Why Your Sterling Silver Might Tarnish (And How to Bring Back the Sparkle)

Sterling silver is timeless and beautiful, but if your favorite piece starts to darken a bit, don’t worry! It’s likely just oxidation, a completely natural reaction to the environment.

After spending a few sunny days in Tulum, I noticed some of my sterling silver chains had oxidized slightly. This is totally normal; sterling silver can react with chlorine (found in pools and even some water systems), salt, humidity, sulfur in hot springs, and even certain skincare products.

💡 The science behind the sparkle:

Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (often copper). It’s that copper that reacts with chlorine or sulfur, causing the surface to darken slightly over time.

✨ But here’s the magic:

The natural oils in your skin and the gentle friction of wearing your permanent jewelry every day can actually help keep it shiny! With regular wear, many people notice their sterling silver stays polished just from day-to-day living.

For an extra sparkle boost, I love using my Sparkling Alchemy jewelry cleaner by Lavish. It’s safe, effective, and brings the shine back in seconds.

So if your silver jewelry has lost a little glow, don’t worry. A quick clean and a little time are all it takes to bring back its brilliance.

Have questions about caring for your permanent jewelry? I’m always happy to guide you during your appointment!