Our Silver is a High-Quality Precious Metal
Our Sterling Silver is 92.5% Silver with 7.5% copper to give it strength, since 100% pure silver is too soft, marks easily, and is not as durable. This composition for Sterling Silver is the standard for fine jewelry.
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
Silver naturally reacts with hydrogen sulfide found in the air which causes the silver to darken and over time. Strangely enough, when worn silver rarely shows signs of tarnishing since the natural rubbing against your clothes will keep it clean. The process of tarnishing can be increased by not wearing your jewelry or not keeping in an airtight ziplock bag between wearings.
Best Practice to Avoid Tarnish
1. Wear your silver. Silver usually will not tarnish when worn, since it is naturally being rubbed on your skin or clothes.
2. When not being worn, place it in a ziplock plastic bag, this will minimize the exposure to moisture and sulfur in the air.
3. Place a anti-tarnish strip or tab in the place where you keep your jewelry.
CLEANING SILVER WITH TARNISH
Here are some great ways to remove tarnish once it begins:
1. Polishing Cloth.
Sterling silver is a precious metal and may require cleaning from time to time. Using a small amount of silver polish on a soft cloth, gently rub the silver several times. Then rinse the silver thoroughly in warm water and carefully dry. This will remove the tarnish and dullness, keeping your sterling silver like new. Please avoid chlorine and bleach which accelerate tarnishing.
2. Chemical Dip. A chemical dip is a great way to remove more substantial tarnish, and can be purchased at stores like Walmart in the jewelry section. Simply dip silver jewelry in this solution for about 10 seconds and your silver is bright and clean once more. Be careful to not get solution on other jewelry parts, especially pearls, as this solution will damage the luster of pearls.
Reasons your Silver Jewelry may tarnish more quickly than others:
Silver does not like sulfur, which is found in small amounts in the air which overtime can cause tarnish.
Humidity is also an enemy of silver, so if you live in a humid area especial with salt water this will accelerate the tarnish of your jewelry. Chlorine found in pools is one of the worst enemies of silver! Do not wear your silver in swimming pools.
Chances are your silver will over time begin to tarnish if not worn. So if you are not going to be wearing it for a time, please keep in an airtight bag to prevent tarnish and keep your jewelry sparkling and like new!
We hope you enjoy your keepsake jewelry and hope this helps with how to care for it.