Sterling silver is built to last a lifetime, but only if you understand the one thing that dulls it: tarnish. The good news is that tarnish is easy to prevent and just as easy to remove. Here's how to keep your silver looking the way it did the day you got it.
Why does sterling silver tarnish?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with other metals (usually copper) for strength. That copper is what reacts with air, moisture and everyday substances, leaving a dark or yellowish film on the surface. That film is tarnish.
Important to know: tarnish is surface-level, not damage. Your piece isn't wearing out, it just needs a clean. And a few small habits will slow it down dramatically.
Everyday habits that keep silver bright
- Wear it often. Counterintuitive, but true. The natural oils on your skin help keep silver clean. Pieces left sitting in a drawer tarnish faster than ones you wear.
- Put it on last. Perfume, sunscreen, hairspray and lotion are the fastest way to dull silver. Get ready first, then add your jewellery.
- Wipe it down at the end of the day. A quick rub with a soft cloth removes oils, salt and product before they have time to react.
- Take it off for cleaning and gardening. Harsh chemicals and bleach are silver's enemy.
Can you wear sterling silver in the ocean and the shower?
This is the question we get most, living where the reef begins. The short answer:
- A swim in the sea won't hurt solid sterling silver. Rinse it in fresh water afterwards to wash off the salt, which can dull the shine over time if left to dry on the surface.
- The shower is fine occasionally, but the soap residue that builds up will dull it faster, so it's not a daily habit we'd recommend.
- Avoid pools and hot tubs. Chlorine is far harsher than seawater and can damage the metal over time.
If a piece has a soft or porous stone set into it (like opal, turquoise or pearl), keep that one out of the water altogether. The metal is fine, but the stone may not be.
How to clean silver that's already tarnished
You don't need special products for light tarnish:
- Soft polishing cloth. For everyday dullness, a jeweller's cloth brings the shine back in seconds. This is the gentlest method and the one to reach for first.
- Warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Soak for a few minutes, rub gently with your fingers or a soft toothbrush, rinse in fresh water, and pat dry with a soft cloth.
A few honest warnings:
- Be gentle around set stones. Don't soak pieces with glued settings or porous stones.
- Dry it fully. Trapped moisture is what causes tarnish in the first place.
Storing silver so it stays bright
- Keep pieces in a cool, dry spot. Humidity is the enemy.
- Store them separately so they don't scratch each other. A soft pouch per piece works well.
- A small anti-tarnish strip in your jewellery box slows the whole process down.
Frequently asked questions
Does sterling silver tarnish permanently? No. Tarnish is a surface film, not permanent damage. A clean restores the original finish.
Why did my silver turn my skin green or black? That's a harmless reaction between the metal and your skin's oils, sweat or products (more common in humid weather). It washes off and doesn't mean the silver is low quality.
How often should I clean my silver? Only when it looks dull. For pieces you wear regularly, a quick wipe with a cloth every week or two is usually all it takes.
Made to be worn
Every River Nomad piece is hand-finished sterling silver, designed in Cairns to be lived in, not kept for special occasions. Looked after with a little care, it'll be just as bright in ten years.
