More About Metal: Sterling Silver

Let's talk some more about sterling silver.  Customers frequently ask about sterling -- everyone likes it, but they don't want to have to keep it polished.  What is it that causes tarnishing?

Polished sterling earrings

Polished sterling ring

It turns out that the tarnishing doesn't have anything to do with the silver.  Sterling, because it is too soft to use as jewelry in its pure form, is combined with another metal to add strength.  Usually with copper. And copper reacts to chemicals in the air, notably sulfur, that causes it to darken.  Moisture, dirt and oils can accelerate the tarnishing.

A polished and a tarnished sterling spoon

This feature can also be used to its advantage.  Silver jewelry can be deliberately oxidized to create a patina that enhances a design on the silver.  There are different chemicals that can accomplish this (liver of sulfur being commonly known), with slightly different effects.  Even scrambled eggs can be used, although I've heard the results are not as reliable, and there is a lot of cleaning required.

Sterling ring with an oxidized background

Sterling bracelet with oxidized pattern

How to minimize the tarnishing?  Keeping your silver dry, clean, and protected from the air as much as possible.  Giving it a quick rub with a polishing cloth when taking it off, and storing it in a zip-lock bag or plastic container with a lid, can help a lot.

Zip lock bags for storing jewelry

Jewelry in bag with polishing cloth

Why do we like sterling so much?  Partly because its so nice and shiny (when new and polished).  And it sounds fancy.  But other metals are worth considering if you are not one to be bothered with the care, upkeep and polishing of your silver.  Stainless steel is becoming popular as jewelry and will not tarnish, though it is not as bright and shiny as sterling.  Rhodium plating on pewter is much slower to tarnish and is almost as shiny as sterling.  Materials that coat sterling and protect it from the elements can also help slow the tarnishing process.  Just remember that options are available and whatever you go with, it's all beautiful and it's all good.

Polished sterling heart charm