What is tarnishing?Updated 9 months ago

The chemical name given to the tarnishing process is oxidation. Tarnishing is a thin layer of corrosion on metals, resulting from a reaction to moisture, air or chemical compounds with the metal in your jewellery. This will appear as a dark surface discolouration to your jewellery.

It is largely the result of hydrogen sulphide reacting with the metal forming a sulphide. Other sulphur compounds will also attach themselves to the silver with the same result.

All types of jewellery that aren’t 100% pure gold or 100% pure silver can tarnish, this includes any fine jewellery composed of solid 14k and 18k gold or sterling silver. Fine jewellery made of solid gold and silver can also tarnish if not cared for properly.