Silver Tarnish
Description
Over time, any sterling silver exposed to air will tarnish. 925 sterling silver is comprised of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. It’s the other metals (copper in all my collars) that make sterling silver tarnish. The copper reacts to moisture and sulphur in the air, causing the silver to tarnish.
Sterling silver will tarnish faster in areas with high humidity and air pollution. Chemicals like hairspray, perfume, deodorant, body lotion, bleach, etc., as well as the oils from your skin can speed up the tarnishing process. Due to its location on the neck, a collar may be subjected to more of the aforementioned chemicals than a ring or bracelet, and as such may tarnish faster.
Removal
If the tarnish is quite light, a quick polish with the polishing cloth that came with your order will remove the tarnish. For permanent collars this can be done whilst it is still on the neck, as long as the collar is not too tight.
If the tarnish won’t come off with the polishing cloth, there are a number household products that can easily remove the tarnish; I have had great results from toothpaste.
- Rub toothpaste on the necklace, make sure to get the paste into the links of the chain.
- Add warm water and work the paste into a lather.
- Brush with a soft toothbrush, working the toothpaste into the links of the chain.
- Rinse with warm water. Make sure to remove all the paste. You can brush with the soft toothbrush to get all of the paste off.
- Completely dry the necklace by laying it on a paper towel or other absorbent surface.
- Rub with the polishing cloth to bring back shine
Googling “silver tarnish removal” will show you more options.
