We hear it regularly from our customers: "My necklace has turned a bit dark, is that right?" The answer is yes, it is. And no, there is nothing wrong with your jewelry. Tarnish on silver is a natural process, and quite honestly, something we deal with in our own atelier in Haarlem as well.

All of our silver jewelry is crafted from 925 Sterling Silver. This means it consists of 92.5% pure silver, supplemented with other metals (usually copper) to make the silver stronger. While this combination makes silver beautiful and durable, it is also the reason it can tarnish. The copper reacts to oxygen and moisture in the air, creating that characteristic dark haze.

The good news: tarnishing is entirely preventable, and if it has already occurred, it is easily remedied. Below, we share everything we know and do ourselves.

Why does silver tarnish?

Before we dive into the tips, let’s look at the science behind the phenomenon. Silver reacts with sulfur-containing substances in the air, such as hydrogen sulfide. This substance is everywhere: in the air, in certain foods, in rubber, and even in some cosmetics. The resulting reaction is called silver sulfide, which is the dark layer you see on your jewelry.

Factors that accelerate tarnishing:

• Humid environments, such as bathrooms or swimming pools

• Perfume, body lotion, and sunscreen applied directly to the jewelry

• Sweat, especially during intense exercise

• Storing jewelry in the open air (e.g., on a jewelry tray on your nightstand)

• Contact with rubber or elastic, which contains relatively high levels of sulfur

This also explains why one piece of jewelry tarnishes faster than another. A ring you wear every day while exercising and showering will discolor sooner than a necklace you only wear on special occasions.

How to prevent tarnish: Our tips

These are the habits that truly make a difference. Some may seem obvious, but in practice, they are often forgotten.

1. Last on, first off

This is the golden rule in our atelier. Apply your perfume, body lotion, and hair products first, wait for everything to absorb, and only then put on your jewelry. At the end of the day: take your jewelry off before washing your face or going to bed.

2. Store silver airtight

Oxygen is the enemy. Preferably, store your silver jewelry in a sealed bag or box, ideally with an anti-tarnish strip. These strips absorb sulfur-containing substances in the air and significantly slow down the tarnishing process. We standardly ship our jewelry in a silk pouch, but a small ziplock bag works perfectly fine too.

Tip: Never store multiple pieces of jewelry together in one container without protection. Metals rubbing against each other cause scratches, and the reaction of one metal can affect another.

3. Keep silver away from water and chemicals

Showering, swimming, washing dishes: do it without your silver jewelry. Chlorine (in pools) and salt water (the sea) are particularly aggressive toward silver. Even regular tap water can cause discoloration over time. The same applies to household cleaning products. Always remove your rings before cleaning or scrubbing.

4. Wear your jewelry regularly

This might sound contradictory, but it’s true: silver that is worn regularly tarnishes less quickly. The friction against your skin and clothing continuously "polishes" the silver. A piece of jewelry that sits in a drawer for months will tarnish faster than one worn daily.

5. Polish regularly with a soft cloth

A special silver polishing cloth (or a clean, soft cotton cloth) is enough to give your jewelry a quick wipe after wearing. This removes skin oils and minor buildup before they can accumulate. It takes literally ten seconds and makes a huge difference in the long run.

And if your jewelry has already tarnished?

Don't panic. Tarnishing is not permanent damage; it is a surface reaction. In most cases, it can be fixed at home.

The "At-Home" Method: Place your jewelry in a bowl of warm water with a small amount of dish soap. Let it soak for a few minutes, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush (pay extra attention to the grooves of engraved jewelry), rinse well, and pat dry with a soft cloth. For light tarnish, this is often sufficient.

For more stubborn discoloration, you can use a dedicated silver cleaning agent. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and test on an inconspicuous spot first, especially if your jewelry has an engraving or a specific finish.

What to avoid:

• Toothpaste: A common "home remedy," but toothpaste is too abrasive and can leave tiny scratches on your silver.

• Vinegar or lemon juice: These may work in some cases, but they are acidic and can damage the metal over time, especially on engraved pieces.

• Ultrasonic cleaners without advice: These are generally fine for plain silver but are not suitable for gold-plated or oxidized jewelry.

Are you in doubt? Just send us a message. We are happy to help.

Especially for personalized jewelry

One extra note for jewelry with an engraving, fingerprint, or other personal customization: be extra careful during cleaning. The grooves of an engraving may need a bit more attention, but they are also sensitive to aggressive agents or harsh brushing.

At MAMALOVES, we create jewelry that often carries a precious memory—a name, a fingerprint, a piece of handwriting. That meaning deserves proper care. With the tips above, you can keep such a piece beautiful for years, ensuring it becomes what it was meant to be: a keepsake for life.

Explore our collection of silver personalized jewelry at https://mamaloves.com/en/collections/silver-jewellery and find your inspiration.