When it comes to caring for your sterling silver jewelry, it is helpful to know that tarnish happens: it’s not a question of if, it’s a matter of when. Understanding the conditions that cause tarnish will help you better care for your jewelry.

Tarnish presents as a yellowish, brownish or black film that dulls the characteristic shine of sterling silver. While tarnish may be unattractive, it does not cause significant damage to the metal like rust does to steel or iron. With a bit of effort, tarnish is easily removed.

What causes tarnish?

Tarnish occurs when sterling silver is exposed to sulfur, moisture or sunlight. The outermost layer of the metal reacts chemically with these elements, which leaves a thin, dull layer on the metal’s surface. (Actually it’s the copper in the sterling silver alloy—7.5% by weight—that is highly reactive. Fine silver, 99% pure, doesn’t tarnish but is too soft to use in most jewelry.)

Preventing tarnish

The best way to combat tarnish is to prevent it from forming in the first place by minimizing exposure to sulfur, moisture and sunlight. Here’s a list of tips for keeping your sterling silver jewelry looking its best:

• Wear it often. The naturally occurring oils on your skin will help keep your jewelry looking bright.

• Remove jewelry before doing household chores. Many commercial cleaning products contain sulfur or other chemicals that will tarnish your jewelry, such as ammonia and chlorine.

• Remove your jewelry before swimming or bathing. Moisture, sunlight and chlorine  (if you are going to the pool) will accelerate tarnishing.

• Put your jewelry on last. Hand lotions, cosmetics (including hair products) and perfume promote tarnish.

• Store your jewelry properly. When not being worn, storing your jewelry in a cool, dry place away from sunlight (in a jewelry box, for example) will slow the tarnishing process. Keeping unworn jewelry in plastic zip-top bags with either a desiccant or anti-tarnish tabs will prevent tarnish from forming. 

Cleaning your jewelry

Periodically inspect your jewelry for dirt or grime. Gently clean the piece with dish soap and a soft brush. Soap and water are surprisingly effective at cleaning jewelry.

If the silver remains tarnished after cleaning with soap and water, here are some simple remedies to try:

• Baking soda and water. Make a paste with the baking soda and water; using a soft brush (best results) or cloth, gently rub the paste over the surface of the metal. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and dry completely. The baking soda paste is a mild abrasive; avoid using this method on jewelry with stones as the abrasive may permanently scratch the surface of the stone. 

• Commercial polishing cloth. We find that polishing cloths are great for removing light tarnish. We recommend polishing cloths that are formulated for sterling silver.