Gold and Silver Jewellery should be cleaned regularly to retain their sheen. Sterling Silver will tarnish over time, but it will happen much faster when it comes into contact with agents such as perfume, salty air, sulphur, skin creams, Shower gels, hairspray, chlorine and acidic skin ph. Tarnishing occurs through a process called oxidisation and is dependent on the skin and care habits of the wearer. It is important to note that tarnishing is not a manufacturing fault.