Journal · Care
Does sterling silver tarnish, and how do you stop it?
The short answer is yes — and the longer answer is that tarnish is a surface you can manage, not damage you have to fear.
Yes, sterling silver tarnishes. It is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper (that is what 925 means), and the copper reacts with sulfur and moisture in the air to form a dark surface layer. Tarnish sits on top of the metal, so it can always be cleaned off — or left to deepen into a patina. You slow it by wearing the piece often, keeping it dry, and storing it sealed.
Why does sterling silver tarnish?
Pure silver barely tarnishes, but it is too soft to hold a form, so jewelry silver is alloyed with a small amount of copper for strength. That copper is what reacts. When silver meets airborne sulfur compounds and humidity, a thin layer of silver sulfide forms on the surface and reads as a warm grey, then a deep charcoal. It is a chemical reaction with the air, not a flaw in the metal — a sign the piece is solid alloy rather than a coating.
How do you stop sterling silver from tarnishing?
You cannot stop the reaction entirely, but you can slow it to a crawl. Three habits do most of the work:
- Wear it. The natural oils of your skin slow tarnish, and daily friction keeps high points bright while recesses darken.
- Keep it dry and away from chemicals. Take a piece off before swimming, showering, and hot springs; put silver on last and take it off first, after perfume, sunscreen, and lotion.
- Store it sealed. Between wears, keep each piece in a closed pouch away from humidity, ideally with an anti-tarnish strip. Air and moisture are what tarnish silver — a closed pouch does most of the work.
How do you clean tarnished silver at home?
For everyday dullness, a soft lint-free cloth or a silver polishing cloth restores brightness. For deeper tarnish, use lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap, and a soft brush; rinse, then dry completely before storing. Skip chemical dips and ultrasonic cleaners on textured or cast pieces — they strip the recesses that give each casting its depth.
Should you remove tarnish, or keep it?
That is a design choice. On a cast, textured piece, a little tarnish settles into the low points and sharpens the form — bright ridges against dark hollows. Oustre pieces are made to wear in this way; the contrast is the form doing its work. Polish it back to a full shine when you want it, or let the patina build. Either is correct.
The pieces
Every Oustre piece is solid 925 sterling silver, cast to order in Bangkok — so the patina it earns is the metal itself, not a plating that wears through. Six to eight weeks from wax to wear.
See the catalogue →Frequently asked
Does 925 sterling silver turn skin green?
Rarely, and it is not harmful when it does. Any green mark comes from the small amount of copper in the alloy reacting with acidic skin or moisture, and it wipes off. It is more common with humidity, lotions, or lower-grade alloys than with clean, dry wear.
Is sterling silver hypoallergenic?
For most people, yes. Sterling silver contains no nickel, the usual cause of metal allergies. Sensitive skin can occasionally react to the copper content, but reactions are uncommon with 925.
Can you wear sterling silver in the shower or the ocean?
You can, but it will tarnish faster. Chlorine, salt water, and soap all accelerate the reaction. For longevity, take the piece off first.
Is tarnish permanent?
No. Tarnish is a surface layer, not corrosion of the metal beneath, so it polishes away completely — or deepens into a patina if you prefer the contrast.
Written at the bench · Oustre · 925 sterling silver, cast to order