Silver is one of the most durable metals available, and if well taken care of, can last a lifetime. It is also hypoallergenic and great for those with sensitive skin. One question we get a lot here at Tiny Tags is how to care for sterling silver jewelry. Let’s answer some common questions about silver!
How long will silver last?
Our jewelry can mean so much to us, so we want to make sure it will last as long as possible. High quality sterling silver can last for decades if well taken care of. It’s important to clean it and store it properly when not being worn. Silver will also last longer if kept away from harsh chemicals such as lotions, perfumes, hand sanitizers, and many soaps.
Does sterling silver tarnish?
The short answer is yes - all silver will tarnish. Even Tiffany’s! Silver can tarnish when exposed to harsh chemicals, as well as swimming in pools and the ocean. Some climates can cause tarnishing too - those with high humidity or if you live close to the ocean.
Why does silver tarnish?
If we want to get technical here, pure silver doesn’t tarnish. But pure silver isn’t strong enough to make jewelry out of, so it is mixed with copper to strengthen it. If you look at the back of your silver Tiny Tags, you will see a “925” engraved. This means there is 92.5% silver (the minimum allowed for silver jewelry) and 7.5% copper. It is actually the copper that tarnishes in silver.
How long does it take for sterling silver to tarnish?
It’s difficult to put an exact timeline on how long it takes for silver to tarnish. It can depend on many different factors such as what kind of chemicals you come into contact with, swimming in pools, and what beauty products you use. The better you take care of it, the longer it will last.
How to prevent sterling silver from tarnishing?
To prevent your sterling silver from tarnishing, keep it away from harsh chemicals, keep it dry, store it correctly, and clean and polish when needed. Take it off when washing your hands or swimming, and keep it in a secure bag or box when you’re not wearing it. You also want to take it off when exercising.
Does sterling silver rust?
Although the pure silver in sterling silver doesn’t rust, the copper added can react to oxygen, salt and moisture and will tarnish. Tarnish is different from rust, which usually appears on iron. When an item rusts, it can start to crack and can actually cause metal to deteriorate.
How to get rust off sterling silver?
Sterling silver shouldn’t rust, but it can tarnish. To get the tarnish off your sterling silver, wipe it with a polishing cloth, wash it with some dish soap and water, or use an ionic cleaner. You can also try other DIY methods for cleaning your silver jewelry. Storing it properly will help keep the piece from tarnishing.
Does sterling silver fade? What makes sterling silver fade? Does sterling silver turn colors?
While sterling silver won’t fade or turn colors, it can tarnish over time if not properly cared for. To keep your silver from tarnishing, keep it dry, store it in a cool, dry place. And you always want to keep your silver away from harsh chemicals.
How can I clean my silver jewelry?
Here are 5 tips to clean and maintain your sterling silver:
1. Wipe with a polishing cloth: the easiest way to clean your silver! Wipe it with the polishing cloth included with your Tiny Tags order.
2. Keep it away from chemicals: the best way to clean your silver is to prevent it from needing cleaning! Remove your silver jewelry when using harsh cleaning solutions, and keep it away from lotions and perfumes.
3. Take it off when at the beach or pool: Chlorine and salt water are very damaging to silver jewelry, so it’s best to take off your pieces when swimming.
4. Store your silver jewelry in a cloth pouch in an airtight plastic bag, away from sunlight.
5. Another great way to clean your silver jewelry is to soak it in warm water with a drop of dish soap, then rinse and dry with a clean cloth.
If you take the time to care for your silver jewelry there is no reason it can’t last for years. Since it’s durable and easy to clean, go ahead and wear your silver and enjoy it!
FAQs
To prevent your sterling silver from tarnishing, keep it away from harsh chemicals, keep it dry, store it correctly, and clean and polish when needed. Take it off when washing your hands or swimming, and keep it in a secure bag or box when you're not wearing it.
How do I make sure my sterling silver doesn't tarnish? ›
It should be far away from sunlight, moisture, and heat. You should also consider placing each piece of sterling silver jewelry into its own plastic bag and removing air from the bag. This will prevent it from coming into contact with contaminants that could cause it to tarnish.
