Does 925 Sterling Silver Tarnish or Change Color?

Silver jewelry has been around for thousands of years. Like gold, silver is used because it is the extremely durable. Silver is a noble metal, together with, henium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold. Noble metals have a very outstanding resistance to chemical attacks. Silver also has unique properties such as being antimicrobial so you can't get mold or bacteria growing on your jewelry.

Silver jewelry, unlike brass jewelry, which many hip hop companies sell on today's market, doesn't tarnish. Brass turns green and leaves ugly green residue on your neck. Brass also contains nickel, which gives many people allergic reactions. At Harlembling, we do not sell ANY brass jewelry. All our silver jewelry is nickel free!

Silver does however oxidize. Oxidation is a process by which when silver metal reacts with oxygen it forms a black patina. 999 silver oxidizes really fast and that's the main reason jewelers use 925 sterling silver. 925 sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% a blend of other noble metals. 925 Sterling silver oxidizes when not worn for prolonged periods of time or left in storage. Think of your grandmas old silver spoons and forks.

Introduction to Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry has been a popular choice for many years due to its beauty, durability, and affordability. One of the most common types of silver jewelry is sterling silver, which is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. Sterling silver jewelry, including sterling silver rings and necklaces, is prized for its shine and versatility.

However, like all silver jewelry, it can be prone to tarnish, which can dull its appearance. Understanding what causes sterling silver tarnish and how to prevent it is essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your silver jewelry.

 

What is Silver Tarnish?

Silver tarnish is a chemical reaction that occurs when silver reacts with sulfur or oxygen in the air, resulting in the formation of silver sulfide.

Tarnishing occurs when sterling silver is exposed to moisture and air, unlike just pure silver which is more prone to quicker discoloration. While tarnished silver can lose its shine, using silver polishes can effectively clean tarnish and restore its beauty. What is commonly called sterling silver is actually an alloy, and this type of jewelry can last a lifetime with proper care.

This reaction can cause a thin, dull layer to form on the surface of the silver, leading to a loss of shine and luster. Tarnish can occur on all types of silver jewelry, including sterling silver, pure silver, and silver-plated items. Sterling silver tarnish can be particularly problematic, as the copper content in the alloy can accelerate the tarnishing process.

Factors That Contribute to Tarnish

Several factors can contribute to tarnishing sterling silver jewelry, including exposure to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. Everyday items like soap, dish soap, and mild soap can contain sulfur and oxygen, which can cause tarnish. Humidity and environmental factors that get your sterling silver wet can also contribute to the formation of tarnish.

Wearing sterling silver jewelry in certain conditions, such as in pools or hot tubs, can accelerate the tarnishing process. It’s essential to avoid exposing your sterling silver jewelry to harsh chemicals and to store it in a dry, airtight container to prevent tarnish.

How to Prevent Tarnish on 925 Sterling Silver

Preventing tarnish on 925 sterling silver jewelry requires proper care and maintenance. One of the most effective ways to prevent tarnish is to store your jewelry in an airtight container, such as a jewelry box, with anti-tarnish strips. These strips can help absorb moisture and sulfur, reducing the risk of sterling silver to tarnish. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap can also help prevent tarnish.

Avoid using harsh chemicals, baking soda, or other abrasive materials, as these can damage the silver and accelerate the tarnishing process. For tougher ways to clean sterling silver, a polishing cloth can be used to remove tarnish and restore the shine of your sterling silver jewelry.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance are crucial for preventing tarnish and maintaining the beauty of your sterling silver jewelry. A soft cloth and mild soap can be used to clean your jewelry, and a polishing cloth can be used to remove tarnish and restore shine. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the silver. Regularly inspecting your jewelry for signs of tarnish and taking steps to prevent it can help extend the life of your sterling silver jewelry. By following these tips and taking proper care of your jewelry, you can enjoy your sterling silver pieces for years to come. Remember to always handle your jewelry with care, avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals and storing it in a dry, airtight container to prevent tarnish and maintain its shine.

Daily Wear Stops Oxidation

Great news, however is that by wearing the jewelry every day stops the oxidation!!! Yes, you heard that right! With silver jewelry, when you wear it, oils from your body form a barrier between the jewelry and oxygen, which prevents tarnishing. In everyday life, wearing your sterling silver jewelry can help maintain its shine and prevent tarnish. This is the main reason silver is superior to brass! While wearing a brass hip hop ring or a moissanite pendant every day may ruin it, wearing a sterling silver one makes it better!

Real silver is also one of the easiest jewelries to clean. There are tons of silver jewelry cleaners on the market. You simply wipe down the jewelry and it will look like new again. You can also use a toothbrush or simply baking soda.

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At Harlembling, we also use a specially patented coating that is like the ceramic coating, a thin layer you apply on a car. With this, NASA formulated patented finish items that are worn at least several times a month, won't oxidize for at least a decade, sometimes even longer!

With gold vermeil jewelry, you also don’t have to worry about changing color because gold acts like a barrier and stops silver, a valuable metal, from oxidizing.

All in all, whether you want to buy moissanite earrings or a bust down Cuban link chain fully iced out, high quality sterling silver, (925 sterling silver) is the way to go. Buy brass and it will be garbage in a few weeks/months. Buy silver and it’s an investment that will be appreciated by everyone that sees you wearing the bling for years to come!

At Harlembling we also use a specially patented coating that is like the ceramic coating you apply on a car. With this NASA formulated patented finish items that are worn at least several times a month wont oxidize for at least a decade, sometimes even longer!

Gold vermeil jewelry you also don’t have to worry about changing color because gold acts like a barrier and stops silver from oxidizing.

All in all, whether you want to buy moissanite earrings or a bust down Cuban link chain fully iced out, 925 sterling silver is the way to go. Buy brass and it will be garbage in a few weeks/months. Buy silver and it’s an investment that will be appreciated by everyone that sees you wearing the bling for years to come!