Silver in its natural state is a fairly soft metal so it’s combined with other metals, such as copper, at a ratio of 92.5% silver to 7.5% copper to increase its strength and make it more pliable. At Silvery we use the finest grade of silver, known as 925 Sterling Silver, for our jewellery pieces. While pure silver is resistant to oxidisation and tarnishing, when it’s combined with other metals, even in very small proportions, it is likely to react with oxygen or other pollutants in the air. This will result in a superficial, blackish coating forming on your jewellery. This is a natural process and does not damage the silver underneath. It’s reassuring to know that this thin layer is easily removed, restoring the item to its original sheen. 

The natural rate of tarnishing can be accelerated by high levels of humidity, air pollution,  sweat, perfumes, household chemicals, hairsprays, etc. 

The colour change or tarnishing of your Silvery item is a natural occurrence and not a manufacturing or quality defect. It can be due to the pH levels of the wearer’s skin which varies in all people. The second most common reason for tarnishing is exposure to soap, chlorine, saltwater, perfumes and lotions even in tiny amounts. Tarnishing can be accelerated by contact with tap water as it contains chlorine. As mentioned above, it is not a manufacturing fault or flaw. Some can wear items and never experience tarnishing, while others experience it almost instantaneously. 925 Sterling Silver is also a natural metal, so it reacts differently when exposed to skin or external factors.

Additionally, tarnishing can be related to a multitude of things that don’t necessarily present themselves as definitive culprits. With Silver being a natural metal, mined from the earth it is subject to reacting differently from one batch to the another which explains why one item might be perfectly fine and others react differently. As with most if not all things in nature it has a certain level of volatility.

Oxidisation is the process whereby the metal alloys within 925 Sterling Silver react with the natural air around us, it is much like tarnishing. Commonly understood as the “addition of oxygen”. It is advised that when storing jewellery over long periods of time it is best to do so in an airtight jewellery box or container to prevent this natural process from happening. Please note our Silvery boxes are not intended for long-term storage as they are not airtight.

With Silver being a natural metal as explained we are unable to offer guarantees against tarnishing or how items react. Tarnishing is not rust, it is important to understand that. It is a metal reaction related to external factors.

We have an easy to follow home remedy for cleaning it. This is highly effective and can be viewed in the tab below.

It’s always our aim to ensure that we fully assist our customers and offer them the most positive experience possible while still honouring the values and procedures of our brand. If you feel that you would like more insight or to verify what we have stated, please feel free to contact us directly.

We have a specialised Silvery polishing cloth available which you can use to clean and treat your items at home. Order yours via our “Product Pages” when purchasing a Silvery item.

In the meantime try our highly recommended home care method which is explained below.

1. Line a medium-sized bowl with aluminum foil.
2. Fill it with hot, but not boiling water.
3. Mix in one tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent.
4. Soak your Silver item for two minutes.
5. Rinse with clean water, and gently pat down your item with a soft tissue to adsorb the water.

This method is only recommended for items that are made and completed with Silvery’s “shiny” finish (click here to read more). Do not use this method for brushed items or Stainless Steel creations.