Jewelry Care | How to Remove Tarnish From Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a beautiful, timeless material, but it’s important to know that tarnishing (oxidation) is a natural process. Exposure to air, moisture, oils, and chemicals can cause silver to lose its shine over time. Thankfully, with proper care, you can slow down this process and easily restore your jewelry to its original shine.

How to Prevent Tarnishing

  • Store Properly: Keep your jewelry in an airtight bag or jewelry box when not in use. Avoid leaving it on surfaces like your dresser or bathroom counter where it can be exposed to moisture.
  • Wear It Often: Surprisingly, wearing your sterling silver jewelry helps prevent tarnish! The natural oils in your skin slow down oxidation.
  • Avoid Harsh Environments: Keep your jewelry away from:
    • Moisture-rich areas like showers, baths, or swimming pools (both chlorine and saltwater can speed up tarnishing).
    • Chemicals found in perfumes, hair products, and household cleaners. Apply perfumes or sprays before putting on your jewelry.
    • Sulfur-rich substances like hair dyes and even hot springs, which can blacken silver immediately.
  • Here’s a handy tip: Don’t throw away those silica gel packets you usually toss in the trash! Instead, place them in your jewelry box or storage bag. Why? They absorb moisture, which is one of the main culprits behind tarnish.

How to Clean Tarnished Sterling Silver

Tarnish only affects the surface of the silver, so it can be easily removed with a few simple techniques:

Quick Fix: Jewelry Cleaning Cloth

  • Ideal for flat surfaces like pendants or charms.
  • Gently rub the surface to remove tarnish and restore shine.

Liquid Cleaners (use sparingly, these are harsh chemicals)

  • Liquid silver cleaners are effective but should be used with caution.
  • Do a quick dip, rinse thoroughly with cool water, and avoid overuse to protect your jewelry.
  • Avoid on:
    • Pieces with oxidized designs (e.g., blackened hand-stamped letters as it will remove the intended oxidation on these pieces).
    • Jewelry with pearls or porous gemstones.

DIY Natural Method (foil, hot water, baking soda, white vinegar)

  • For a gentler, chemical-free option:
    1. Line a bowl with aluminum foil.
    2. Add very hot water (recently boiled). Please use caution with the hot water as to not scald yourself!
    3. Sprinkle baking soda (approx 1 tablespoon) into the water. Mix gently.
    4. Place your silver jewelry in the bowl on top of the foil (avoid pieces with stones or oxidized details).
    5. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
    6. Watch as the fizzing reaction lifts tarnish, transferring it to the foil. Magic! Actually it's science but either way, it's pretty awesome to watch. 
    7. Allow approximately 30-60 seconds for tarnish to transfer to foil.
    8. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and repeat if needed.

This method is great for chains and intricate designs that a cleaning cloth can’t reach.

Important Notes

  • Always rinse your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning, regardless of the method used, to remove any residue.
  • Avoid excessive cleaning, as harsh methods can wear down delicate designs or intentional finishes.

By following these tips, your sterling silver jewelry will stay beautiful and continue to shine for years to come!