Tips of the Trade: Jewelry Care – “The Dreaded Tarnish”

Last week I received a letter from a customer who was concerned that the silver was “flaking” off her earrings. I asked her to send the pair to us so we could see what was happening with them. When we received the earrings I was relieved to find that the “flaking” was only oxidation - otherwise known as “the dreaded tarnish”. When silver meets oxygen it reacts. This reaction can be seen on the surface of the silver that expresses a darker color – it could be yellow to black.

Center Left - Shiny Silver..........Center Right - Tarnished Silver

I think that is one of the best things about silver – you can clean it and it always looks as good as new. So here are a few tips in preserving your shiny silver and avoiding “the dreaded tarnish”:


~Never dip your DRT jewelry – especially if it has stone. The chemicals can dull or even destroy your stones.
~Before & after wearing your pieces make sure to wipe them with a jewelry cloth.
~Store your pieces in an air tight bag or in a tarnish fighting jewelry case.
~Never wear your jewelry in the pool, while bathing or primping or while you’re cleaning. There are harsh chemicals out there just waiting to get the chance to put the dull on your fabulous pieces.

Just so you know, the reason why I had her send the jewelry to me was much to my concern this meant that she thought we plated our jewelry when she said “flaking” – on the contrary. All of our jewelry is made of fine, .925 silver which hasn’t been plated nor surfaced in any way.