Understanding Silver Tarnish:
What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Manage It
If you’ve noticed that your silver items have developed a dull or darkened appearance, you’re observing a common phenomenon known as tarnish. Tarnishing is a natural process that affects silver over time, and it’s important to understand that this is perfectly normal.
What is Tarnish?
Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on the surface of silver when it reacts with sulfur compounds present in the air. Silver is a precious metal, but it’s not entirely immune to environmental factors. The most common cause of tarnish is exposure to sulfur, which can come from everyday sources such as pollution, chlorine from hot tubs and pools, perfume, moisturizers, and even cleaning products.
Why is My Sterling Silver Turning Black
The tarnishing process occurs because silver reacts with sulfur-containing substances, leading to the formation of silver sulfide. This reaction results in a dark or discolored layer on the surface of the silver. Factors such as humidity, temperature, and the presence of other chemicals can influence how quickly tarnishing occurs.
Acidic environments can promote oxidation which causes silver to turn black. Sweat and oils on your skin, medications, diet, and other factors can make your skin more acidic.
What Can You Do About Tarnish?
To prevent tarnish, it’s crucial to remove chemical residue, and other agents from your Larimar jewelry, as these elements are the primary causes of tarnishing over time. Wiping down your jewelry with a sterling silver cleaning cloth after each wear is essential to protect it from these harmful substances. The Marahlago polishing cloth included with your piece is specifically designed for this purpose. Regular cleaning helps ensure that pollutants and dust don’t dull the appearance of your gemstones and precious metals. If you need a replacement polishing cloth, you can find high-quality options on Amazon for just a few dollars.
Click here for a cleaning recipe with ingredients you may already have at home!
We’re here to help, so if you have any questions or concerns about your pieces.
Head to our contact page and send us some pictures
How to Store Your Jewelry After Use
To avoid tarnishing, jewelry should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container or a jewelry box with anti-tarnish lining. Keep each piece separate to prevent scratching and tangling. Avoid exposing jewelry to humidity, direct sunlight, and harsh chemicals, as these can accelerate tarnishing and damage the metals and gemstones. For added protection, consider using silica gel packets or anti-tarnish strips in your storage containers.
For more information on how to store your jewelry, click here
What NOT To Do With Your Jewelry
- Do NOT use silver polish or dip style cleaning solutions, as they can remove the antique oxidation on many Marahlago Larimar silver pieces that give them their distinctive look. If more thorough cleaning is required, contact us here.
- Do NOT size any Marahlago ring or bracelet. Excess heat can damage the stone and the finishes on the metal. If you need a custom size, contact us to see if it is available in the style that you want.
- Do NOT bend cuff bracelets. If the shape is distorted, the settings can be damaged, which can cause stones to dislodge. A properly sized cuff bracelet does not need to be squeezed to fit properly. Contact us for custom size
