WHY DOES SILVER TARNISH?
Silver changes.
You may notice it becoming darker, losing some of its brightness or developing a soft grey or black patina over time. This is completely normal — and it is not a sign that your jewelry is made from inferior silver.
WHAT IS TARNISH?
Sterling silver is an alloy made from 92.5% pure silver and other metals, most commonly copper. The addition of other metals gives silver the strength and durability it needs to be shaped into jewelry.
Like many metals, silver reacts with its environment. In particular, compounds containing sulfur in the air can react with the surface of silver and create silver sulfide — the dark layer we recognise as tarnish.
Humidity, pollution, cosmetics, perfumes and certain chemicals can accelerate this process. Chlorine and other harsh chemicals can be particularly aggressive towards silver.
So yes, your silver may change.
And that is part of being silver.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN FASTER TO SOME PIECES?
There isn’t one universal timeline.
The environment around you, how often you wear a piece, your skincare and cosmetics, humidity and even the way a piece is stored can all influence how quickly tarnish develops.
Some pieces may remain bright for a long time. Others may darken relatively quickly.
Even two pieces made from the same sterling silver can behave differently.
DOES TARNISH MEAN THE SILVER IS NOT REAL?
No.
Tarnishing happens on the surface of the metal. It does not mean that the silver underneath has somehow disappeared or that the piece has lost its value.
A gentle clean can usually bring back much of the original brightness.
And sometimes, that darker surface is not something to fight immediately. It can become part of the character of a piece — especially on sculptural or textured jewelry, where a little contrast can reveal details and depth.
WEAR YOUR SILVER
One of the simplest ways to enjoy your jewelry is, quite simply, to wear it.
Regular wear and gentle handling can help keep a piece looking alive, while leaving silver untouched in a humid environment for long periods can encourage tarnishing.
Of course, wearing your jewelry doesn’t mean exposing it to everything.
Perfume, creams and other cosmetics are best applied before putting on your jewelry. Remove silver pieces before swimming, especially in chlorinated water, and avoid prolonged contact with harsh chemicals.
WHEN YOUR SILVER NEEDS A LITTLE REFRESH
For everyday care, a soft, dry cotton or microfiber cloth is usually all you need.
Gently wipe the surface to remove everyday residue and restore some of its shine. If a piece needs more attention, the safest cleaning method depends on the design and any stones it contains.
This is especially important for jewelry featuring semi-precious stones: not every stone reacts to water, chemicals or cleaning products in the same way.
When in doubt, ask us.
We’d always rather help you care for a piece properly than have you experiment with a cleaning method that isn’t suitable for it.
A LITTLE SILVER FACT
Silver is one of the oldest metals used in jewelry and objects of beauty. It has been valued for centuries for its brightness, workability and distinctive character.
And perhaps that’s part of what makes it interesting.
It isn’t completely static.
It changes with time, with wear and with the environment around it — quietly becoming a little more yours.