Sterling Silver Tarnish: What Every Permanent Jewelry Business Owner Should Know

Sterling Silver Tarnish:
What Every Permanent Jewelry Business Owner Should Know

Sterling silver is a favorite among permanent jewelry artists and customers alike—its timeless beauty and affordability make it a go-to choice. But if you work with 925 sterling silver, you’ve likely encountered a common question from customers: “Will this tarnish?”

The short answer? Yes, sterling silver can tarnish—but that’s completely normal! Let’s dive into why sterling silver oxidizes and, most importantly, how to educate your customers so they know exactly what to expect.

Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This small amount of copper is what makes sterling silver strong enough for jewelry, but it also reacts with sulfur and moisture in the air over time. The result? A darkened or dull appearance known as tarnish.

Factors that can speed up tarnishing include:

• Exposure to moisture (sweat, showers, swimming)
  
  
• Contact with chemicals (lotions, perfumes, cleaning products)
  
  
• High humidity environments

The good news? Tarnish is a surface-level reaction and does not mean the jewelry is damaged. It can easily be cleaned, and with the right care, your customers can keep their sterling silver pieces looking bright and beautiful.

How to Educate Customers on Sterling Silver Tarnish

As a permanent jewelry business owner, setting the right expectations is key to keeping customers happy. Here’s how you can guide them:

1. Explain Tarnish as a Natural Process

Instead of letting customers assume tarnish is a defect, frame it as a normal and manageable characteristic of sterling silver.

💡 Example: “Sterling silver is a high-quality metal that develops a natural patina over time. This is a sign of real silver and can be easily polished back to its original shine!”

2. Give Simple Care Instructions

A little bit of knowledge goes a long way! Share these quick tips with customers:

• Wear it often! The natural oils in your skin help slow tarnishing. 
  
  
• Avoid chemicals. Wipe the jewelry clean after applying lotions, perfumes, or household cleaners.
  
  
• Keep it dry. Dry thoroughly after swimming, showering, or sweating excessively.
  

3. Provide Easy Cleaning Solutions

Sterling silver is so easy to maintain. Let your customers know they can keep their jewelry shining with these methods:

• Use a polishing cloth to remove tarnish in seconds.
  
  
• For deeper cleaning, mix warm water and mild dish soap, soak for a few minutes, then gently rub with a soft cloth.
  
  
• Avoid silver dips or harsh cleaners, as they can strip away the silver’s natural luster.

Bonus: Offer Tarnish Protection Products

Consider adding anti-tarnish strips, polishing cloths, or storage pouches to your shop. Not only is this a great add-on sale, but it also helps customers maintain their pieces effortlessly.

Sterling Silver: A Beautiful, Lasting Choice

Tarnish doesn’t mean poor quality—it’s simply a natural reaction that’s easy to manage. By educating your customers and providing them with simple care tips, you’ll prevent complaints and establish yourself as a trusted expert in permanent jewelry.

Do you offer sterling silver in your jewelry lineup?

Drop a comment below with your best customer care tips!

 

With love from your permanent jewelry bestie,
Kirstie

www.foreverfindingsco.com