925 sterling silver is made up of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper. It is the fundamental component of silver jewelry. Unfortunately, due to the metals used, sterling silver, including genuine 925 sterling silver, will always tarnish. However, because it is such a soft metal, it can be polished to restore its look. Sterling silver has long been regarded as an affordable luxury item. That means you get what you pay for - so if you want your jewelry to last a lifetime, don't buy sterling silver. The best way to keep sterling silver from tarnishing is by wearing it often. If you wear specific pieces of jewelry often, they will remain in good condition longer. Sterling silver is also known to be sensitive to acids and chemicals. So, if you have chemicals available at home, be careful not to spill them on your jewelry. If you do happen to spill something on your sterling silver jewelry, immediately rinse the item under running water to remove the contaminant before washing it with a non-toxic household cleaner. You should clean your sterling silver regularly because dirt and oil can accumulate over time and affect its appearance. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently sweep away any surface dust.