Does Sterling Silver Tarnish? What You Can Expect

Sterling silver has a beautiful pale sheen that makes it a trendy favorite in the jewelry world. That said, it also tends to tarnish over time. Here's what you should know about silver tarnish, along with some tips to help keep your jewelry looking beautiful for years to come.
Understanding Sterling Silver & Tarnish
Tarnish is a natural result of chemical reactions between sterling silver and elements in the environment, especially air, moisture, and sulfur-containing compounds. This reaction forms silver sulfide, which appears as a darkened or dull coating on the metal's surface.
Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper), which makes it stronger but also slightly more prone to tarnish due to copper's reactivity.
It’s important to understand that tarnish is not a sign of inferior quality. It simply reflects the metal's natural chemistry and its interaction with the environment. In fact, genuine sterling silver is expected to tarnish over time. It’s also important to distinguish between unwanted tarnish and natural patina. While tarnish can appear as dull or uneven darkening, patina often develops as a soft sheen or artistic darkening that enhances a piece's beauty and uniqueness. Some designs, like oxidized silver, intentionally showcase patina for a dramatic, vintage-inspired effect.
Tarnish vs. Patina
Commonly considered the look of well-worn jewelry, patina is a natural color change that happens to silver over time. Through the formation of patina, silver essentially protects itself against corrosion that occurs in reaction to the environment and weathering. You can even get gorgeous oxidized silver jewelry that uses this natural process to create stunning dark designs.
The chemical processes that create a patina are oxidation and reduction, among others. Whatever the case, the best way to prevent unwanted tarnish is to wear your sterling silver jewelry often, which will help create a beautiful protective patina over time.
Patina adds richness and individuality to a piece. In fact, many of John Atencio’s sterling silver designs are crafted with finishes that intentionally embrace this natural aging, offering a more personalized and timeless aesthetic.
How to Prevent Tarnish
Silver jewelry tarnishes more rapidly in environments with high humidity, salt air, and exposure to sulfur compounds. Coastal areas are particularly problematic because salt air contains moisture and various chemicals that accelerate the oxidation process, causing silver to develop that characteristic black or gray discoloration. The sulfur compounds naturally present in the air, along with those from pollution, household products, and even certain foods, react with the silver to form silver sulfide on the surface.
Additionally, factors like perfumes, lotions, chlorine from swimming pools, and even the natural oils and acids from your skin can speed up tarnishing. This is why silver jewelry often darkens more quickly during humid summer months or when worn near the ocean, and why proper storage in anti-tarnish pouches or boxes can help preserve its shine.
To help resist tarnish, some sterling silver jewelry is coated with rhodium plating, which adds a protective layer that combats tarnishing and corrosion. While this won’t completely prevent silver jewelry from tarnishing, it will significantly slow the process. Whether your sterling silver jewelry is coated or not, there are other ways you can slow the progression of tarnish and keep your jewelry looking its best. Some of our favorite strategies include:
Use a polishing cloth. Regular wear can help prevent silver tarnish. At the same time, you can ward off tarnish by using a silver polishing cloth, which John Atencio provides with each piece of sterling silver jewelry. These cloths are gentler and more effective than commercial cleaners.
Store your jewelry in Ziploc bags. To reduce air exposure, store sterling silver pieces in airtight plastic bags. Be sure to squeeze out excess air before sealing.
Keep your silver pieces dry. Never shower while wearing sterling silver, and avoid pools or hot tubs. Moisture and chlorine can accelerate tarnishing.
Use silica packets. These help absorb ambient moisture. Place them in your jewelry box or pouch to maintain a dry environment.
Avoid treated wood. Chemically treated surfaces (like stained wood) emit gases that can darken silver quickly.
Prevent scratches. Keep silver jewelry separate from harder materials like diamonds, which can cause abrasions and speed up tarnishing.
Bear in mind that John Atencio rhodium plates all his sterling silver and adds an anti-tarnishing treatment to reduce tarnishing. This is a big reason why his sterling silver jewelry pieces are so beautiful in the long term and perfect for everyday wear.

How to Remove Tarnish
If your sterling silver jewelry has begun to tarnish, there are some ways you can restore its lustrous sheen. It’s important, however, to use care so you won’t accidentally damage the jewelry. Many people attempt to remove and clean silver tarnish by soaking their jewelry pieces in a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. While this may prove effective, it also exposes the jewelry to potential abrasions, especially since baking soda is quite coarse.
John Atencio offers a gentle jewelry cleaner specially formulated for delicate pieces. He also offers complimentary in-store cleaning over the lifetime of your John Atencio sterling silver jewelry. Simply call to make an appointment at a nearby location.
In addition to these services, John offers expert inspections and complimentary professional re-rhodium plating. For heavier tarnish, John partners with trusted third-party specialists who can restore silver pieces safely for a modest fee.
Sterling Silver as a Long-Term Jewelry Choice
Sterling silver is a timeless and versatile material that can stand the test of time. With proper care and the right guidance, it can maintain its brilliance and beauty for generations.
Whether you're selecting a meaningful gift or building a personal collection, sterling silver offers a blend of affordability, elegance, and longevity. With John Atencio’s lifetime cleaning and care services, your silver jewelry becomes more than just a purchase—it becomes an heirloom.
Browse some of John’s most popular sterling silver jewelry pieces or visit one of our many Colorado locations and find a stunning jewelry piece that fits your one-of-a-kind style. Take advantage of our complimentary in-store cleaning, expert guidance, and lifetime care designed to help you enjoy your silver jewelry for years to come.
FAQs About Sterling Silver Tarnish
Q: Does sterling silver tarnish easily?
A: Yes, especially when exposed to air, moisture, and skin oils—but this is natural and manageable as long as you take steps to care for your silver jewelry.
Q: Is tarnish a sign of poor quality?
A: No. In fact, genuine sterling silver tarnishes over time. It’s a normal chemical process, not a quality issue.
Q: Can I wear sterling silver every day?
A: Absolutely. Daily wear actually helps slow down tarnishing by minimizing exposure to air.
Q: How do I keep silver from tarnishing in storage?
A: Store it in airtight bags with anti-tarnish strips or silica packs. Avoid wooden boxes and humidity, which can speed up the tarnishing process.