Sterling silver is a popular choice for jewelry, but one question that often comes up is whether it tarnishes. The short answer is yes, sterling silver can tarnish over time. Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on the surface of silver when it reacts with sulfur-containing substances in the air or in certain chemicals. This reaction causes the silver to darken and lose its shine.

How do I keep sterling silver from tarnishing?

There are several steps you can take to minimize tarnishing.

1. Store your sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can use a jewelry box with individual compartments or a soft cloth pouch(Storing sterling silver in the Verhalo Jewelry’s flannel pouch provided with your purchase will help prevent tarnish).
2.  Avoid exposing your silver to harsh chemicals such as chlorine (found in swimming pools) and household cleaners. When doing activities like swimming or cleaning, it's best to remove your silver jewelry.
3. Consider using anti-tarnish strips. These can be placed in your jewelry box or storage container to absorb sulfur-containing gases that cause tarnish.

How should I store my silver?

Dry storage is key for silver.

1. For often-used items, use tarnish-proof storage like Verhalo Jewelry's flannel pouches or specialized silver boxes. Quality boxes have anti-tarnish lining and individual compartments to prevent scratches and reduce tarnish risk.
2. If you're in a humid area, add desiccant crystals to your storage, whether it's a box or a flannel roll, to soak up extra moisture and keep your silver in good condition.
3. Also, keep silver away from rubber bands and other rubber products. The sulfur in rubber speeds up tarnishing, so separate them. Follow these steps to keep your sterling silver jewelry looking great for years.

How often should I clean sterling silver?

The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear your jewelry and how quickly it tarnishes.

1. If you wear your sterling silver daily, you may need to clean it every few weeks to keep it looking its best. 
2. For pieces that are worn less often, cleaning once every few months may be sufficient. You can tell it's time to clean when you notice a dull appearance or a blackish film starting to form on the surface.

How long does sterling silver last?

With proper care, sterling silver can last a lifetime. However, the rate of tarnishing can vary depending on how often it's worn and the environmental conditions it's exposed to. If a piece of sterling silver jewelry is rarely worn and stored properly, it may only need occasional cleaning. On the other hand, if it's worn daily and exposed to a lot of humidity or chemicals, it may require more frequent maintenance.

Is silver fake if it turns black?

No, silver turning black is a sign of tarnish, which is a natural process for real silver. When silver reacts with sulfur-containing compounds in the air or substances like sweat, it forms silver sulfide, which is black. So, if your silver item turns black, it's likely real silver that has tarnished. However, if it discolors in an unusual way or very quickly, it could potentially be a low-quality or fake silver alloy.

Can I wear sterling silver every day?

Yes, you can wear sterling silver every day. However, as mentioned earlier, daily wear may increase the rate of tarnishing. To keep your sterling silver looking good, it's a good idea to wipe it down with a soft cloth at the end of the day to remove any dirt, sweat, or oils that could contribute to tarnish. If you notice it starting to tarnish, you can clean it using a silver cleaner or a simple mixture of baking soda and water.

In conclusion, while sterling silver can tarnish, with proper care and maintenance, you can keep your silver jewelry looking beautiful for years to come.