A lot of jewelry is made out of 925 sterling silver, like our collection of 925 sterling silver money clips or our collection of 925 sterling silver rings. Many people may wonder whether "Silver 925" rusts. Silver 925 can darken, leading some to mistakenly think that it has rusted.
So today, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the root cause of the darkening of Silver 925. By understanding the characteristics of Silver 925, let's properly care for and maintain it.
Table of Contents
- Does Sterling Silver 925 Rust?
- Causes of Tarnishing in Sterling Silver 925
- How to Care for Tarnished Sterling Silver 925
- Prevent Tarnishing in Sterling Silver 925 with Daily Care
- Conclusion
Does Silver 925 Rust?
When wearing Silver 925, blackening can occur. Here, we explain the characteristics of Silver 925 and whether it rusts or not.
It's Not Rust, But Sulfidation
Rusting is essentially oxidation, and silver has a property that makes it less prone to oxidation compared to gold or platinum.
However, when heated at high temperatures, silver does rust, but since silver jewelry accessories are not subjected to high temperatures in daily wear, there is no need to worry specifically about rusting.
Nevertheless, while Silver 925 does not oxidize, it does undergo "sulfidation." Silver sulfide is a chemical change that occurs when sulfur reacts with silver.
Rare Cases of Chlorination
In some rare cases, 925 may undergo chlorination, turning into silver chloride, which can lead to tarnishing due to the reaction between chlorine and silver.
Causes of Blackening in Silver 925
After using Silver 925 for a long time, it may become blackened. In many cases, the cause of blackening in Silver 925 is oxidation.
Chloride does not react as readily as sulfide, but if chloride does occur, it can cause blackening. Chloride blackening is more stubborn than sulfide blackening, making it difficult to remove.
Accessories that use sulfide for blackening are referred to as "antiquing," a technique commonly used in the jewelry accessory industry. Accessories that undergo antiquing can showcase the quality of the material as is, sometimes leaving the sulfide as is depending on the situation.
However, to maintain Silver 925 in a shiny state, proper care and maintenance are necessary.
How to Care for Blackened Silver 925
There are cases where silver 925 may darken if not properly cared for. If your silver continues to darken even after cleaning, it is possible that you are using the wrong cleaning method. Make sure to understand the correct way to care for Silver 925 and manage it properly.
Polish with a dedicated cloth
As a method to remove tarnish from 925 silver, there is a method of polishing with a dedicated cloth. Dedicated cloths are available for sale at home centers and other stores.
For daily maintenance, using a dedicated cloth alone is sufficient. If there are stubborn stains, using detergent is recommended, but in many cases, wiping with a dedicated cloth easily removes tarnish.
The reason why tarnish can be easily removed with a dedicated cloth is because it contains abrasives. Whether or not using chemicals, stains can be removed quickly, making it ideal for those who want to easily maintain their jewelry accessories.
Using Silver Cleaner
If stubborn black stains adhere to your 925 silver, it's time to use a silver cleaner. Silver cleaners are available at hardware stores and jewelry shops, so make sure to purchase one that is suitable for the silver jewelry accessories you have been using.
When using the cleaner, be sure to read the instructions carefully. Incorrect usage of silver cleaner may cause your silver jewelry to turn white, so be sure to use it for the correct duration.
Silver cleaners are designed to whiten silver, so they cannot be used on antiqued finishes. They are also not suitable for plated products, so please carefully review the instructions for use.
Polishing with Baking Soda
If you do not have cleaner on hand, you can use baking soda as a substitute. Baking soda contains abrasives that can help wipe away dirt effectively.
When using soda, apply it only to the metal parts. For cleaning jewelry accessories with gemstones, be cautious as baking soda residue may cause deterioration on gems like rubies and sapphires. Handle high-end jewelry accessories with care when using baking soda.
Be careful not to polish too much for weathered finishes!
For weathered finish jewelry accessories, please be cautious of over-polishing. If you over-polish silver accessories with a weathered finish, their condition may deteriorate. If dirt is hard to remove, start by cleaning and wiping off the dirt with a soft cloth.
Prevent Blackening with Daily Care for 925 Silver
To prevent blackening of 925 silver, daily care is essential. It is important to manage it to prevent blackening rather than cleaning it after it has occurred. By adopting the habit of wiping silver with a soft cloth, you can keep your 925 silver in a clean state.
Furthermore, when using water in your daily life, it is important to remove silver 925 occasionally. When doing laundry, washing dishes, or showering, always remember to take off your silver 925. Silver is sensitive to water, and leaving moisture on it can easily cause blackening.
If you don't plan to use it for a while, store it in a vacuum pack or jewelry box to prevent it from being exposed to air. Contact with air accelerates the degradation process. By deciding on a storage method and managing it carefully, you can not only prevent blackening but also extend its longevity, so please handle it with care.
Summary
This time, we explained the true identity behind the blackening of silver 925.
To casually use your favorite silver 925, please make sure to check the correct maintenance and management methods.