The formation of tarnish on silver sterling is a nuisance. Silver is a porous, delicate metal which promptly reacts with sulfides. Now where do the sulfides come from? They are everywhere! Yes, you heard it right. Sulphur compounds are present in cosmetic products, gasoline, smoke, common foods, etc. They are abundantly found close to water bodies like lakes, beaches, and urban zones. This article will thoroughly cover the causes along with 5 essential ways for preventing tarnish on silver jewelry pieces to make sure your treasured pieces maintain their gloss and luster!

 

WHERE DOES THE TARNISH COME FROM?

 

Given below is an extensive list of common sources which can kick-start tarnishing on your most cherished silver jewelry pieces:

 

• Cosmetic Products: Exposure to cosmetic products like hair-setting sprays, serums, and lotions are rich in derivatives of Sulphur compounds. When your silver jewelry remains exposed to such products, the tarnish keeps forming. To avoid this, always wear your silver sterling after you use these products and take them off first. Additionally, hair and beauty salons have remnants of sulfates in the air. Do not wear your silver jewelry when you are in their getting beauty services. 
  
  
• Newspaper, Cellophane, and Tissues: The manufacturing of newspaper, cellophane, and tissues observes frequent use of Sulphur compounds and sulfates. Avoid wrapping your silver jewelry pieces in any of these stifling coverings.
  
  
• Smoke and air pollution: Smoke exposure could dull the shine and tarnish the silver jewelry piece. Always take off your silver jewels whenever you are close to smoke and highly polluted areas.
  
  
• Rubber and Leather: Keeping your silver jewels wrapped in leather bags is a common wrongdoing. Both leather tanning and rubberization employs a layering of Sulphur during the process of manufacturing. Do not put your valuable assets to these ill fields of sulfates. 
  
  

1: PROPER STORAGE

 

Storing silver sterling requires proper thought and care. A common misconception revolves around keeping the silver jewels in plastic boxes and leather bags. However, these clearly are not the right places to keep your beloved pieces. Recommended storage protocol involves keeping your silver in silver saver tabs and anti-tarnish wrappings along with silica pouches to ward off any moisture. Anti-tarnish bags and wrappings could easily be found at a jeweler’s shop. In case you do not have access to these life-savers, keep your silver jewelry wrapped in moisture free jewelry boxes. Remember to check on your storage every now and then to prevent any tarnish from building. 

 

2: PROPER CLEANING GUIDE

 

Common myths like dighting your silver jewelry pieces with water, toothpaste, and baking soda can do more harm than good. Remember there is a set of protocols to go about a process. Jewelry shops and markets offer a proper guide on cleaning the pieces. Most handy ways include:

 

• Compound Breaking Silver Dips: Silver dips are designated cleaners which can help remove the tarnish in one go. Soak the pad in a dip cleaner. Once it has absorbed the solution, carefully polish the surface. However, do not try to rub the surface as it can scrape off more than just the residue. You will see sooty green residue on the cleaning cloth. 
  
  
• Polishing Liquids and Sprays: Every jeweler’s shop has silver polishing liquids like solutions and sprays available. You can conveniently use them. They come with an instruction manual which further clarifies the procedure.

 

Note: Cleaning liquids are chemical compositions and can damage gemstones and pearls. Make sure you do the cleaning carefully.

 

3: STUDY BEFORE YOU GET YOURSELF A SILVER JEWELRY PIECE

 

Silver sterling is likely to get tarnished more than any silver jewelry that is an alloy. It has been a studied fact that silver alloys are less likely to get tarnished than any other types of silver. These include TruSilver and Argentium. It has been reported by their manufacturers that silver alloys are pre-treated with anti-tarnish properties which keep them spick and span. Alloys take in different types of processes before finally molded to a shape. These processes include e-coating and spray treatments. Therefore, make sure you get all the required specifics listed before making a purchase. Know what you are spending your dime on!

 

4: KEEP AN EYE (OF A TIGER!)

 

925 silver sterling has significantly high tendencies to tarnish. However, crying at the last hour doesn’t sound very appealing. Tarnish grows stubborn over time. It forms layers and layers of sooty green residue which can take significant effort to come off. To prevent such an occurrence, make sure you check on your beloved silver jewelry piece every now and then. If you get to clean your pieces before greater damage appears, you can save your piece from wasting away. 

 

5: FLAUNT YOUR SILVER JEWELRY PIECES!

 

You can’t keep your silver jewelry shut tight in a box, opening it up once in a blue moon. It is not fair! Forming a habit of wearing silver jewelry pieces can actually delay the process of tarnishing. Our body produces natural oils which are beneficial for the silver. When you keep your shiny silver shut tight in a container, the moisture builds up and ruins the appearance. While wearing your jewelry keeps it fresh with skin oils and healthy compounds. Just make sure, you do not sweat on them!

 

FAQs

 

Q1: WHY DOES MY SILVER JEWELRY LOOK SPOTTED AND DISCOLORED?

 

Your silver jewelry is tarnished. You can get it de-tarnished by dipping it in silver dip or other anti-tarnish liquids. To prevent this from happening, use better storing strategies. 

 

Q2: CAN I USE FIZZY DRINKS TO DE-TARNISH?

 

No, don’t. Other articles might recommend this but know that it is harmful and can damage your silver jewelry for good. Always seek professional help. 

 

CONCLUSION

 

T-Bird Jewels are a trusted name in the realm of jewelry appraisals, maintenance, and manufacturing. You can ask professional help by booking an appointment or visit them personally. This article on 5 essential ways for preventing tarnish on silver jewelry pieces holds sound information and detailed guide. Keep your silver from tarnishing and shine on!