We often get inquiries as to why is my silver jewelry turning black. Maybe you have wondered why over time your silver bracelet dulls or starts to turn black? Here is your answer. I can assure you it is not because your Sterling (925) Silver is “bad”. Long-term wear and your chemical body compound gradually dulls or darkens the silver’s shine. Your silver will also tarnish sitting unloved on your dresser. In recent years, we have been noticing a rise in environmental issues causing your jewelry to turn a black, blue or an orange tarnished mess overnight. Whether your silver tarnish is environmental or from your chemical make-up, rest assured we can share a few tips and at home tricks you can use to get your shine back.
Silver is a very reactive metal. It loses its original shine because it chemically reacts to your physical composition and environment. Sweat, sickness or a boozy weekend can all change your body chemistry causing your silver to turn black. A light polish with your cloth usually takes it away.
In recent years, we are finding that environmental factors have been causing jewelry to turn black. Certain times of year in St. Croix, you can step outside and are met with the pungent smell of sulfur from decomposing Sargassum Seaweed. Depending on the season, certain beaches are covered in the brown decaying seaweed emitting an odor that lofts to higher ground. The brown leafy seaweed might provide refuge for marine life, but it has become a nuisance for beach dwellers throughout the Caribbean. We are finding, depending on where customers live on island, their jewelry is turning black overnight in reaction to the amount of sulfur in the air, particularly if you live close to the beach or in an area where the smell is pungent. Their silver chemically reacts to the sulfur; thus, causing the silver to turn black and tarnish.
General rule of thumb, keep your jewelry silver or gold away from chemicals (including heavily chlorinated swimming pools, hot tubs, etc.) and cleaning products as best you can. If you notice your jewelry turning from just sitting on your dresser then keep it sealed in a plastic bag so the air cannot penetrate it. If you chemically treat your home’s water, do not wear your jewelry while showering. While it is safe to wear your jewelry exercising or to the beach, your sweat can cause the jewelry to tarnish as your body sweats out toxins. If you want to keep the silver shiny, it might be best to get your sweat on without the bling.
Boil water. In the meantime, line a separate bowl or bin with aluminum foil. Choose a bowl that you can add boiling water to. Place your tarnished silver on top of the aluminum (make sure the silver is touching the foil). Sprinkle baking soda over the top of the jewelry and aluminum. We recommend you place the bowl in the sink because once you add the hot water, the mixture might fizzle over a little. Pour the boiling water over the jewelry. Cover the jewelry entirely with the hot liquid. Let it sit for a few minutes and you should start to see the silver shine and tarnish disappear. Remove your jewelry with tongs and let cool before touching. Here is a video if you need a visual!
Congrats! You have completed the science experiment! We hope this helps you keep your treasures clean and throw the concept out the window that you have “bad” silver. Wear well.
August 02, 2024
Keep up the great work! Thank you so much for sharing a great posts.
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Mireille
September 12, 2024
I followed the instructions i put a piece of aluminum foil in a crystal bowl i placed my silver bracelet on top then added baking soda to cover the bracelet then i poured the boiling water on top an Eureka my bracelet started regaining its silvery luster YESSS. It works I am so happy 😁👏🏼👏🏼❣️❣️