If you’ve ever opened your jewelry box to find your favorite silver piece darkened or discolored, you’re not alone. At Quirksmith, we craft sterling silver jewelry meant to be worn and cherished — not hidden away. So we often get asked: Why does silver tarnish? Why has my sterling silver turned black? And is there a way to stop it?

Let’s dig into the science, the environment, and what you can do to keep your silver jewelry shining bright.

💡 First, What Is Tarnish?

Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on metals like silver due to a chemical reaction. It usually shows up as a dull, gray or black coating. Unlike rust on iron, tarnish doesn’t eat away at silver — it just affects the surface and is (thankfully!) reversible.

🌪️ Why Does Sterling Silver Turn Black?

Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). That small percentage makes a big difference.

Here’s why:

• Pure silver is pretty resistant to tarnish, but...
  

• Copper reacts with sulfur-containing compounds in the air, food, or skin — turning your silver black over time.

If your Quirksmith piece has turned dark, it's not a flaw. It's just chemistry.

💧 Does Pure Silver Tarnish?

Short answer: yes, but much more slowly.

Pure silver (also called fine silver or 99.9% silver) is less reactive. However, it's too soft for everyday jewelry, which is why sterling silver is the preferred choice. The downside? That added strength from copper comes with a higher likelihood of tarnishing.

💦 What Causes Silver Jewelry to Tarnish from Sweat?

If your silver jewelry darkens after a long day or workout, here’s what might be happening:

• Sweat contains salt, acids, and oils, which accelerate tarnishing.

• If you're on certain medications or have a higher skin acidity, your jewelry might tarnish even faster.

• Wearing silver during workouts, at the beach, or in humid environments can speed up the reaction.

At Quirksmith, we believe jewelry is meant to be lived in. But knowing how your body chemistry interacts with silver can help you care for it better.

🌿 How the Environment Affects Silver Jewelry

Tarnishing isn’t just about your skin — the environment plays a huge role too.

Things that speed up tarnishing:

• Humidity and moisture (like during monsoons or in coastal cities)

• Air pollution (especially sulfur-containing gases)

• Storage with rubber bands or wool (which emit sulfur)

• Household items like bleach, perfumes, and lotions

Tip: Store your silver in an airtight pouch when you’re not wearing it.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Tarnish is a sign that your silver is reacting — just like anything alive. It’s a natural part of the life of your jewelry. But with a little care, your Quirksmith pieces can remain radiant for years to come.

Got a piece that’s deeply tarnished? Send us a message — we’re happy to guide you on how to revive it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JompE_k7hAw

Silver ages. Stories deepen. And that’s part of its beauty.