Why Does Silver Turn Black? Causes & Cure Explained

Silver never goes out of style. Whether a chain, an earpiece, or a knick-knack necklace, silver is in trend for any kind of jewelry. If you do observe your silver becoming blackened or tarnishing and losing its initial gleam, don't fret; it most likely isn't defective.

This blackened color is a natural chemical change. As we also know, tarnish, which is a high-quality silver, like 925 sterling silver, is prone to. Here, we explain why silver turns black, what causes it to occur, and how to prevent tarnish without ruining your silver piece.

What is Silver Tarnishing?

Let's give the clarity right away: tarnish is normal. The best 925 sterling silver is going to tarnish and develop a black or flat grey finish down the line. That's not defective. That's science.

Tarnish is the discoloration of silver when a chemical reaction takes place between the metal and the surroundings where the metal is present. Leave silver to some compounds, primarily oxygen and sulphur, and the silver acts in concert to turn into silver sulphide – an opaque, often blackish deposit which forms on the jewellery surface.

It's not rusty, and it's not poor quality. It's a surface reaction, and the surface can be stripped off or can be prevented by proper maintenance.

Why Does Silver Dull or Get Tarnished?

Though silver is precious and strong, it is highly reactive. The following are the main reasons why your silver jewellery is tarnishing:

1. Reaction with Air and Sulphur Compounds

The most typical cause for blackening of silver is due to a reaction between silver and sulphur in the atmosphere. Sulphur oxidizes silver in even small amounts, after a while, producing silver sulphide.

It happens at

• Polluted environments

• Industrial or urban areas

• Closed spaces with poor ventilation

2. Humidity and Moisture

Atmospheric moisture accelerates the tarnish. Storage in damp environments or putting in warm environments accelerates the silver's darkening.

In addition, extended exposure to water and certainly seawater or chlorinated water takes away luster and changes the jewellery's surface brightness.

3. Body Chemistry and Sweating

Human sweat is oily, salty, and acidic, and is prone to react with silver. Higher skin pH means that they will tarnish faster. That is why silver jewelry will tarnish quickly on an individual when compared to others, even when treated and cleaned in similar ways. 

4. Cosmetics and Skincare Components

Perfumes, lotions, lipstick, deodorant, and hair products all include chemicals that react once in contact with silver. Such products, when sprayed on the body and jewellery, tarnish more easily.

5. Improperly Stored

Leaving silver jewellery exposed to air, especially near windows, bathrooms, or damp drawers, causes it to oxidise even when it is not being worn. Also, stacking pieces of jewellery on top of one another causes friction, and it dulls the polish and rubs off oils.

Is Tarnish a Sign of Low Quality in Silver?

Not at all. Tarnish, actually, is an indication that a piece is authentic. Actual, non-plate sterling silver, like 925 silver, which is made up of 92.5% pure silver, will tarnish over the years. If the silver never or rarely tarnishes, chances are high that it is heavily coated, plated, or is not silver.

Tweov's accessories are made of excellent quality 925 sterling silver, the standard for quality accessories. While it can tarnish over the years, simultaneously, such accessories can retain their shine when proper maintenance and cleaning are done.

How to Stop Silver From Tarnishing?

Tarnish cannot be removed with one wash. It requires a regular maintenance process and cleaning methods to be followed. And, tarnishing can be slowed down significantly. These are ways to prevent your silver from blackening:

Store It Properly

• Use anti-tarnish pouches, zip-lock pouches, or cloth pouches

• Prevent direct sun, moist air, and exposure to air for silver jewellery

• Place silica packets or anti-tarnish strips in storage boxes

Wear It Often

By wearing your silver item at all times, you avoid tarnish because the wear keeps the oxidation from happening.

Wearing Jewellery At Last

Cosmetics, moisturizer, and sprays must be dried before putting on silver jewelry. This is done to ensure chemicals do not directly touch the metal.

Remove Jewellery When Needed

Always take off your silver jewelry before showering or bathing, during sweating or exercise, and while cleaning up using cleaners or doing heavy manual tasks.

How to Restore Tarnished Silver

If your silver turns black or tarnished, it’s totally reversible. The best way to clean it is by using:

• Silver polishing cloth to remove very faint tarnish

• Soft soap and water solution for surface deposits

• Silver cleaners that are jeweller-approved, pH-balanced, and ammonia-free.

• Do not use toothpaste, lemon, baking soda, or vinegar as they can scratch or wear away the jewellery surface.

What If My Silver Jewelry Has Detailing or Oxidised Finishing?

Some of the handmade silver jewelry, such as Tweov oxidised jewellery, consists of intentionally blackened exteriors for details and depth. These finishes are designed to last and should not be subjected to scrubbing or excessive cleaning.

Always clean such jewelry gently and periodically, preserving the colour without removing the intentional oxidation.

Silver Goes Black Because It's Real 

Tarnishing is not blackened, but actually, silver adapts to the surroundings. The best thing about sterling silver is that it can remain shiny for a whole lifetime, as shiny as on the day you bought it, if you treat it with care. 

At Tweov, we create trendy sterling silver jewellery for your active lifestyle for everyday wear, work wear, traditional wear, or for festival occasions. And, in good care, every silver piece can remain beautiful for years. 

Looking for Fresh Silver Jewellery That Shines For Years?  

Discover our 925 sterling silver chain, earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklace set, carefully crafted for durability and wear. Each piece we create is made to gleam, and now that you know the reasons behind silver going black, you know exactly how to keep it gleaming.