Does Sterling Silver Rust Or Corrode
No, sterling silver does not rust or corrode. Rusting and corrosion happen due to presence of iron in a metal and sterling silver does not contain any iron content. That’s why it does not rust or corrode. However, it can tarnish due to presence of copper. This can be a big problem in terms of maintenance of sterling silver jewelry.
In this guide we will address all of questions including does sterling silver rust, does silver corrode, what other damages can you expect and how you can prevent it at the first place.
Why Sterling Silver Does not Rust
Rust specifically occurs in metals that contain iron, such as Iron itself and steel. It is a result of chemical reaction between iron, oxygen, and water. When these elements come into contact, they form iron oxide, commonly known as rust.
Sterling silver is not an iron-based metal, which means it doesn’t contain any iron or iron based metals. So, cannot rust. Because of its chemical composition, silver is much more resistant to oxidation than metals like iron or steel.
Does Real Silver rust
No, real silver does not rust.
Does Silver rust in Water
No, silver does not rust in water or any other thing.
Why Sterling Silver does not Corrode
Corrosion can also happen only in metals that contain iron. As sterling silver does not have any iron, it does not corrode.
Does Sterling Silver Tarnish
Yes, sterling silver does tarnish pretty fast. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver which means that it is a combination of two or more metals. It contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper by weight. Pure silver does not tarnish itself. But the copper part of sterling silver can.
That’s why sterling silver tarnishes when it reacts with atmospheric chemicals. This reaction leads to a layer of tarnish on the surface, which is different from the flaky red rust seen on iron.
What kind of Damage Tarnish Does?
Tarnish can make your metal appear ugly. It forms a dull black layer over silver’s shiny surface. That’s why a tarnished jewelry of sterling silver is black in color. Aside from this, tarnish can’t do any significant damage to jewelry. No inner structure and strength of silver is compromised due to tarnishing.
Tarnish vs Rust
Both tarnish and rust are very different in nature.
Rust: Only forms in iron-based metals and involves the complete breakdown of the metal, leading to structural damage. Rust can cause metal to flake, crack, and weaken over time.
Tarnish: Only forms on the surface of metals that contain copper. It doesn’t damage the underlying metal and can be easily removed with proper care and cleaning.
How Much Time Will It Take to Tarnish
Sterling silver can take around 3 to 5 months of regular usage to develop noticeable signs of tarnishing. If you do not use your sterling silver jewelry on regular basis, then this time can be more than this. Regular cleaning of jewelry does not allow tarnish to form altogether.
What Causes Tarnishing
Primary cause of tarnish is the exposure of silver to water and atmospheric chemicals present in the air. It is a natural process which cannot be stopped. There are certain factors which can increase the pace at which a metal tarnishes.
1. Humidity and Moisture
Silver is more likely to tarnish in humid environments, as moisture in the air can speed up the reaction between silver and sulfur.
Areas where humidity levels are greater i.e. coastal areas can see faster tarnishing effects than plain areas. Apart, if you place your jewelry in a place with high humidity i.e. washroom, then it is also going to tarnish faster.
Keeping silver in a dry environment can help avoid tarnishing.
2. Exposure to Chemicals
Silver jewelry can tarnish faster when exposed to chemicals found in everyday products like lotions, perfumes, and other cosmetic items. It’s recommended to apply these products before putting on silver jewelry.
Cleaning chemicals such as detergents, soaps and shampoos can also have a bad impact on your silver jewelry. It is often said to remove jewelry like rings or necklaces before they come in contact with water.
3. Chlorine and Salt Water
Chlorine and salt are both corrosive to silver. Wearing silver jewelry while swimming in pools or the ocean can cause rapid tarnishing and even pitting. Always remove silver jewelry activities involving water i.e. washing hands, showering, doing laundry, swimming etc.
4. Poor Storage Conditions
If silver is stored at improper places i.e. areas with high humidity, it is going to tarnish faster. Jewelry storage boxes made of wood also contribute towards it.
How to Prevent Tarnish in Sterling Silver
Proper care and maintenance can help reduce the rate at which silver tarnishes and keep it looking bright for longer. Below are some strategies for preventing tarnish.
1. Air-Tight Jewelry Storage Boxes
Exposure to air is one of the primary causes of tarnish. As air contains moisture, it can accelerate the speed of tarnishing on a metal. Storing silver in air-tight jewelry boxes can help minimize this exposure and slow down tarnishing.
2. Anti-Tarnish Strips
Anti-tarnish strips are designed to absorb sulfur and moisture from the air, preventing them from reacting with silver. So if any chemicals enter the storage box by accident, placing these strips can add an extra layer of protection.
3. Humidity Control
High humidity can accelerate tarnishing. Using silica gel packs in your storage area can help absorb moisture and create a drier environment for your silver. This is particularly important if you live in a humid climate like coastal areas.
4. Less Usage of Cosmetic Items
Perfumes, lotions, skin oils and other cosmetic items also increase the speed of tarnishing. Avoid direct application of these chemicals over your sterling silver jewelry. Its better to first use these cosmetic items and then jewelry.
How to Clean Tarnished Sterling Silver
Even with preventive measures, tarnish can still form over time. Fortunately, cleaning tarnished silver is a simple process. Below are several methods to clean and restore silver to its original luster.
Here are some home cleaning methods you can use without any problems.
1. Soap and Water
For lightly tarnished silver, a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water can do the trick. Gently wash the silver with a soft cloth or sponge, rinse thoroughly, and dry it completely.
2. Tarnish Removing Chemicals
There are many tarnish removing chemicals available in the market. You can easily buy one of these on Amazon.
For removing tarnish, just take a few drops of the chemical and start gently applying on metal’s surface. You can also use a soft toothbrush for rubbing. Continue it until all tarnish is removed. Once done, rinse it with water and clean it with a soft cloth like velvet.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or harsh chemicals like bleach on sterling silver, as they can scratch or damage the surface.
Common FAQ’s about Silver Rusting
Here are some common FAQ’s about silver rusting.
1. Are Tarnish and rust same?
No, they are not same. Rust happens due to iron whereas tarnish due to copper. Respective degree of damage is not same either.
2. Does any silver alloy contain iron?
None of the silver alloys contain iron. They only contain silver and copper.
3. What to do if Sterling Silver tarnishes?
Just clean it with a tarnish removing chemical and rinse with clean water afterwards.
Conclusion
Silver does not rust because it is not an iron-based metal, but it does corrode in the form of tarnishing. Tarnish is a natural and inevitable reaction between silver and sulfur in the air, but it is easy to clean and manage with proper care. By following the right cleaning techniques and storing silver correctly, you can keep your silver items looking beautiful for years to come. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, silverware, or a decorative item, proper care will help maintain its shine and elegance.