By 
A Brief Introduction
925 Silver, also popularly known as Sterling Silver is a popular metal choice to create gemstone Jewelry these days. And why not? The metal is celebrated for its brilliant luster, sophistication, and timeless appeal that compliments every skin tone. Not only this, but sterling silver is also durable and versatile, making it a desired choice for almost every occasion. However, being a Jewelry enthusiast, you may have noticed that maintaining the luster and shine of silver requires extra care and attention since our 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry tarnish over a period of time.
Let’s know what tarnishing is, and how to prevent it, but first, we must be fully aware of what 925 sterling silver is and how it is different from pure silver.
What Do You Mean By 925 Sterling Silver?
Before diving into crucial preventive tips for tarnishing, we should know what Sterling Silver is. So, as we have already mentioned, Sterling silver is one of the most cherished and preferred metal types lapidaries and Jewelers use to create amazing 925 sterling silver Jewelry pieces, be it Kyanite Jewelry, Rhodochrosite Jewelry, or Larimar Jewelry. Most fashion-conscious people across the world favor sterling silver for its ultimate elegance, grace, and sophistication. But what exactly is it, and how does it differ from pure silver?
Well, also known as 925 sterling silver, it is simply a metal that is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals or alloys, usually copper. This combination is responsible for the ultimate durability and strength of the metal and it simultaneously makes 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry tarnishing when exposed to air or moisture. So, while buying. Don’t forget to check a 925 hallmark on these pieces establishing silver’s standard purity.
Pure Silver Vs. Sterling Silver – A Productive Comparison
So, how is 925 sterling silver different from pure silver? Both these metals look the same at first glance, but they vary in terms of their compositions. It means, that unlike Sterling silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other alloys, making it affordable and durable, pure silver is 99.9% elemental silver, making it brighter, softer, and highly priced.
Interesting Fact – Though sterling silver is indeed prone to tarnishing, you must note that it is more durable and resilient than pure silver, making it a preferred choice in creating fine Jewelry.
Now, let’s move back to our real concern, ie., 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Tarnish.
Reasons Why Does 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Tarnish
Well, your 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Tarnish is generally caused when the metal is exposed to sulfur compounds or air. This reaction creates a tarnished layer on the surface of the silver. Since most 925 sterling silver Jewelry consists of 7.5% copper, exposure to air, salt, and moisture causes a chemical reaction and makes them look dull and tarnished.
- Cosmetic Products – Perfumes, lotions, and various other cosmetic lotions are the prime reason why your sterling silver Jewelry tarnishes, and gets dull and discolored over time due to their chemical compositions that damage the silver.
- Exposure to Air – Moisture is another reason for 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry tarnishing that causes our silver to get dull. As sterling silver contains copper in it, the moisture in the air reacts with it and makes it black.
- Harsh Chemicals – Chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and other harmful chemicals can spoil the silver and cause your 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry tarnish.
But don’t you worry at all! Fortunately, by ensuring extra care and using the right cleansing techniques, the ultimate luster and brilliance of your sterling silver Jewelry can be kept preserved, looking radiant for longer. So, without any delay, let’s check out some of the best cleansing and preventive techniques for tarnishing.
Preventive Measures To Skip Sterling Silver Jewelry Tarnishing
You must have heard, “Prevention is better than cure”. So, why not incorporate this philosophy into our life when it comes to taking care of sterling silver Jewelry like gemstone rings or Charoite jewelry? Since it is natural for sterling silver to get black and dull, here are some preventive steps that you can initiate to prevent Sterling Silver Jewelry tarnish this from happening. Take a look:
- Keep It In Air-Tight Containers
Since the very first reason for 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry tarnish is the exposure of sterling silver to the moisture in the air, the wise idea is to keep your Jewelry away from moisture. And the best way to do this is to store all your Jewelry in air-tight containers and zip-lock bags. This way, all your accessories will stay moisture-free.
- Use Anti-Tarnishing Strips
Another idea to prevent 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry tarnishis using anti-tarnishing strips. All you need to do is simply place these strips inside your sealed containers or bags along with the Jewelry that you want to protect. These strips are good at absorbing tarnishing agents like moisture, keeping your items shiny. Just select the right size as per your container and make sure that your bag is fully sealed to prevent air and moisture in it.
- Adding Chalk To The Container
Our next approach to prevent 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry tarnishing is adding chalk to our Jewelry bags or containers, just like these strips as above-mentioned. Adding a few pieces of chalk to your bags will help absorb moisture, reducing the chances of tarnishing.
- Wear Them Often
The easiest and most common method to skip 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry tarnishing is to wear your sterling silver Jewelry on a daily basis. Yes, when you wear them regularly, the natural oils in your body prevent silver from reacting with sulfur in the air thereby skipping tarnishing. So, make sure you wear them more often.
Cleaning Tricks For Your Sterling Silver Jewelry
Now if you are that much mindful of skipping 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry tarnishing, you must also pay attention to its regular cleansing. Here are a few cleaning techniques that won’t cost you a fortune and give you the best results. For example:
- Silver Polishing Cloth
You can gently rub your sterling silver Jewelry with a silver polish cloth as an effective and affordable solution to keep it radiant. These polishing cloths contain a specific chemical composition that provides an anti-tarnishing layer to your Jewelry.
- Soap and Water
Simply take your sterling silver Jewelry and carefully rinse it with warm soapy water and a lint-free cloth. Soak your items within this mixture for a few minutes and then gently scrub all the stains or dirt using a soft-bristled brush or cloth. Dry it well or else the water residues can cause discoloration.
- Baking Soda And Water
Another household tip or DIY idea to clean your sterling silver Jewelry is to gently apply a mixture of baking soda and water to your silver Jewelry. Rinse it well and dry it after. It will rejuvenate the lost luster and remove all the dirt and stains.
- Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
Never neglect the power of your kitchen ingredients when it comes to cleaning your Sterling Silver. Mix half a cup of lemon juice with one tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. Soak a lint-free cloth into the mixture and gently rub it all over your sterling silver Jewelry. Clean it with warm water and dry it well.
Where To Buy Sterling Silver Jewelry Online?
We can understand that watching your favorite and less-worn piece of Sterling silver Jewelry getting black and discolored over time is a painful experience. And taking care of it on a regular basis is the only way to skip this heart-breaking process. Follow these above-mentioned tips and keep the luster radiant for a long period. Now, when it comes to buying sterling silver Jewelry online, do it with reputed and trusted brands like Rananjay Exports, a US-based online gemstone Jewelry brand with a worldwide customer base.
Author Bio
Hi, I’m Aryan – a professional SEO expert and contributor to the Write for Us Jewelry blog. I regularly submit guest posts across various platforms. At JewelsTrends, we offer valuable opportunities for content writers to share their insights and get featured. We actively highlight and showcase our guest contributors.
