Why Does Sterling Silver Jewelry Tarnish or Lose Its Color?
Sterling silver jewelry is a popular choice for its bright shine, elegant look, and affordability compared to white gold or platinum. However, many people who wear sterling silver jewelry are surprised and disappointed when their favorite pieces start to turn black or dull over time. This discoloration is a natural process, but understanding why it happens can help you care for your jewelry better and keep it looking beautiful for longer. What Is Sterling Silver? Before diving into why it tarnishes, it’s important to understand what sterling silver actually is. Pure silver is too soft for most jewelry applications, so it’s usually mixed with other metals to make it more durable. Sterling silver is typically made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals , usually copper. This blend improves its strength but also makes it more reactive to environmental factors. Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish? Sterling silver tarnishes primarily due to a chemical reaction between silver and sulfur...