Why does 925 silver tarnish and how do I stop it?
Hot Answered
My silver necklace went dull after two weeks. Is this normal or did I buy something bad?
4 Answers
76
Best Answer
Fine silver (999) is 99.9 percent pure and too soft for rings and chains. It bends and stretches easily. Sterling (925) adds copper to make it rigid enough for daily jewelry. That is why basically all silver jewelry is 925 and not 999.
Apr 3, 2026
112
You can shower with it occasionally, but stop making it a habit. Soap residue builds up and accelerates tarnish. Chlorine in pools is the real enemy - it can damage solder joints. I take mine off every night and my silver stays shiny for months.
Apr 7, 2026
88
For daily wear, stainless steel wins on zero maintenance, silver wins on look and value. Stainless never tarnishes and never turns skin green. Silver tarnishes but is beautiful and can be refurbished. If you never want to think about jewelry, pick steel. If you like the silver look, pick 925.
Apr 5, 2026
52
'Italian silver' is mostly a marketing term, not a legal grade. Italian-made sterling is often well-crafted, but it is still 925 sterling silver. The origin matters for craftsmanship, not for purity. Always look for the 925 stamp.
Apr 9, 2026