The Question I hear More Than Any Other at Markets

If You Like Polished Silver....

One of the questions I'm asked most often at craft markets is, "Will my silver jewellery tarnish?" The answer is: it depends.


Most silver jewellery is made from 925 sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. The copper is added to make the jewellery stronger and more durable, especially for rings and chains.


Tarnish happens when the copper reacts with air, moisture, and sulfur in the environment. Over time, this chemical reaction creates a dark layer on the surface of the jewellery.


The good news is that most of my pendants, charms, and earring components are made from 99.9% pure silver. Because pure silver contains little to no copper, it tarnishes much more slowly than sterling silver, helping your jewellery stay bright and beautiful for longer.

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Is This Silver? Will it Tarnish?

Before - Tarnished Sterling Silver

Partially Polished

After - Fully Polished Bracelet

You buy a beautiful, shiny piece of silver jewellery, but after wearing it for a few months, you notice it isn't as bright as it used to be. Here are three common reasons why silver jewellery tarnishes.

1. SWEAT, Creams and SUNSCREEN

If these creams get on your silver jewellery it speeds up tarnishing. Remove your jewellery before applying and  allow them to soak in.  Then put your jewellery back on.  

2. Chemicals and Salt Water

These two often found when we swim can cause tarnishing and other issues too. Chemicals like chlorine can erode the metal overtime. Salt water can accelerate corrosion and damage gemstones.

3. POOr STORAGE CONDITIONS

It's so easy to remove your jewellery and leave it on your bathroom counter. If sterling silver is left in damp areas where moisture can get trapped, this will speed up tarnishing. 

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What can you do to help prevent tarnish?  A few simple practices make a big difference.

1. Store your Jewellery

When you're not wearing your jewellery, keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Those little silica gel packets that come with online orders are perfect for storing jewellery. Place one in your jewellery box, drawer, or storage container to help absorb moisture and reduce tarnish.

2. Use AntI-Tarnish Packaging with Ziploc Bags

Store your silver jewellery in small zip-top bags with an anti-tarnish strip. Before sealing the bag, gently squeeze out as much air as you can. This simple step really works! I store all of my silver jewellery this way, then keep the bags in my jewellery box or a dark drawer to help prevent tarnish.

3. Keep Silver away from rubber

Rubber creates tarnish on silver because rubber contains sulfur compounds. When silver touches rubber or sits near it, the sulfur reacts with the silver to form a dark layer of black.

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tHe good News about PUre Silver!

Most of my jewellery components are made with pure silver which contains 99.9% silver.  It doesn't contain base metals (like copper) which easily react to oxygen or water. It will slowly react to sulfur gases but the darkness you see in sterling silver reactions will not be the same for pure silver.

What IF I Have Tarnished silver Jewellery? 

Don't worry—it's easy to clean your silver jewellery.


Start by washing it with warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush to remove dirt and oils. Then, gently polish it with a jewellery polishing cloth to remove the tarnish and bring back its shine.
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If you have several tarnished pieces or would rather have them professionally cleaned, feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to clean them for you for a small fee.

Enjoy the Beauty of Nature!🌷
​Cheryl