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What is 925 Sterling Silver and How to Keep It From Tarnishing?

What is 925 Sterling Silver and How to Keep It From Tarnishing?

Sterling silver is a beloved metal in the jewelry world, prized for its beautiful luster, versatility, and accessible price point. At Mint and Lily, we use high-quality sterling silver in many of our delicate and personalized pieces. But what exactly is it, and how can you ensure your treasured silver jewelry stays bright and beautiful, free from the dreaded tarnish?

In this guide, we'll demystify 925 sterling silver and provide essential tips to prevent tarnishing, keeping your Mint and Lily pieces looking their best.

What Exactly is 925 Sterling Silver?

Let's start with the definition:

925 Sterling Silver is an alloy (mixture) of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper.

Pure silver (99.9% fine silver) is too soft to be used for most jewelry items, as it would easily bend, scratch, and lose its shape. The addition of copper (or other metals) gives sterling silver the necessary strength, durability, and hardness to be crafted into beautiful, long-lasting jewelry. The "925" stamp you often see on sterling silver items signifies this 92.5% purity.

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver's beautiful shine can, over time, develop a darkened, dull layer known as tarnish. This is a natural process:

Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on the surface of sterling silver when it reacts with sulfur-containing compounds in the air or other substances.

It's not a sign of poor quality, but rather a chemical reaction. Common culprits include:

  • Humidity and Moisture: High humidity or prolonged exposure to water.
  • Air Pollution: Sulfides present in the air.
  • Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, cosmetics, chlorine (from pools), cleaning products, and even some foods.
  • Skin Oils and Sweat: Natural oils and acids on your skin can contribute to tarnishing.

How to Prevent Sterling Silver from Tarnishing: Your Best Defense

Prevention is always easier than cleaning! By following these simple steps, you can significantly slow down the tarnishing process and keep your Mint and Lily sterling silver radiant:

  1. Store Properly:
    • Keep it Airtight: Store your sterling silver jewelry in an airtight bag (like a small Ziploc bag) or an airtight jewelry box when not wearing it. This minimizes exposure to air and humidity.
    • Anti-Tarnish Strips: Place small anti-tarnish strips inside your storage containers or bags. These strips absorb airborne pollutants that cause tarnishing.
    • Individual Storage: Keep pieces separate to prevent them from scratching each other and to reduce air exposure.
    • Avoid Humidity: Do not store jewelry in humid environments like bathrooms.
  2. Wear It Often:
    • Paradoxically, wearing your sterling silver jewelry can actually help prevent tarnish! The natural oils from your skin can create a protective barrier.
  3. Put On Last, Take Off First:
    • Apply lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and makeup before putting on your jewelry. Allow products to absorb or dry completely.
    • Remove jewelry before showering, swimming (especially chlorinated pools or saltwater), exercising, or doing household chores.
  4. Clean Gently After Each Wear:
    • After wearing your sterling silver, gently wipe it with a soft, clean cloth (a jewelry polishing cloth is ideal). This removes skin oils, sweat, and residues that can accelerate tarnishing.
  5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
    • Do not use abrasive cleaners, bleach, or other harsh chemicals on your sterling silver. These can damage the finish and accelerate tarnishing.

Keep Your Mint and Lily Sterling Silver Sparkling

At Mint and Lily, our sterling silver pieces are crafted to be cherished. By understanding what sterling silver is and taking these simple preventative measures, you can ensure your personalized necklaces, rings, and earrings maintain their beautiful shine for years to come.

When it's time for a deeper clean, refer to our guide on "How to Clean Your Jewelry at Home" for safe and effective methods.

Explore our collection of beautiful 925 sterling silver jewelry and find your next timeless piece.