Sterling silver is gorgeous, versatile, affordable and extremely durable. If you look after your jewellery and make sure that you avoid contact with certain chemicals, your jewellery can be worn all day, every day with no issues! You can even wear your sterling silver jewellery to bed.
Most simple silver jewellery won't be damaged by wearing it to bed, but there are a few things we'd recommend removing before you sleep.
This is because gold and silver jewelry are alloyed with zinc and nickel, and chlorine will leach those metals from your jewelry. Enough exposure and your jewelry will literally fall apart. Never sleep with your jewelry on!
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to keep your favorite 925 sterling silver pieces on at all times, it's best to remove them before showering. The combination of soap, shampoo, hot water, steam, and general wear and tear in a shower environment can lead to tarnishing, discoloration, and physical damage.
The water can oxidise the silver, meaning it is likely to tarnish and will therefore start to darken. There's also the risk of dropping or losing your jewellery, so we would recommend taking off your sterling silver jewellery before showering.
Sterling silver normally lasts 20 to 30 years if the owner cares well for it. However, your sterling silver can last forever if you care for it properly. Made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, sterling silver requires some special care. If you own any sterling silver jewelry, you should know how to care for it well.
Pure silver is not susceptible to tarnish in a pure oxygen environment. However, the copper that is contained in 925 sterling silver may react to the ozone and hydrogen sulfide in the air and cause sterling silver to tarnish. Perfumes, hair sprays, and profuse sweating can also cause a quicker formation of tarnish.
Choose high-purity sterling silver that is marked "925" (the standard used to indicate the weight of pure silver in the alloy). While water won't ruin your sterling silver, it may speed up the tarnishing process, so it's best to take jewelry off before you shower, wash your hands, or do the dishes.
Never wear your sterling silver jewelry in a hot tub, mineral spring, swimming pool, or any other chemically treated water. Wearing your jewelry often, may be one of the best ways to keep it looking beautiful and reduce tarnish buildup.
Tarnish happens as a result of silver jewelry being exposed to oxygen and sulfur particles in the air. So, to keep your silver from tarnishing, you can store it in a ziplock bag and other airtight container. If you're using a bag, be sure to remove all the air before sealing the bag.
When you sleep with your engagement ring or other jewelry on, you risk breaking it. For example, chains on pendants can stretch, weakening them. Engagement rings can get caught in your sheets or hair, loosening prongs. It's also possible to damage rings if you accidentally hit them on your nightstand.
For these sensitive individuals, wearing silver can have the side effect, causing skin irritation and discoloration. They notice flaky, scaly, or red skin within the area that came into contact with the silver jewelry. Some people even notice a small discoloration to their skin as a results of the contact.
Keeps Anxieties at Bay
With anxiety-relieving properties, silver jewelry can prevent uneasiness and control the high strung attitude of the wearer to some extent. You may find spinner rings in silver that help to combat stress and nervousness.
Sterling silver can scratch easily and may even bend or become misshapen over time, especially when exposed to the elements. Please remember that sterling silver is a soft metal; therefore, it is not abnormal or indicative of poor quality if it shows signs of wear over time.
High quality sterling silver can last for decades if well taken care of. It's important to clean it and store it properly when not being worn. Silver will also last longer if kept away from harsh chemicals such as lotions, perfumes, hand sanitizers, and many soaps.
Sterling silver tarnishes when exposed to salty air, chlorine, sulfur, humidity, perspiration, cosmetics, household bleach and other strong chemicals.
Sterling silver tarnishes when exposed to salty air, chlorine, sulfur, humidity, perspiration, cosmetics, household bleach and other strong chemicals.
It's no secret that salt is corrosive, and saltwater is no different. Sterling silver that comes into contact with salt water can cause your jewellery to darken and oxidise more quickly than it would normally. It can also leave a residue on your jewellery that will speed up the tarnishing process over time.
The composition of 925 Sterling Silver lends itself to the occasional green discoloration because of the presence of copper. Green fingers are harmless and there are simple measures you can take to prevent discoloration. It's all a matter of preparation and maintenance!
Tarnish is the oxidization that occurs when air-borne sulfurs and chlorides are present, causing a yellowish cast on the sterling silver. If left without being cleaned, the tarnish becomes brown and eventually turns a dark and iridescent purple/black.
Real silver, which has a higher purity than sterling silver, is generally more expensive. However, silver 925 is a popular alternative due to its relative affordability. Despite being less pure than real silver, silver 925 retains its beauty and lustrous appearance.
Silver becomes black because of hydrogen sulfide (sulfur), a substance that occurs in the air. When silver comes into contact with it, a chemical reaction takes place and a black layer is formed. Silver oxidizes faster in places with a lot of light and high humidity.
Maybe you have wondered why over time your silver bracelet dulls or starts to turn black? I can assure you it is not because your Sterling (925) Silver is “bad”. Long-term wear and your chemical body compound gradually dulls or darkens the silver's shine. Your silver will also tarnish sitting unloved on your dresser.