Pure silver is too soft to be used in jewellery crafting. Therefore, a small quantity of copper is added to strengthen the silver. Being a precious metal, 925 Silver (S925) or Sterling Silver is a term used to specify that the metal contains at least 925 parts (92.5%) of silver to 75 parts (7.5%) of copper. Unfortunately, because of the metals added, sterling silver will oxidise with time (depending on humidity, care & usage). The copper added can react with the salt and sulphur in the air, causing sterling silver to oxidise / tarnish. Tarnishing can take place even faster if sterling silver come in contact with detergents or cosmetics. Even just the chemicals in our sweat is enough to cause tarnishing in silver jewellery when worn. The good news is that with sterling silver, regular care can really slow down the tarnishing. And even if your silver jewellery has already been spotted with tarnish, a good polishing will easily make it look like new. To restore the shine of your Amebelle jewellery, simply polish and buff off in 2 easy steps using Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths. These polishing cloths have been impregnated with a very gentle polish in exactly the right amounts to keep your silver jewellery looking its best. We recommend using only Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths to avoid damage to your precious metal jewellery. LAST TO PUT ON, FIRST TO TAKE OFF - Another important rule is that your sterling silver jewellery should be the last thing you put on, after applying make-up and perfume and the first to be taken off, before your shower or activities. Avoid contact of jewellery with chemicals such as perfume, lotion, chlorine, etc. Always remove jewellery before exercising, swimming or taking a shower. Store jewellery in a cool, dry place. If you are living in a rather polluted environment, your jewellery might tarnish faster due to high level of sulphur in the air. As a result, it will need more regular polishing as well. In rare cases, certain individuals' body sweat may react more with silver, leading to accelerated tarnishing, particularly when consuming specific foods or medications. Storing your silver jewellery with our anti-tarnish tabs will also help to protect the metal and reduce tarnishing.