Everyone knows that sterling silver jewelry can tarnish over long periods and lose their shine and finish. Sterling silver manufacturers recommend proper storage techniques to prevent corrosion and tarnishing of their jewelry. These simple techniques will protect silver gemstone jewelry and keep them bright and shining.

Wholesale silver gemstone jewelry stores explain why silver jewelry lose their shine over time. Silver jewelry is made from almost elemental silver and also contains copper. This leaves it susceptible to atmospheric agents like oxygen, sulfur, hydrogen. The chemical reactions that happen create oxides, sulfides, and hydrides that deposit on the surface. These deposits give the tarnished texture and appearance to the jewelry. These reactions often occur in the presence of moisture or oxygen, so it is best to ensure the jewelry is clean and stored in an airtight box when not in use.

Here are a few ways to prevent silver jewelry tarnishing

Airtight containers

An airtight container cuts the supply of fresh oxygen. If there is no oxygen reaching the surface, the chemical reactions will not proceed. Zip-lock bags are another alternative to an airtight container as they also keep fresh air away. These containers and bags are made of plastic. Since plastic, or any other polymer, is an inert material that does not react with metals, it provides a protective layer that protects the silver jewelry from tarnishing. It is also good to store different jewelry in different bags, so the metals from different items do not come in contact.

Chalk

Dropping a small piece of chalk will absorb moisture and other gases from the air inside the airtight container or bag. Then this moisture cannot cause tarnishing of the silver jewelry.

Anti-Tarnish Strips

These are special strips that absorb pollutants from the air that cause tarnishing. These strips can be put inside the container. There are also pieces of cloth that act as anti-tarnish cloth. These pieces of cloth are chemically treated with silver, and they absorb pollutants from the air that would have otherwise reacted with the silver of the jewelry.

Silica packets

Silica packets are found easily in shoe boxes or inside new water bottles. Silica is deliquescent, i.e., it absorbs moisture from the air. When the air becomes dry, corrosion cannot proceed. You can put silica packets inside storage containers for your silver jewelry instead of throwing them away.

General tips

  • Avoid storing silver jewelry in moist areas
  • Avoid direct sunlight or heat
  • Avoid contact of the jewelry with other metal items
  • Store them away from wooden items that are polished or otherwise treated