post, we'll explore whether 925 sterling silver tarnishes and how to care for your jewelry to prevent and remove tarnish.
Does 925 Sterling Silver Tarnish?
925 sterling silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. While pure silver is resistant to tarnishing, the other metals in the alloy can cause 925 sterling silver to tarnish over time.
However, there are several factors that can impact how quickly your 925 sterling silver jewelry tarnishes. These factors include:
- Exposure to air and moisture
- Contact with chemicals such as perfume, lotions, and hair products
- Skin pH levels
- How often the jewelry is worn
If you take good care of your 925 sterling silver jewelry, it can last for years without tarnishing.
How to Prevent Tarnish
There are several steps you can take to prevent your 925 sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing:
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Store your jewelry in a dry, airtight container, such as a jewelry box or ziplock bag. This will prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can speed up tarnishing.
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Store jewelry with chalk: If you throw a few pieces of chalk in with your sterling silver, the chalk will absorb the moisture and help prevent tarnishing.
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Avoid contact with chemicals. Remove your jewelry before applying perfume, lotions, or hair products. Also, remove your jewelry before swimming or showering.
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Keep your jewelry clean. Wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing to remove any dirt or oils. This will help prevent tarnish buildup.
How to Remove Tarnish
If your 925 sterling silver jewelry does tarnish, there are several methods you can use to remove the tarnish:
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Use a silver polishing cloth. These cloths are specially designed to remove tarnish and restore shine to silver jewelry.
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Use a silver cleaning solution. You can purchase a silver cleaning solution at most jewelry stores. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.
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Make your own cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. Rub the paste onto the tarnished areas of your jewelry with a soft cloth, then rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
Conclusion
925 sterling silver can tarnish over time, but with proper care, you can prevent and remove tarnish. Store your jewelry in a dry, airtight container, avoid contact with chemicals, and keep your jewelry clean.
It is important to keep in mind that preventing tarnish is much easier than removing it once it has already formed. Therefore, if you notice any signs of tarnish beginning to form, it is best to clean it promptly. By following these steps, you can ensure that your sterling silver maintains its pristine appearance for many years to come.
If your jewelry does tarnish, use a silver polishing cloth, a silver cleaning solution, or make your own cleaning solution with baking soda and water. With these tips, you can keep your 925 sterling silver jewelry looking shiny and new for years to come.