Do you know why silver turns black?

Owners of silver sets have probably noticed that their beautiful cutlery has to be cleaned regularly, because it turns black and loses its shine. The same problem often applies to silver jewelry. Why does this happen and how to avoid darkening? Let's figure it out.

Silver becomes black due to a chemical reaction with sulfur compounds. Contact with them leads to the formation of silver sulfide (Ag₂S), which resembles a thin layer of soot on the surface of the metal.

Sulfur compounds present in foods such as hard-boiled eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, garlic and so on. Therefore, cutlery that is used to eat, for example, Olivier salad or garlic croutons, darkens faster than those lying peacefully on a shelf in a sideboard.

In addition, hydrogen sulfide can also be found simply in the air. This gas is formed during the decomposition of plants or due to various industrial and technological processes. Therefore, in a polluted atmosphere, both silverware and jewelry will noticeably fade. Even stronger effect

manifests itself at high air humidity, because water accelerates oxidation.

In addition, natural oils may also interact with jewelry, allocated your skin. The sweat of people who consume large amounts of alcohol and foods containing sulfur, such as garlic, eggs and mustard, has a particularly strong effect on the metal.

Cosmetics, hairsprays, perfumes, deodorants, body lotions and moisturizers also can accelerate the oxidation process of silver due to the chemical components in their composition.

There is a myth that silver jewelry that tarnishes is not real. But in fact, everything is exactly the opposite. The formation of dark silver sulfide is a sign of its authenticity, since other metals oxidize differently.

So now you can at least be proud that your tarnished silver is not fake. But how to restore it to its former shine and maintain it in the future? Here are some tips.

1. Store your silver items in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Don't keep them in the bathroom or kitchen, where it is often hot and humid.
2. If the silver item is very valuable, place it in a sealed bag to protect it from moisture. Also put a pack of silica gel inside so that it absorbs moisture from the air.
3. If you have silverware, store it in a tightly closed sideboard. Place a few silica gel packets there to keep the air dry.
4. Remove silver jewelry before washing your hands or dishes, cooking, playing sports, swimming in the sea, or taking a bath. Do not spray perfume on them or wear them on skin covered in creams. Don't wear them in hot weather when you sweat.
5. To protect your jewelry, you can order a procedure called rhodium plating. Silver is coated with a special rhodium coating, which protects it and allows it to preserve its color and shine for a long time. This method is expensive, but effective.

If silver items do become dark, clean them with soda, toothpaste or salt to restore their former shine. Details on how to do this are described in this instructions.