What cleans sterling silver best? ›
Quickly restore your jewelry or tableware with vinegar, water and baking soda. This cleaning agent is a great option for many things, including your tarnished silver. Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl of lukewarm water. Let the silver soak for two to three hours.
What not to do with sterling silver? ›
Avoid exposing your silver jewelry to chemicals such as perfumes, lotions, or hair sprays, as these can cause discoloration. Clean your silver jewelry regularly with a soft cloth or a silver polishing cloth to remove any tarnish or dirt. You can also use gentle soap and warm water to clean your silver jewelry.
How to keep your silver from tarnishing? ›
Silver should always be stored in a drawer or chest lined with tarnish-resistant flannel or individually wrapped in acid-free tissue paper, silver cloth, or unbleached cotton muslin and placed in a zip-top plastic bag.
Does aluminum foil keep sterling silver from tarnishing? ›
DON'T skip the aluminum foil, though! The aluminum moves the silver oxidation from the silver to the foil. You need to lay the sterling on aluminum foil or it will turn black. Also exercise caution with silver plated objects— especially if you don't know what other metals are in the piece.
How long will 925 sterling silver last? ›
Sterling silver normally lasts 20 to 30 years if the owner cares well for it. However, your sterling silver can last forever if you care for it properly. Made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, sterling silver requires some special care. If you own any sterling silver jewelry, you should know how to care for it well.
Can you use Dawn dish soap on sterling silver? ›
Dust your silver every so often using a soft cloth—it will help keep the tarnish away. And whenever you start to see it slightly tarnish (which will vary depending on the piece and how pure the silver is—less sterling tarnishes more quickly), simply give it a light cleaning using a gentle dish soap (like Dawn).
What should you not clean silver with? ›
Least Effective: Toothpaste
Two readers, QueenSashy and Klrcon, suggested using toothpaste to clean silver—but Boulangere said that it's "abrasive and will scratch the silver, especially if it's not silver plate." Well, it didn't do all that much.
What is the best homemade silver cleaner? ›
A paste of baking soda and water is all you need to clean larger silver items and remove the dull tarnish. You'll need to rub the paste over the items, but the baking soda does most of the work for you without heavy scrubbing – and no toxic ingredients.
To keep your silver from tarnishing, keep it dry, store it in a cool, dry place. And you always want to keep your silver away from harsh chemicals.
Which is better, 925 silver or sterling silver? ›
Sterling silver is more easily tarnished than fine silver because of the other metals it contains. While 925 sterling silver is less “pure” than silver, it does not mean it's not good. Sterling silver is a high-quality material that's both durable and beautiful to wear.
What can I spray on silver to keep it from tarnishing? ›
ProtectaClear® Coating
It's the perfect coating for highly polished metals where you want to lock in shine, keeping silver looking like its just been polished. ProtectaClear® is tough and durable coating with a pencil hardness of H8 perfect for items that will be subject to a lot of handling and abuse.
How should sterling silver be stored? ›
Cool, Dry Spot
A cool, dry environment is perfect for your sterling silver. Exposure to heat and humidity can speed up tarnishing, so always store your pieces somewhere with a stable, lower temperature.
Can sterling silver be coated to prevent tarnish? ›
ProtectaClear® and CrobialCoat™ coatings are easy to apply clear tough protective coating that look very natural and will stop your silver from tarnishing and looking like it is freshly polished.
Does 100% sterling silver tarnish? ›
Silver tarnish is the discoloration of sterling silver items which can take on a yellow or black tint. Although the pure silver in sterling silver does not react and tarnish at room temperature, the copper added can easily react with the salt and sulfur in the air, making sterling silver rust.
Can sterling silver be permanently tarnished? ›
The good news about this ugly truth is that tarnish on sterling silver is not permanent and can easily be removed with the proper cleaning practices.
How do you make sterling silver last longer? ›
To prevent your sterling silver from tarnishing, keep it away from harsh chemicals, keep it dry, store it correctly, and clean and polish when needed. Take it off when washing your hands or swimming, and keep it in a secure bag or box when you're not wearing it. You also want to take it off when exercising.
