Why silver turns black and how to prevent it
Silver tarnish is neither a defect nor a sign that it is fake: it is a normal chemical reaction in genuine silver.
What it is #
Silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air, moisture, some foods (egg, onion), wool, rubber and certain cosmetics. It forms a layer of silver sulfide, dark gray to black.
How to prevent it #
- Wear it: contact with skin keeps it bright.
- Store it dry and apart, in closed bags with anti-tarnish strips.
- Take it off before using perfume, lotion and cleaning products.
- Always dry it after it gets wet.
How to remove it #
With a polishing cloth or with the baking soda and aluminum foil method in the guide to cleaning silver.
Silver that tarnishes faster than usual #
It depends on the alloy and the climate. Sterling silver (925) contains copper, which darkens sooner. A rhodium plating delays tarnish a lot.
See also #
This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
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