How to protect against tarnish

Very few people know that sterling silver jewelry that is not worn regularly for any lengthy amount of time can blacken and tarnish easily. Because of this, the storage of silver jewelry is incredibly important in terms of preventing tarnish and corrosion. By adhering to a few easy steps, you will be able to save yourself endless hours cleaning and polishing as you will keep your silver jewelry beautiful, shiny, and bright for years to come.

The reason silver jewelry will tarnish is because the metal (when left unattended) will inevitably have an oxidative chemical reaction with the hydrogen sulfide in the air we breathe. The natural corrosion of the silver manifests itself as the darkening we call tarnish. As such, it’s very important that you ensure your silver jewelry is always clean and moisture-free before you put it away for storage (moisture, oil, dirt, and any other residual compounds will only accelerate the darkening of your silver).

Airtight containers are the tool of choice when selecting storage containers to house your silver jewelry. Reducing contact with air will help to slow silver corrosion. The most common household products that will serve this function are zip lock baggies (other airtight bags that have non-abrasive surfaces will also work). However, you should do your best to avoid poly-vinyl bags because they contain chemicals that aid in the promotion of tarnish. If you consider your jewelry and investment, and you find yourself willing to spend a few extra dollars, most jewelry stores offer bags and boxes that are specially designed to help prevent the darkening of silver jewelry. However, if you elect to store your jewelry using at-home techniques, be sure to store your pieces in separate bags. This will help to prevent scratching and blemishing of your jewelry’s surface.

It’s also a good idea to avoid storing jewelry in areas that are excessively humid, excessively sunny, or prone to friction. It’s also wise to avoid storing your pieces in areas that have been chemically treated. Commonly, dresser tops, counter tops that have been cleaned using regular household cleaners, and other such locations will expedite the tarnishing process.