Over time, sterling silver jewelry or antiques that are exposed to air will begin to tarnish. That’s because the other metals used to create a silver alloy, particularly copper, react to sulfur and moisture in the air, causing the metal to tarnish. Areas of high air pollution and humidity will lead to faster tarnishing, and certain chemicals can speed up the process.
If you want to prevent your silver from tarnishing, follow a few simple steps:
Store your clean, dry sterling silver in airtight containers, such as Tupperware or a Ziploc bag, depending on the size.
Anti-tarnish strips within the airtight bag or container can help to absorb elements that cause tarnish.
Never leave sterling silver antiques or jewelry in high-moisture areas unprotected. This includes leaving sterling silver jewelry in the bathroom or wearing it in the swimming pool or shower.
Minimize sterling silver’s contact to chemicals found in body lotion, perfume, hairspray, and makeup.
Clean your sterling silver regularly with a soft, dry polishing cloth, especially before you store it.
An antique dealer or jeweler can help you to clean your silver pieces if they have already started to tarnish.