Sterling silver is a beloved metal for its elegance, affordability, and timeless shine. But if you’ve ever noticed your sterling silver jewelry turning black or green, you’re not alone. While it’s disheartening to see your once-sparkling silver tarnish, the good news is—there’s a scientific reason behind it and simple ways to prevent it.

Here’s everything you need to know about why sterling silver changes color and how to keep it looking beautiful.

1. Cosmetics

Makeup, perfumes, lotions, and even sunscreen can speed up the tarnishing of sterling silver. These products often contain chemicals and oils that react with the metal, dulling its shine or causing discoloration. Even something as innocent as hand cream can leave residue that bonds with silver and accelerates the blackening process.

2. Moisture & Humidity

Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of sterling silver. Whether it’s high humidity in the air or simply wearing your jewelry in the shower or while swimming, prolonged exposure to water can lead to tarnish. Moist environments create the perfect setting for oxidation, causing sterling silver to darken or turn green over time.

3. Contact with Sulfur Compounds

Sulfur is found in a variety of everyday items, including foods like eggs and onions, rubber bands, and even polluted air. When sterling silver comes into contact with sulfur, it reacts and forms silver sulfide, a black coating that dulls your jewelry’s finish.

4. Soaps and Detergents Trapped Under Jewelry

Washing your hands or doing the dishes while wearing sterling silver rings might seem harmless—but it’s not. Soap and detergent can become trapped between your skin and the jewelry, causing skin irritation and speeding up tarnish. Over time, this reaction can also lead to sterling silver turning green.

Am I Allergic to Sterling Silver?

Some people mistake sterling silver tarnish for a skin allergy. In reality, pure silver is hypoallergenic. However, sterling silver is typically made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals—most often copper. If you have sensitive skin, you might react to the copper alloy or trace amounts of nickel, not the silver itself. Green or black marks on your skin are usually oxidation, not an allergic reaction.

Prevention is Better Than Cure!

While sterling silver is prone to tarnishing, there are many ways to keep your pieces in pristine condition.

1. Keep Sterling Silver Clean

Clean your sterling silver jewelry regularly using a soft cloth or silver polishing cloth. A gentle rub after wearing it removes body oils and environmental residue that contribute to oxidation. For deeper cleans, use a mild soap and warm water solution—just be sure to dry it thoroughly.

2. Keep Sterling Silver Safe and Dry

Store your sterling silver pieces in a cool, dry place, preferably in an anti-tarnish pouch or cloth-lined jewelry box. Avoid storing multiple pieces together to prevent scratching. You can also add a piece of chalk or a silica gel packet to absorb excess moisture.

In Summary: Sterling silver is beautiful and durable, but it needs a little TLC to stay that way. By understanding what causes tarnishing and following a few easy maintenance tips, your sterling silver jewelry can shine for years to come.

Whether you’re shopping for timeless pieces or looking for care tips, explore our full Sterling Silver Jewelry Collection at The Italian Jewelry Company and The Irish Jewelry Company, crafted with care, designed with heritage.