The Living Nature of Silver: Why It Turns Black
Silver is a metal with a "memory" and character. Many times, when looking for your favorite silver jewelry at home after a long time, you may find that its appearance has become darker. This is not dust or wear, but a natural property of the metal called oxidation.
Why does 925 Silver "Change"?
Pure silver is too soft to be sculpted into intricate sculptural forms. To achieve the strength and durability that timeless jewelry requires, we create Sterling Silver 925 , which is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.
While pure silver does not tarnish, the copper contained in the alloy is what reacts with the environment. When the jewelry comes into contact with sulfur compounds found in the air, exhaust fumes, or even foods like eggs, a thin, dark layer forms on its surface.
Oxidation vs. Rust: An Important Distinction
It is important to know that silver does not rust . Rust corrodes and destroys the metal, while silver oxidation remains only on the surface. In handmade silver jewelry, this natural darkening can often highlight the details and depth of the design. However, it is a completely reversible process that does not affect the quality of your jewelry.
The Rite of Prevention
Caring for handmade jewelry starts with everyday life. Follow the "golden rule": Jewelry is the last thing we put on and the first thing we take off .
-
Avoid Chemicals: The chemicals contained in hairspray, perfumes, lotions and shampoos dramatically accelerate tanning.
-
Humidity is the Enemy: Don't store your jewelry in the bathroom. Prefer a cool, dry place and use airtight bags or boxes.
-
Silica Gel Packets: The well-known sachets with silica granules absorb moisture effectively.
-
Wear It Often: Your skin's natural oils protect silver from contact with air, maintaining its shine.
But why does it tarnish on my skin and not on others? The black mark that jewelry can leave on the skin is actually oxidation dust carried by the metal. Although natural body oils usually protect silver, the particular chemistry (pH) or sweat of some people can speed up this reaction.
How to Restore the Shine
If your jewelry has already oxidized, there are simple ways to restore it to its original condition:
-
Special Cleaning Cloths: Use soft cloths soaked in special silver cleaners that remove oxidation without scratching the metal.
-
The Electrochemical Method: For jewelry without attached stones or pearls, you can line a container with aluminum foil, add salt and hot water, and submerge the jewelry. The reaction will remove the tarnish almost immediately.
-
Professional Cleaning: In cases where the oxidation is particularly intense and home methods are not sufficient, we recommend cleaning by a professional silversmith. In our workshop we have the appropriate equipment and experience to fully restore the surface of the silver, without altering its sculptural form.