Why silver tarnishes and how to slow it down

The air around us carries tiny amounts of sulphur-containing gases, such as hydrogen sulphide. They come from cooking, vehicle exhaust, rubber, some fabrics and even natural decay. When these gases meet silver, they react with the surface and leave behind silver sulphide, which looks yellow at first, then brown, then nearly black.

Sterling silver, with its 7.5% copper, can also show some copper oxidation, which is part of why sterling tarnishes a little faster than fine 999 silver. The good news is that tarnish sits on the surface. Underneath, the silver is fine, and a gentle clean brings back the shine.

It helps to recognise the stages, because early tarnish is far easier to remove.

• Slight yellow or champagne tint: very early. A quick wipe with a silver polishing cloth is enough.
• Patchy brown or rainbow-like sheen: moderate. A mild soap wash followed by a polishing cloth usually works.
• Grey to black, especially in grooves: heavy. This may need a deeper clean, done carefully if the piece has stones or plating.
• Black only in the recesses while raised areas stay bright: this is often a deliberate oxidised finish, not neglect. Do not try to remove it.

Humidity is the biggest one for Indian homes. During the monsoon, or if you live in a coastal city, moisture in the air helps the reaction along, and many people notice their silver darkening faster from June to September.

Your own routine matters too. Sweat, body lotion, sunscreen, perfume, deodorant and hair spray all leave residues on jewellery. Swimming pool chlorine is harsh on silver. Rubber bands, some foam packaging, wool and felt can release sulphur compounds, so storing silver wrapped in a rubber band or in an old felt box can actually make things worse.

In the kitchen, eggs, onions, mustard and some pickles give off sulphur as well. If you wear a silver ring or bracelet while cooking, it is likely to darken sooner.

None of these takes more than a few seconds, and together they make a visible difference.

• Put jewellery on last, after perfume, lotion and makeup have dried.
• Take it off before a bath, a swim, the gym or cooking.
• Wipe each piece with a soft dry cloth before putting it away, to remove sweat and oils.
• Store pieces in a small zip-lock pouch with the air pressed out, one piece per pouch so they do not scratch.
• Add a silica gel sachet or an anti-tarnish strip to your jewellery box, and replace it every few months.
• Keep silver out of the bathroom, where steam and humidity are highest.

Many people find that a pendant worn every day stays brighter than one locked away, and there is a practical reason. Gentle friction from skin and clothes keeps polishing the surface, so tarnish does not get a chance to build up. A piece left in a damp drawer for months, on the other hand, often comes out much darker.

This works only if you also remove it for showers and workouts. Daily wear plus daily soap and sweat can leave a dull film that looks a lot like tarnish.

Many sterling pieces are finished with rhodium, a bright white metal that resists tarnish well, or with gold plating. These layers protect the silver underneath for as long as they last. Treat them gently: avoid harsh dips and abrasive polishes, which can wear the coating away and expose silver that will then tarnish unevenly.

If you are choosing a new pendant and want one that needs very little upkeep, check the listing for the finish. Varaha's silver pendants mention their plating on the product page, so you know what kind of care to expect before you buy.