THE CORRECT CARE OF SILVER JEWELRY

Anyone who has ever owned a piece of silver jewelry probably knows the following scenario: if it is not worn for a while and lies in a drawer, the surface can turn dark, almost black. Colloquially, this is called "tarnishing". In technical jargon, this process is called "oxidizing".

But why does silver jewelry tarnish?

First, it's important to understand why this happens. Silver jewelry tarnishes because silver has a tendency to combine with oxygen and sulfur. This reaction can lead to a black patina forming on the piece of jewelry. This process is called "oxidation".

Here's a brief explanation of the process:

• The surface of the silver reacts with oxygen from the air, forming silver sulfide.

• Silver sulfide is a black, base metal that becomes visible on the surface of the silver jewelry.

• Sulfur, which is often present in the air or in environments with high sulfur content, can accelerate the reaction between silver and oxygen.

• Moisture, such as sweat, personal care products, or water, can also accelerate the reaction between silver and oxygen by enhancing the oxygen on the jewelry's surface.

• The longer the silver jewelry is exposed to the conditions that contribute to oxidation, the more it will tarnish.

It's important to note that tarnishing of silver jewelry is a natural process and does not indicate a malfunction of the jewelry. However, it is possible to slow down or prevent tarnishing through regular cleaning and proper storage.

How can tarnishing of silver jewelry be prevented?

1. Wear your silver jewelry regularly: Silver oxidizes slower when it is worn regularly and kept clean through skin contact.

2. Avoid contact with chemicals: Avoid direct contact of silver jewelry with chemicals such as perfume, hairspray, lotions, chlorine, and cleaning agents. These can accelerate tarnishing.

3. Store your jewelry properly: Store your silver jewelry in a dry, cool place and avoid moisture. It is also advisable to store silver jewelry in a box or bag to protect it from air and moisture.

4. Clean your silver jewelry regularly: Clean your silver jewelry regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oil. However, avoid harsh cleaning agents or brushes, as these can damage the silver.

Is it possible that certain pieces of jewelry are more prone to turning black? 

If you have different silver jewelry at home, it can happen that some pieces tarnish quickly (oxidize), while others seem to retain their shine. Why is that?

In that case, it is very likely that the piece of jewelry that is less prone to tarnishing has undergone "rhodium plating".

Rhodium-plated silver generally looks brighter and whiter than untreated silver and has a metallic sheen. In addition, it can make the jewelry more resistant to abrasion and scratches.

However, it is important to note that the rhodium plating can wear off over time, especially in areas where the jewelry is most stressed, such as the inside of a ring. When this happens, the silver underneath can tarnish and darken. In this case, the rhodium plating can theoretically be renewed to protect the jewelry again and restore its original shine. Or you can take it easy and accept the passage of time - we all get wrinkles eventually, and our jewelry simply gets small scratches and dents. :) 

How do I make tarnished silver shiny again?