Jewels are a girl's best friend, but when you wear your favourite sterling pieces everyday, how long is it until they start to tarnish? This is a girl's worst nightmare.
Traditional and modern artisans work with sterling silver because it is stronger as well as more durable than silver and gold, which is why it is such a desired piece of jewellery.
That’s great, but how long does it last you might be thinking.
It’s not a straightforward answer and is more complicated than you might think ladies and gentlemen. Silver can start to tarnish between 2 months and 3 years, don't let this worry you though, there are simple and easy ways to clean and prevent this from happening.
What is sterling silver?
To understand the question, we think it's best to know and understand what you put on your fingers, decorate your neck, and ears with.
Real silver on its own is too pure and too soft for us to use and wear. Therefore, real silver is mixed with the smallest percentage of copper, to create a wearable (and stunning) sterling silver.
Silver jewellery is remarkable and is a perfect gift for him or her. The shine, the glitz, the glamour, is sometimes something achieved through silver plating, just to make it more desirable. Sadly, though this does not last and will eventually wear off and look less attractive. No one likes green fingers, which you can sometimes get from your well-worn pieces!
So what is tarnish exactly?
Another great question that is important when understanding how long it takes for your precious jewels to break down.
The whole concept is a chemical process with the air that can lead your lovely rings and necklaces to form rust on steel that tarnishes silver.
From this mini science lesson, tarnish is a thin film of silver sulphide!
Now to the question you have all been searching for…
Now to the question you have all been searching for…
How long does it take for sterling silver to tarnish?
Based on our mini science lesson to say that sterling silver tarnishes when it is exposed to air, the rate at which your pieces will tarnish depends on how often you expose them to air.
Other factors to take into consideration are the natural oils in your skin, this unfortunately speeds up the tarnishing process.
If well looked after your lovely sterling pieces should last you a couple of years. Or, on the other hand if not properly loved and looked after they will only last a few months until they tarnish.
Not to worry though, there are steps you can take on how to clean sterling silver.
How to clean sterling silver
Preventing tarnish trick one:
It may seem obvious, but it needs to be said, clean your jewellery after you wear it to get off all the natural oils you’ve rubbed off. It’s easy, some warm water and a dry cloth will work wonders when it comes to preventing tarnish for as long as possible.
Hot Tip:
Wearing your sterling silver in the shower is not the same as in the pool! Chlorine is a killer and will accelerate that tarnish process.
Trick two:
Keeping your pieces kept safely in a jewellery box helps to preserve them as they are and keeps your sterling looking its best!