Why Does Sterling Silver Change Colour?
Silver Jewelry has been valued throughout Indian history due to its sturdiness and affordability. The intricately crafted silver Jewelry is a must-have for any wardrobe. However, there is one thing that many people face after wearing silver Jewelry. It’s been only a few months since you have worn your favorite sterling silver jewelry, and it has started changing its color. Yes, we can definitely relate to it, as blackening or discoloration of Silver is quite a common occurrence. But why does it happen? If you are wondering this, then hear us out:
Understanding The Tarnishing Process of the Sterling 925 Silver:
One thing that is quite natural in the silver metal is the tarnishing process. If your favorite Silver Jewelry changes color, then you don’t have to worry about it, as it is a process by default in this shiny metal. Sterling 925 silver is a soft metal by nature and is valued for its antimicrobial properties, electrical conductivity, beauty, and shiny appearance.
But why does it change its color? Well, the answer to this question is that Silver is a naturally white metal and is quick when it comes to attracting other existing colors around it. Over time, Silver turns into other colors, such as yellow or black, after reacting with the existing sulfur compounds in the air, which is known as the Tarnishing Process.
The main reason behind Silver changing or losing its color is the forming of a chemical compound. When the precious metal silver reacts with sulfur, it results in a chemical compound known as silver sulfide that is black in color, resulting in the appearance of the yellow or black color of the silver metal. It is a phenomenon that is seen all across the globe. However, it is likely to occur in areas with high levels of pollution that contain more sulfur compounds. So, your silver jewelry is in a polluted environment.
Reasons Why Your Sterling Silver Jewelry Is Changing Its Colour:
As we have already mentioned earlier, the color-changing process of Silver is known as tarnishing, and it may be the result of forming a chemical compound called silver sulfide. However, there are several other reasons why your Silver may be turning yellow or black:
Environmental Factors:
Environmental issues certainly play an important role in the overall condition of your Jewelry. Even if you have bought this shining piece of metal from a reputable Silver Jewelry manufacturer, it is bound to get tarnished if the air contains sulfur compounds or the environment is humid.
Because of the damp storage condition, the tarnishing process can be accelerated, which will lead to a change of color. The tarnishing process also can be accelerated if the metal comes in contact with substances such as salt, water, or perspiration. So, environmental conditions play an important role in maintaining the color of the Jewelry.
Silver Reacts with Other Metals:
It’s hard to believe right? But it is indeed true that Sterling Silver Jewelry does react with other metals, such as brass, copper, and bronze that form an alloy. The reaction of Silver with other metals can cause this white metal to turn yellow or brown over time. so it is best to avoid such contact with other metals to prevent the Silver from getting tarnished.
Storage Conditions of Silver:
You bought a dazzling piece of Jewelry from a Silver Jewelry manufacturer but it keeps turning yellow. Well, it may be due to the poor storage condition. Silver tends to get tarnished easily in a poorly ventilated or damp area. In such conditions, the tarnishing process is quite fast, and in a short period of time, your favorite is turning yellow and black!
So, if you want to prevent your Silver from getting tarnished, store it in our cool and dry place and make sure to keep it away from other metals. Apart from that, you can also protect your Silver by wrapping it in a tarnish-resistant cloth or protecting it with a tarnish-resistant coating.
However, it is worth noting that Silver doesn’t change its color permanently, and it is tarnished. Silver can return to its actual color by cleaning and polishing. Apart from cleaning and polishing, some people even use natural patina. This process forms Silver over time as a design element, which gives this shining metal a unique and antique look.
How To Remove Yellow or Black Tarnish from Your Sterling Silver Jewelry?
We know it pains when you see your Sterling 925 silver turning yellow-black in color. But don’t worry because it is a natural Tarnishing process, and you can certainly do a few things to restore the perfect shine of your pure Silver Jewelry. So, what are the few techniques that you can do? Well, how about you start with the right cleaning techniques that can remove the tarnishing from your Jewelry? Some of these techniques are:
Silver Cleaner:
One of the simplest and most direct methods when it comes to getting rid of tarnishing from near silver jewelry is investing in a commercial silver cleaner that is available in the market. All you need to do is simply follow the instructions on the label and apply them to the Jewelry, and you are good to go!
DIY Cleaner:
If you are too lazy to go outside, then you can also make your own silver cleaner by adding a few ingredients that are available at your home. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a DIY cleaner at home:
- First, mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a bowl, and add a spoonful of baking soda to the mixture.
- After that, dip a soft cloth in the mixture, apply it to the tarnished sterling silver jewelry, and start scrubbing it gently.
- Continue the process for a few minutes, and then rinse off the Jewelry with water and keep it aside for drying on a soft cloth. And with that, you can see your Jewelry shining again!
Polishing Cloth:
Another method that you can use to remove the tarnishing from the Jewelry is to get a polishing cloth that belongs to soft tissues that are specially designed to remove tarnish from Silver. All you need to do is wipe the Jewelry with the cloth, and within a few minutes, you can remove the tarnishing. Voila! Your Jewelry is brand new!
Get Help from a Professional Silver Jewelry manufacturer:
If your Jewelry is heavily tarnished, then it can become quite difficult to clean it at home without getting help from a professional. If you are not general enough about jewelry, then it can even cause harm to the intricate designs that are carved into this precious metal. This is when you can get in touch with professionals by getting in touch with a reputed silver jewelry manufacturer such as Divine Global Arts to clean and get the best solution for your tarnished silver jewelry.
Now, you must be wondering why you should get in touch with a professional. The answer to this question is quite simple. Jewelers have the right knowledge and tools to help them ensure that your Jewelry is clean and polished without any damage. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before visiting a jeweler:
Take Videos and Photos of Your Silver Jewelry Before Submitting It:
Preventing any kind of misunderstanding is always a good thing to do. When it is about building trust between a jeweler and a customer, then it is best to take videos and photos beforehand so that any kind of misunderstanding can be avoided.
Even if you collect your jewelry back from the jeweler after submitting it for repair for a long time, you can ensure that your jewelry is perfectly repaired without any kind of change in its purity or form. After all, it is your favorite Sterling Silver Jewelry, so why not take extra precautions?
Make Sure to Take a Deposit Receipt with Accurate Weight of the Jewelry:
As soon as you reach out to the silver jewelry manufacturer for your jewelry repair, it will be sent to the Workshop to handle the repair issues. At times, while repairing, the Jewelry might lose its usual form or design.
Keeping a receipt with accurate weight can help you verify the weight of your Jewelry instantly. This will not only enhance the trust between you and the jeweler but also ensure that you get the Jewelry in its original form.
Whether it is metallic abrasion, corrosion, or weather conditions, you need to make sure that your favorite piece of Jewelry is always shining. To ensure that you receive pure sterling 925 silver make sure to buy it from a reputed jeweller. Wondering where to buy? Well, Divine Global Arts is here!
Intricately Carved Sterling Silver Jewelry- Divine Global Arts:
A well-known and leading silver jewelry manufacturer, Divine Global Arts produces intricately crafted silver embellishments that cater to the needs of our customers looking for unique designs and purity. We craft a kind of jewelry collection with a hallmark making sure that you get exceptional and lustrous pieces of Jewelry without compromising the quality of Silver.
We offer our customers a variety range of Jewelry ranging from long silver jewelry necklaces to silver utensils ensuring that they get the best designed and quality jewelry from us. From Sterling 925 silver to oxidized silver necklace, we offer it also that you can make head turns every time you donn our beautifully crafted pieces. So, get in touch with us and add a lustrous piece to your jewelry box today!
