Why is my silver black?
Oxidation is a natural chemical reaction. When sterling silver jewellery comes into contact with the air or other substances it reacts with sulphur and forms silver sulphide, which is black. This is sometimes known either as tarnishing or oxidising.
Does all silver tarnish?
Other metals added to sterling silver are more reactive, making it prone to turning black (tarnishing or oxidising). Pure silver will tarnish a little, but generally not as much as sterling silver.
Is oxidation bad for my jewellery?
No! Sometimes as jewellers we deliberately oxidise jewellery. If sterling silver comes into contact with sulphur, even sulphur in the air, it can turn the silver black. We use this to create design features, such as contrast between silver and gold, or polished and blackened silver.
Can I stop my jewellery tarnishing?
Not entirely, air pollution, humidity, perfume, beauty products or even skin oils can result in tarnishing. Even leaving your jewellery unworn for long periods of time can cause tarnish. Jewellers sometimes use a product to protect precious surfaces, but with time it will wear off, especially on pieces such as rings that get high wear.
How should I store my jewellery?
- Store in a dry place, silica gel sachets can help reduce moisture
- Place in a zip lock bag or soft cloth – tarnish resistant cloth/pouches are available to buy
- Store in an airtight box or jewellery box
How do I remove the black tarnish from my jewellery?
There are a few super easy ways to clean your jewellery, and you don’t need any special equipment!
1. Soap and Water Method (Light Tarnish)
Ideal for mildly tarnished pieces:
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
- Soak the jewellery for 5–10 minutes.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub crevices.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
3. Silver Polishing Cloth
Perfect for regular maintenance:
- Gently rub the jewellery with a polishing cloth made specifically for silver.
- Avoid using tissues or paper towels, which can scratch the surface.
4. Toothpaste
A classic jeweller’s secret DIY cleaning method:
- Put a small amount of basic toothpaste (not gel or whitening) onto a soft cloth and gently rub the surface. If you don’t mind some mess you can just use your finger, or an old toothbrush.
- Rinse away the toothpaste with warm soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
What to Avoid
To keep your silver jewellery safe, steer clear of these:
- Harsh Chemicals: Avoid bleach, acetone, and ammonia.
- Abrasive Materials: Don’t use rough scrubbers or paper towel which may scratch.
- Over-cleaning: Frequent abrasive cleaning can wear down fine detailing.
- Cleaning precious stones: If your jewellery contains precious stones, don’t use cleaning products around the stones and settings.
If your jewellery has a high shine polished finish, avoid using any abrasive cleaning method. Once silver has been worn, it will usually gain natural wear and tear marks, so a gentle abrasive such as toothpaste won’t show.
Wearing your jewellery is the ultimate way to avoid tarnishing!