Sterling silver tarnishes. This is not a flaw in the metal; it is a chemical reaction between the silver and sulphur compounds in the air, and it happens to all sterling regardless of quality. The question is how to manage it without damaging the stone it is set with, because most cleaning methods that work well on silver are too harsh for chalcedony, moonstone, or labradorite.
What causes tarnish ¶
Tarnish is silver sulphide, a dark layer that forms when sterling silver is exposed to hydrogen sulphide in the air. It is accelerated by humidity, perfume, chlorine (swimming pools, tap water in some regions), and skin chemistry. Some people tarnish silver faster than others, which is not a reflection of the silver's quality. The best prevention is wearing the piece regularly, because the friction of wear slows the process, and storing it in a sealed pouch when you are not wearing it.
What not to use on a set stone ¶
Ultrasonic cleaners, silver dip solutions, and polishing cloths with chemical impregnation are all fine for plain silver but can damage or cloud semi-precious stones. Chalcedony is relatively, but moonstone and labradorite have cleavage planes that can be stressed by ultrasonic vibration. Acidic dip solutions can etch the surface of softer stones. We have seen pieces come in for repair where a well-intentioned clean has done more damage than years of normal wear.
The method we recommend ¶
A soft toothbrush, a small amount of mild washing-up liquid, and lukewarm water. Brush gently around the setting and the back of the stone, rinse under cool running water, and dry with a soft cloth. Do not soak the piece. Do not use hot water, which can cause thermal shock in some stones. This method is safe for chalcedony, moonstone, aquamarine, labradorite, and tourmaline. It will not remove heavy tarnish, but it will maintain a piece that is already clean.
When to bring it to us ¶
If the silver has tarnished heavily, or if there is tarnish in the recesses of the setting that a toothbrush cannot reach, bring it to us. A full re-polish takes about twenty minutes and is included in the lifetime repair policy for any piece we have made. We can also check the prongs or bezel at the same time, which is worth doing every two or three years for a piece in daily wear.
If you are unsure whether a cleaning method is safe for your specific piece, email us a photograph and we will tell you. It is a quicker conversation than a repair.