Does 925 Sterling Silver Tarnish? Causes and What You Can Do

Yes, 925 silver can tarnish over time. This is not a production fault; it is the natural result of silver's contact with air and skin.

What does 925 mean?

The 925 hallmark shows that the piece contains 925 parts per thousand of pure silver; the rest is usually copper. This alloy reduces the softness of pure silver and gives the jewelry strength.

Why does it tarnish?

Silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air and on the skin, and a dark layer forms on the surface. Humidity, sweat, perfume and some cosmetics speed this up. A piece that sits unused in a box can tarnish too.

To slow it down

• Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing
• Store in an airtight pouch or box
• Take it off at the pool, at the sea and while cleaning
• Do not use abrasive paste

Surface options

Rhodium plating forms a protective layer over silver and slows tarnishing. If the layer wears, it can be renewed. The look and durability of the plating vary with the model and its use.

When choosing a material

On pieces worn constantly, 14K or 18K gold does not tarnish; stone-set models can be made in gold with a lab-grown diamond or a natural diamond in the same design. Silver remains a suitable option for lighter series. For production details see contract jewelry manufacturing and how we work; for a quote use the quote form or write to info@oskasilver.com.