Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper (sometimes other metals). That copper is necessary for strength, but makes the alloy more reactive. When exposed to sulfur, moisture, air, and even your skin, silver forms silver sulfide, aka tarnish.
Common tarnish triggers:
Air pollution (especially urban or industrial environments)
Humidity
Body oils and sweat
Lotions, sprays, perfumes and chemicals
Certain foods (eggs, onions, salty snacks!)
Tarnishing doesn’t mean your silver is damaged—it just needs a refresh.
The Rhodium Plating Trick (And Why Indie Brands Don’t Use It)
More prominent High St commercial brands often plate sterling silver with rhodium—a rare, shiny, and ultra-hard metal from the platinum family. It makes jewellery
Super shiny and mirror-like
Tarnish-resistant
More durable long-term
However, most handmade jewellery brands do not rhodium plate their pieces due to the high cost of the necessary equipment. Even jewellery that has been plated will eventually begin to tarnish within 12 months.
Why Hot Tubs Are Silver’s Worst Enemy
Hot tubs are full of chlorine and bromine, which are brutal on silver. Add in high heat, and you’ve got a perfect storm for tarnishing and corrosion.
Never wear silver jewellery in:
Hot tubs
Saunas
Hot springs
During intense workouts (sweat + heat = trouble)
Safe Home Remedies for Cleaning Sterling Silver (Including with Gemstones!)
Not all cleaning methods are safe for jewelry with delicate gemstones like opals, turquoise, pearls, or amber. Here are some gentle, gemstone-safe ways to restore your silver’s shine:
1. Mild Soap + Warm Water
Mix a few drops of gentle dish soap (like Fairy liquid) with warm—not hot—water.
Dip a soft baby toothbrush or cloth in the solution.
Gently clean the jewellery, especially around settings.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Pat dry with a soft microfiber or lint-free cloth.
✅ Safe for most gemstones
2. Baking Soda + Water Paste (Use With Caution
Make a thin paste of baking soda and water.
Gently rub onto silver areas using your fingers or a soft cloth.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing, especially near gemstones.
Rinse thoroughly and dry.
⚠️ Avoid this method on very soft or porous stones (like opals, pearls, or turquoise).
3. Tin foil + baking soda method (no gemstones)
Place some aluminum foil into a shallow bowl (shiny side up)
Pour in some warm water from the kettle
Add some bicarbonate of soda
Place the jewellery onto the foil and watch the tarnish disappear!
Rinse well with cold water
What to avoid
Toothpaste (too abrasive)
Vinegar + baking soda soaks (can damage gemstones)
Ultrasonic cleaners (can loosen or shatter certain stones)
Harsh chemical dips (can erode silver and damage settings)
Ongoing Care Tips
Store in anti-tarnish bags or freezer ziplock bags with an anti-tarnish strip.
Don't spray perfume directly onto your jewellery. Minimise contact with body lotion, fake tan etc
Polish gently every so often with a silver cloth
Final Thoughts
Sterling silver is a beautiful, expressive material—but yes, it’s high maintenance! Whether your piece is rhodium-plated or handmade with love, taking simple steps can keep it looking radiant for years. And when in doubt? Take it off before diving into anything hot, wet, or chemical-filled.