Material Library
Tarnish
Tarnish is a thin layer that forms when silver reacts with sulphur in the air. It sits on the surface. It does not consume the metal, and it lifts off with a polishing cloth.
- Cause
- Sulphur in air and skin
- Reversible
- Yes, with a polish cloth
- Harms the metal
- No
Fading versus tarnishing
Fading is loss — a coating wearing away from a base metal that was never precious. Tarnishing is a reaction on a precious surface, and it reverses.
This is the single clearest difference between fashion jewellery and jewellery built on sterling silver.
Slowing it down
Air, humidity and skin chemistry all accelerate tarnish. A sealed pouch and a dry drawer slow it dramatically.