Did you Know?
Tarnish is generally caused when metal is exposed to sulfur compounds, primarily hydrogen sulfide in the air, including relative humidity which also contributes to the tarnishing rate.
However, here are some common culprits in your daily life you would need to be careful about:
- Salt: extremely corrosive to silver, avoid prolonged exposure to your jewelry
- Food (partial list): eggs, mayonnaise, onions, sour cream, mustard, garlic, fish, bananas, coffee, chocolate.
- Water: salt water, high chlorine levels in swimming pools, sulfur-rich well water
- Others: Natural gas, coal, oil, fireplaces, candles, some adhesives, grout
That being said, to prevent tarnish and scratches from occurring on your sterling silver jewelry, three simple rules can be followed:
1/Polish regularly
One of the most effective ways to prevent scratches from developing on your sterling silver jewelry is to polish them regularly. It is recommended to use soft cotton or microfiber cloth and polish the silver gently and carefully to remove any dirt that may cause scratches. Furthermore, regular polishing will remove any oils or acids from building upon the jewelry and prevent tarnish from developing.
2/Avoid rough handling
Another simple method of preventing scratches from occurring on your sterling silver jewelry is to simply handle the jewelry carefully and avoid throwing it around. Most scratches on silver jewelry will appear from the shaking, pulling, or rough movement. Therefore, being careful when handling the jewelry will often be enough to leave your jewelry entirely scratch-free.
3/Store safely when not wearing
Finally, many scratches occur on sterling silver jewelry when the jewelry is not carefully. For example, if your sterling silver bracelet is stored on a bedside table, it will usually be moved around a lot and at risk of being damaged. A jewelry box is a perfect solution to this problem as it will keep the jewelry in good condition when not being worn.
When attempting to prevent scratches from developing on your sterling silver jewelry, the main thing you should avoid doing is trying to polish the silver with a rough or dirty cloth, rubbing too aggressively, or simply not polishing properly. Another method of tarnish prevention is e-coating, which covers the silver in a protective coat. This also means the silver will not require polishing regularly.