Why Does a Sterling Silver Bracelet Leave Tarnish on My Skin?

Silver tarnishes through a chemical reaction with air.

According to the Journal of Chemical Education, silver tarnishes due to a chemical reaction between silver and hydrogen sulfide, a gas found in the atmosphere.

Moisture

Some silver jewelry leaves black marks on your fingers and wrists.

Moisture from your body (sweat) or from your surroundings will speed up tarnishing.

Plate

Some silver jewelry tarnishes more quickly than others. This is because some jewelry is plated with rhodium, a less reactive metal that resists tarnishing and increases reflectivity.

Cleaning Silver

The fastest method of a cleaning silver bracelet is to take a metal pan and line it with aluminum. Sprinkle baking soda along the bottom and add your silver jewelry to it. Pour boiling water over it and let this sit for a few minutes. Rinse and pat dry. You'll find that the tarnish has stuck to the aluminum and your jewelry is as good as new.

Storing Silver

According to the Jewelry Information Center, you should store your silver jewelry in a tarnish preventive bag to prevent tarnishing between uses.

Nail Polish Protector

Paint a few coats of clear nail varnish on the inside of your inexpensive silver jewelry and this will prevent the unsightly traces of tarnish on your fingers or wrists. While time consuming, this is a good fix for a favorite piece that you love to wear.

References

• "Journal of Chemical Education"; Silver to Black---and Back; Journal of Chemical Education Staff; March 2000
• The World Jewelry Confederation
• Jewelry Information Center: Detailed Tips for Care and Cleaning of Fine Jewelry and Watches